What can a hockey goalkeeper do that other players can't?
I · Intermediate · Who plays, and who can come on? · 19 of 21Inside their own circle, with the stick in hand, a goalkeeper can use the stick and any part of the body to stop or play the ball in any direction, including kicking it. Outside the circle they may use only the stick. They must stay inside their own 23-metre area, except to take a penalty stroke.
How it works
- Wears a shirt of a different colour from both teams, over any upper-body protection.
- Must wear at least headgear, leg guards and kickers. The helmet stays on at all times, except when taking a penalty stroke.
- Only goalkeepers may wear body, arm, hand, thigh and knee protectors, leg guards and kickers.
- Kit must not make the goalkeeper's body much bigger than it is. Hand protectors are at most 228 mm wide and 365 mm long; leg guards at most 300 mm wide.
- Inside their own circle, with the stick in hand: stick and body may be used to play the ball in any direction, including over the back-line.
- Outside their circle: stick only.
- Must not take part in play outside their own 23-metre area, except to take a penalty stroke.
- Must not lie on the ball.
- Must not use the protective kit to play dangerously.
Tricky cases
Can the goalkeeper kick the ball out of the circle?
Yes, from inside their own circle, as long as it is not dangerous.
Can the goalkeeper save with the body after losing the stick?
No. The rule gives the body privilege only when the goalkeeper has the stick in hand.
Can the goalkeeper go up the field to help the attack?
No. A goalkeeper must not take part outside their own 23-metre area. A team that wants an extra attacker can swap the goalkeeper for a field player.
The goalkeeper lay on the ball to stop a goal. What is the penalty?
It depends on whether it prevented a probable goal. Lying on the ball is an offence in the circle, so it gives a penalty corner, or a penalty stroke if it stopped a probable goal.
Why the rule exists
Facing a hard ball at close range needs full protection and the use of the whole body. Limiting those privileges to the circle stops a heavily padded player from dominating the rest of the field.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules from 1 March 2026 | The body privilege is spelt out as above; hand protectors may be 365 mm long (was 355 mm) | H10.2; Spec 4.1; H Introduction, Rules changes |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Terminology and Rules 4.3 to 4.5 and 10.1 to 10.4, and Specification 4, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).