Where does a carded player go, and when can they come back?
I · Intermediate · What do the green, yellow and red cards mean? · 17 of 21A suspended player sits in a set place off the field and returns only when the umpire, or in tournaments the technical official, says the time is up. The team cannot bring on a substitute for them. Only playing time counts, so the clock must be running for a suspension to be served.
How it works
- The player leaves the field at once, and must not interfere with play on the way.
- In FIH tournaments, the time starts once the player is seated in the suspension area. A technical official times it.
- The team plays one short for the whole suspension. No substitute can replace a suspended player while they serve it.
- The suspension can be made longer for misconduct while suspended. A further card while seated is added on.
- At quarter-time and half-time a suspended player can join the team, then goes back to finish the suspension.
- After serving it, the player can come back on. Or the team can substitute them without them going back on first.
- A suspended captain must be replaced as captain by a teammate.
Tricky cases
What happens when the goalkeeper gets a card?
The team plays one fewer for the suspension. In FIH tournaments the clock stops while the goalkeeper leaves. At a penalty corner, a suspended goalkeeper can be replaced in goal by another goalkeeper or a field player.
Does a green card's time run during half-time?
No. Suspensions are measured in playing time.
Can a carded player take part in a shoot-out?
Yes, after a green or yellow card, even if the time is not finished. Not after a red card in that match.
Why the rule exists
Counting only playing time, and starting it when the player is seated, means the team really does play short for the full time.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H2.3 d, e; 14.2 to 14.5 |
| FIH tournaments | Starts when seated; timed by officials; goalkeeper cards stop the clock | TR App 1 (3), (4) |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 2.3, 3.2 and 14.2 to 14.5, in force from 1 March 2026; FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Appendices 1 and 12, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF); FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).