When does the clock stop in hockey?
I · Intermediate · How does a match work, and how is it won? · 3 of 21The clock stops after a goal, after a penalty corner or penalty stroke is awarded, for a goalkeeper substitution and whenever the umpire stops play for something like an injury. In FIH tournaments the stoppage after a goal or a new penalty corner is a fixed 40 seconds. Ordinary substitutions do not stop the clock.
How it works
- After a goal: time stops; 40 seconds in FIH tournaments, unless the goal came from a video referral or a penalty stroke.
- After a penalty corner is awarded: time stops; 40 seconds in FIH tournaments for the first award, so defenders can put on masks. A re-awarded corner or one given after a video referral restarts as soon as possible.
- After a penalty stroke is awarded: time stops.
- Goalkeeper substitutions: time stops briefly, but not for putting kit on or off.
- Injuries and other stoppages: the umpire stops time; play restarts with a bully if no penalty was given.
- Cards: for a field player, the umpire stops play but not necessarily the clock. For a goalkeeper, the clock stops until they have left the field.
- Video referrals: time stops while the video umpire looks.
- The umpires signal stop and start to each other and, in tournaments, to the technical officials who keep time.
Tricky cases
Does the clock stop when the ball goes out?
No. Play restarts quickly with a free hit or a ball on the 23-metre line, and the clock keeps running.
What happens if the defending team is slow to get ready for a penalty corner?
In FIH tournaments, extra time is allowed if the delay is players putting on protective kit. A deliberate delay costs a green card and the team defends with one fewer player.
Can two club teams agree to keep the clock running after goals?
Yes, under the FIH rules, unless their competition's regulations say otherwise.
Why the rule exists
Hockey is played on a running clock. Stopping it for set pieces and goals keeps the time for open play fair to both teams and takes away a reason to waste time.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | Time stops after a goal, penalty corner, penalty stroke and goalkeeper substitution; length not fixed | H2.3 g, 8.2, 13.3 a, 13.7 a |
| FIH tournaments | 40 seconds after a goal and a first penalty corner; a countdown clock | TR App 1 (2), (5) |
| Matches by agreement | Teams may agree not to stop time after a goal or penalty corner | H5.1 guidance |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 2.3, 5.1, 6.5, 8.2, 13.3 and 13.7, and Umpiring 4.1, in force from 1 March 2026; FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Appendix 1, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF); FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).