How do substitutions work in hockey?
I · Intermediate · Who plays, and who can come on? · 18 of 21Hockey uses rolling substitutes: players can come off and go back on as often as the team likes, at any time except during a penalty corner. The player coming off must leave the field before the replacement enters, within 3 metres of the centre-line. The clock keeps running, except for goalkeeper changes.
How it works
- No limit on how many players change at once or how often any player comes on and off.
- Not allowed from the award of a penalty corner until it is completed, except to replace an injured or suspended defending goalkeeper.
- The player going off must be off the field first.
- Field players go off and come on within 3 metres of the centre-line, on the side agreed with the umpires.
- Time stops briefly for goalkeeper substitutions, not for others. It is not stopped longer while kit goes on or off.
- Switching between having a goalkeeper and playing with field players only is done as a substitution.
- A suspended player cannot be replaced while serving the suspension.
Tricky cases
Can a player who was taken off come back on?
Yes, any number of times.
Why can't a team substitute at a penalty corner?
The rule fixes the players for the set piece. The only exception is a defending goalkeeper who is hurt or suspended.
Can a team bring on an extra player when it is down to ten through a card?
No. A suspended player cannot be replaced during the suspension.
Why the rule exists
Hockey is played at sprint pace. Unlimited changes let teams keep fresh legs on the field throughout.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H2.3 |
| FIH tournaments | Supervised by the technical officer; no substitutions during a video referral stoppage | TR 8; App 17 6.3 |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 2.2 and 2.3, in force from 1 March 2026; FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Regulation 8 and Appendix 17, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF); FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).