How many players are in a hockey team?
B · Beginner · Who plays, and who can come on? · 12 of 12Eleven players from each team are on the field at once, usually ten field players and a goalkeeper. Under the FIH rules a match squad is up to 16, with five substitutes. FIH tournaments allow 18, two of whom must be goalkeepers. One player on the field is the captain, wearing an armband.
How it works
- At most 11 per team on the field at any time.
- A team either has a goalkeeper in a different-coloured shirt and protective kit, or plays with field players only.
- FIH rules: up to 16 in the squad (11 plus up to 5 substitutes); regulations can raise it to 18.
- FIH tournaments: up to 18 in a match, two of them goalkeepers. A team without a second goalkeeper may use only 16.
- Each team names a captain, who wears a distinctive armband or similar on the upper arm, shoulder or sock.
- The captain is responsible for the team's behaviour and for substitutions being done correctly. A suspended captain is replaced by another captain.
- All players are under the umpires' control throughout the match, on or off the field, including the breaks.
Tricky cases
How many substitutes can a hockey team use?
Under the FIH rules, five. In FIH tournaments, up to seven on the bench, from a squad of 18 that includes two goalkeepers.
Can a team play with fewer than 11?
Yes. Teams play short while players are suspended, and the rules set a maximum, not a minimum.
Why the rule exists
Fixed numbers on the field keep the contest even. The squad limit decides how much rotation a team can use.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | 11 on the field; squad of 16 | H Terminology (Team); 2.1 |
| FIH tournaments | Squad of 18 with two goalkeepers, or 16 with one; captain's armband in one colour (not black), the national colours or rainbow | TR 5.1, 5.2; App 1 (1) |
| Indoor hockey and Hockey5s | Fewer players; separate rules, not covered | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Terminology and Rules 2.1, 2.2, 2.6 and 3, in force from 1 March 2026; FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations, Regulation 5 and Appendix 1, June 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official documents: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF); FIH Outdoor Tournament Regulations (PDF).