When is a penalty corner over?
A · Advanced · Penalty corners and penalty strokes · 4 of 10A penalty corner is over when a goal is scored, the ball travels more than 5 metres outside the circle, it goes over the back-line without another corner, the defence gets a free hit or a penalty stroke is given. A corner awarded before time runs out is played to its end, even after the hooter.
How it works
The penalty corner is completed when:
- a goal is scored;
- the defence is awarded a free hit;
- the ball travels more than 5 metres outside the circle;
- the ball goes over the back-line and no penalty corner is awarded;
- a defender commits an offence that does not lead to another penalty corner;
- a penalty stroke is awarded.
Why it matters:
- At the end of a quarter, play goes on until the corner is completed, along with any further corner or stroke from it.
- Substitutions (other than for the defending goalkeeper) wait until it is completed.
- Afterwards, defenders take off their corner kit safely and as soon as they can. It must be off before they leave the 23-metre area.
Tricky cases
The hooter sounded while the ball was in play at a corner. Is it over?
No. Play continues until one of the conditions above is met.
What happens if the ball hits a discarded face mask after a corner?
It depends on where. Outside the circle, a free hit. Inside the circle, a penalty corner (a penalty stroke if it prevented a probable goal).
What if a defender throws their mask and hits someone?
They must get a yellow card if it hits a person on or above the knee in a normal stance. A deliberate throw at someone can bring a red card.
Why the rule exists
A clear end point settles when the special corner rules stop and normal play, substitutions and the end of a quarter resume.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H13.4, 13.5, 13.3 n |
| Earlier rules | Had a separate line about the ball travelling 5 metres; removed in 2026 as repeated | H Introduction, Rules changes |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rules 2.3 a, 13.3 n, 13.4 and 13.5, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).