Why was a penalty stroke given?
I · Intermediate · Penalty corners and penalty strokes · 15 of 21A penalty stroke is given when a defender's offence in their own circle prevents a probable goal, or when a defender deliberately fouls an opponent in the circle who has the ball or a chance to play it. It is a one-on-one flick from the penalty spot against the goalkeeper.
How it works
Awarded for:
- an offence by a defender in the circle that prevents the probable scoring of a goal;
- a deliberate offence in the circle by a defender against an opponent who has the ball or a chance to play it.
The video umpire, where there is one, can be asked to check penalty stroke decisions.
Tricky cases
The goalkeeper stopped the ball on the line with their foot. Is that a stroke?
No. Inside their own circle, with the stick in hand, a goalkeeper may use the body to save.
A defender stopped a goal-bound ball on the line with their body. Is that a stroke?
Yes, if the umpire judges it prevented a probable goal.
Why the rule exists
It gives back the goal that a foul took away. A penalty corner would not be enough when a goal was almost certain.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIH rules | As above | H12.4 |
| FIH tournaments with a video umpire | Strokes can be referred | TR App 17 |
From the rule book
FIH Rules of Hockey, Rule 12.4 and Umpiring 4.6 d, in force from 1 March 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIH Rules of Hockey (PDF).