Penalty Corners
Officials play an important role in penalty corners to ensure fair play and adherence to the rules. Officials’ positioning is crucial to managing the penalty corner. Positioning diagrams can be found in the NFHS Officials Guide of the Rules Book. Ensuring that players adhere to the rules governing penalty corners is also pivotal to overall management of the corner. Officials should enforce penalties for any rules violations promptly. Maintaining clear and concise communication with players throughout the penalty corner process helps prevent confusion and maintains the integrity of the game.

The official running the penalty corner should ensure that both teams are set prior to whistling to indicate that the inserter may begin the penalty corner. Managing the start and good communication can help avoid delay by either team. Prioritize player safety during penalty corners and penalize dangerous play, such as high sticks or reckless challenges, to prevent injuries. Stop play if necessary to attend to injured players. Discourage any unsportsmanlike behavior, such as pushing, shoving or verbal abuse. Enforcement of penalties for misconduct helps to maintain a fair and safe playing environment.

Communication with your official team ensures accuracy in the management of the penalty corner. It is essential to use verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to make informed and fair decisions, especially during critical moments. Applying the rules consistently throughout the match helps the officials to be fair and impartial. Consistent enforcement of rules helps create a level playing field for both teams. Manage player interactions, address disputes promptly, and take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary. Consistent and firm officiating contributes to a well-managed penalty corner and overall fair competition. Active management of penalty corners helps officials control delays of the game and maintain integrity and consistency in the application of rules.

Goalkeeper Equipment and Uniform
The goalkeeper has essential required equipment to wear in the sport of field hockey including a full face/cage mask-helmet, mouth protector, wrap-around throat protector, chest protector, goalie gloves, goalie pads and kickers. If a team cannot provide a properly equipped goalkeeper, then the team shall forfeit the game. Many goalkeepers rely on additional protection provided by padded shorts or elbow pads as examples.

The goalkeeper is also required to wear an appropriately numbered uniform top with a visible number on the front and back. The jersey shall be of contrasting color compared to both teams’ field player uniform and must meet the same requirements for the number outlined in Rule 1-5-2. If a team fails to comply with the uniform top regulations but meets the equipment requirements, the game will still proceed, but the official is obligated to report the situation to the state association office.