The game is played between two teams. Each team consists of 11 players including the goal keeper. In the beginning, the captains of both the teams toss for the choice of  ends or doing pass. The winner of the toss can select one of the two pass or end. The captains can change their respective goal keepers and will inform the umpire about this change.

The game starts when the umpire blows his whistle for the opening pass-back. The pass-back is made at the center of the field to (also after half- time and after each goal is scored).

When a passes completely across the side line, it is given a push in or hit from the same spot. The ball is pushed in or hit by a who last touched it. When push-in is being taken, no player of either team shall stand within 5 yards. If this rule is not observed, the umpire can ask for the second push in. After a push in, a player shall not play or touch that ball, until it has been touched or played by another player of either team.

Flag posts is placed on each corner of the field at a distance of one yard from the center line. Flag posts must not be pointed at the top. It must be made of metal except when they are attached to a spring 4 feet and 5 feet. Flags on these posts should not exceed 12 inches in width or length. 

Goal Post

There is a goal at the center of each goal line consisting of two perpendicular posts 4 yards apart. These are joined together by a horizontal cross bar seven feet from the ground (from inside). The front part of the goal post touches the outer edge of the goal line. Goal post shall not extend the cross bars nor the cross bar shall extend side ways beyond the goal posts. The goal posts and cross bars will be 2" wide and 3" deep, painted in white. Nets are firmly attached behind the goal posts.

Inside the goal posts, a black board of 4 yards in length and not more than 8" in height is placed. These boards on each side make an angle of 90 degrees at the goal line. These boards are made of wood. No chocks are placed inside the goal to support any of the boards. 

Shooting Circle

A line of 4 yard long and 3" wide is drawn in front of each goal which is parallel to and 16 yards from the goal line. This line having the inner front corner of the goal posts as center will reach each way to meet the goal lines by quarter circles. The space enclosed by these lines is called the shooting circle.

Equipments for Playing Hockey

Ball

The ball is made of white leather or of any other leather painted with white material. The inner portion of the ball is composed of cork and twine. Its weight must be in between 156gms and 163gms. The diameter of the ball is in between 22.4cms and 23.5cms.