Field hockey pitch

The rules are now expressed explicitly in metric dimensions (since 1998), although the use of the imperial terms remains common in some countries.

[7] Goals consist of two upright posts placed equidistant from the centre of the backline, joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

In 1987, a rule was introduced so that at penalty corners "the first hit at goal should not cross the goal-line higher than 18 inches (460 mm)".

[9][10] The 1876 rules stated that "no goals shall be allowed if the ball be hit from a distance of more than 15 yards (14 m) from the nearest goalpost".

In 1973, a stroke could also be awarded for a deliberate foul in the circle and the spot was moved to 7 yards (6.4 m) from goal the following year.

Historically, this was first used to resume play after the ball passed over the back line and marked by flags at the side of the pitch.

[13] There are additional markings 300 mm long and perpendicular to the back line that denote distances of 10 m and 5 m from each goal post.

[14] Artificial grass permits easier ball control and this in itself helps to reduce the number of infringements of the rules—which means less whistle and fewer stoppages.

However, in 1976, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) made artificial pitches mandatory at all major competitions.

[19] Elite-level competitions, such as the Olympic Games and World Cup, require a water-based playing surface.

[20] There are three main types of artificial hockey surface:[2][21][22] On water-based pitches, shorter fibres and wetted turf reduce friction and increase the speed at which the game can be played.

There are many different specifications and categorisations for artificial turf including shock absorption, surface rebound, friction, and strength outlined by the International Hockey Federation.

[26] Recently, longer-pile third-generation or 3G pitches have become popular, especially for football, but these do not usually meet the FIH's test criteria; they are often too inconsistent and slow.

[15][16] Steve Ruskin, of Sports Illustrated, said that "A slow, analytical game gave way to one of nonstop, true-hop action.

"[28] However, it has been stated that the decision to make artificial surfaces mandatory greatly favoured more affluent Western countries who could afford these new pitches.

[29] Before the switch to an artificial surface the Indian men's hockey team were dominant, winning seven of the eight Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1964.

[28] In 1996, Indian hockey player Ajit Pal Singh stated that despite its size "[India] can afford only 12 or so AstroTurf fields".