In field hockey, how many quarters are played in a match?
VerifiedAnswer: Four quarters.
Explanation:
A standard field hockey match consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. This format was officially adopted by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2014, replacing the previous two-halves system that was used for many decades.
The four-quarter format brings several advantages to the game. Between each quarter, there is a two-minute break, which allows players to rest briefly and coaches to provide tactical guidance. Additionally, there is a longer 10-minute halftime break between the second and third quarters, during which teams switch sides of the field.
This timing structure makes field hockey more television-friendly and creates natural opportunities for commercial breaks during broadcasts. The quarter system also helps maintain player fitness levels throughout the match, as the regular breaks prevent excessive fatigue that could lead to injuries or reduced performance quality.
Each quarter runs for exactly 15 minutes of playing time, meaning the clock stops when the ball goes out of play or when the umpire stops the game for any reason. This ensures that teams get the full 60 minutes of actual gameplay. If a penalty corner is awarded near the end of a quarter, that quarter will be extended until the penalty corner is completed, ensuring fair play for both teams.
