In field hockey, what is the total duration of a standard match?
VerifiedAnswer: 60 minutes
Explanation:
A standard field hockey match lasts for 60 minutes of actual playing time. This duration is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each, making the game structure quite different from many other sports you might be familiar with.
The four-quarter system was introduced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 2014, replacing the previous format of two 35-minute halves. This change was made to create more exciting gameplay, better television viewing experiences, and strategic opportunities for coaches to make tactical adjustments during the quarter breaks.
Between each quarter, there is a brief 2-minute break, except for the halftime break between the second and third quarters, which lasts for 10-15 minutes. These breaks allow players to rest, hydrate, and receive tactical instructions from their coaches.
It's important to note that the 60 minutes refers to actual playing time. The clock stops during various situations such as when the ball goes out of play, when penalties are awarded, during injury time, or when the umpire stops play for any reason. This means the total time you spend watching a field hockey match will typically be longer than 60 minutes when you include these stoppages and the breaks between quarters.
In knockout tournaments or playoff matches, if the score is tied after the regular 60 minutes, the game may go into extra time or a penalty shootout to determine the winner. However, the standard match duration remains 60 minutes across all levels of competitive field hockey, from local club games to international tournaments like the Olympics and World Cup.
