SENIOR & JUNIOR BOYS RULES
Boys Rules 2025/26
1. League Structure
There are four boys’ leagues:
● U12 Boys – 6th Class and younger
● U13 Boys – 1st Year and younger
● U14 Boys – 2nd Year and younger
● U15 Boys – 3rd Year and younger (with some 4th Years allowed)
2. Match Formats
U12, U13 & U14 (Half Pitch)
● Matches are played across the width of the pitch – half pitch.
● Standard duration: 50 minutes, made up of 4 × 12.5 minute quarters.
○ 2-minute break between quarters.
○ 5-minute break at half-time.
● When playing in a Blitz format (multiple games in a day): 40 minutes, made up of 4 × 10 minute quarters.
○ 2-minute break between quarters.
○ 5-minute break at half-time.
● Penalty Corners: Defending players not involved in the short corner must go to the opposition end line. Masks must be worn.
● Teams: 8-a-side, panel of maximum 12 players.
● Both teams must start with the same number of players, unless a player is carded. If a team only has 6 or 7 players, both teams should play 6 or 7 aside etc.
U15 (Full Pitch)
● Matches are played on a full pitch with standard hockey rules applying.
● Standard duration: 60 minutes, made up of 4 × 15 minute quarters.
○ 2-minute break between quarters.
○ 5-minute break at half-time.
● Standard: 11-a-side, panel of 18 players.
● If both teams agree:
○ Matches may be played 9 or 10-a-side.
○ Matches may be played on ¾ pitch or full pitch.
If one team has 11 players, the game must be played 11-a-side on full pitch.
3. General Competition Rules
● Unless otherwise stated, normal hockey rules apply.
● Penalty corners: full protective equipment for defenders is strongly recommended. Masks are required.
● Points system:
○ Win = 3 points
○ Draw = 1 point each
○ Loss = 0 points
● Tiebreakers: if two or more teams finish level on points at the end of the season, a play-off will be held.
● Goal recording:
○ The actual result is recorded on the match card.
○ A score greater than five goals, or a goal difference greater than five, shall be reduced accordingly by the relevant Fixture Secretary.
● Multiple teams in a league:
○ It is recommended that teams be of equal playing standard.
○ Fixtures for multiple teams may be scheduled consecutively at the same venue and on the same date to reduce volunteer burnout and travel costs.
4. Goalkeepers
● Where a club has 2 or more teams in a league, goalkeepers may play outfield on one of the other teams.
● The player must be nominated as both Goalkeeper and Outfield player for the respective teams.
● Goalkeeper/outfield roles are not interchangeable.
5. Player Registration & Nomination
Registration of Players
● Players must be registered before playing their second league match.
● Sanctions for breaches:
1. The opposition is awarded the win.
2. In league matches, the offending team is deducted 1 extra point for each offence.
3. If a club commits more than one offence in a season, a fine of €50 will be issued for each additional offence.
Nomination of Players
● Clubs must nominate players for each team.
● Nominations are unlimited to a point, but a player may only play on one team if the club has more than one team in a league.
● Where a club has teams in different leagues, a player may move between them if they remain within their age limit and do not play for a lower team that they are nominated for. E.g. if a player is nominated for the U13 team, they cannot play for the club’s U12 team. However, an U12 player may play up to the club’s U13 team as required.
● Sanctions for breaches:
1. The opposition is awarded the win.
2. In league matches, the offending team is deducted 1 extra point for each offence.
3. If a club commits more than one offence in a season, a fine of €50 will be issued for each additional offence.
Where a 1st year or younger boy plays U15 hockey, clubs are expected to avoid playing boys up an age group if it prevents 2nd and 3rd year boys from playing. It is expected that younger boys play U15 hockey only where a team is struggling for numbers for a match.
6. Match Cards
● The home team coach/manager must email the match card to michaelhoughton84@gmail.com within 2 days of the match.
● Match card requirements:
○ Full first and surname of all players.
○ Name of the competition.
○ Venue and date of the fixture.
○ Goalkeeper clearly marked.
○ Any players “playing up” clearly marked, e.g. “Joe Bloggs (U13)”
● Match card must be handed to one of the umpires before the match.
○ Umpire records the score and number of scorers.
● The actual result is recorded on the match card, but a score greater than five goals, or a goal difference greater than five, will be reduced accordingly by the Fixture Secretary.
7. Youths / Men’s Hockey
● Boys must prioritise Youths hockey before Men’s matches.
● No postponements are allowed by clubs where the excuse is due to a men’s match.
● Players must be 15 years old before playing Men’s hockey (Hockey Ireland rule).
● Any over-age players must be discussed with the Fixture Secretary, and clubs will be informed if this arises.
Boys playing Men’s Non Lowest Team
● Where a 4th year boy plays 1 or more game for a Club’s Men’s second lowest team or higher, they will no longer be eligible for Boys Hockey (both league & cup).
● Where a 2nd or 3rd year boy plays 3 or more games for a Club’s Men’s second lowest team or higher, they will no longer be eligible for Boys Hockey (both league & cup).
This rule is expected to be monitored by clubs and is not the responsibility of the Fixtures Secretary or Men’s Register to monitor this. Checks will be carried out throughout the season. If a player is found to be in breach of this rule, matches can be back dated accordingly and forfeited, so it is vital clubs monitor boys playing Men’s hockey.
8. Boys Senior League (2nd & 3rd Years, some 4th Years)
Eligibility
● Eligible:
1. 2nd Year and 3rd Year boys or younger.
2. Some 4th Year Boys, subject to the following rule:
● The following 4th years are Ineligible from playing U15 Hockey:
1. Any 4th Year selected for the Munster U18 summer training or final 24-player interprovincial panel.
2. Any player who has previously played on the U16 interprovincial team.
3. Any player who has played one or more games for the club’s second-lowest senior team.
Fixtures
● Matches are assigned for weekends and may be played Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday.
● Friday evening matches are only permitted between clubs within a 20-mile radius.
● Matches must be played on the assigned weekend unless a postponement is granted (see Postponement Rules).
Sanctions for Non-Fulfilment
1. Opposition is awarded the win.
2. Offending team deducted 1 extra league point per offence.
3. For repeated offences, a €50 fine per additional breach.
4. Fixture reversal: the forfeiting team will play the next scheduled home match against that opponent away (may carry into the next season).
5. Clubs forfeiting more than three matches in a season will be deemed to have brought the game into disrepute. The matter will be reported to the Management Committee under Article 27 (Discipline) of the Branch Constitution.
Three-Match Rule – Playing Adult Hockey
● Once a boy plays 3 consecutive adult matches, he must take one week off from competitive adult hockey.
● A break of a week resets the sequence.
● This rule does not apply to players not playing school hockey.
9. Cup Competition
● Matches have no extra time.
● If drawn at full time, the result is decided by shuttles.
● Clubs may enter different teams in the Cup compared to the League.
● Nominations must be submitted before the first round.
● Fixtures must be played on the assigned weekend (Fri–Sun, travel rules apply).
Sanctions for Non-Fulfilment
1. Opposition awarded the win.
2. Offending team eliminated from all further parts of the Cup (including plate/runners-up competitions).
3. €100 fine.
10. Postponements & Weather
Postponements
● Postponements must be agreed between the teams and reported to the Fixture Secretary with a new date.
Weather
● Red Warning: all matches automatically cancelled.
● Orange Warning:
○ Clubs may request postponement if the warning coincides with the match or travel time.
○ Home team must contact travelling team.
○ Fixture Secretary must be informed if cancellation is agreed.
○ Final decision lies with the pitch grounds person.
11. Travelling Rules
● On Sundays, matches involving travel greater than 20km must not start later than 3:30pm.
12. Facilities
● Bathrooms and changing rooms must be available.
● Pitch-side urination is prohibited, considered a breach of hockey rules, and will be punished by cards.
13. Coach & Manager Responsibilities
● Team captain must wear a distinctive armband.
● Match card must be handed to umpire before the match, with captains’ signatures after the game.
● Each team should have a fully kitted goalkeeper.
○ If not, all players must play outfield.
● Home club is responsible for:
○ Pitch markings (drop-down lines, “D” set correctly).
○ Goals (Munster Branch mini goals or standard).
○ Match balls.
● Teams must wear the same colour tops.
● Shin pads and gum shields are strongly recommended.
● Teams must bring their own First Aid kits.
● Players should thank opponents and umpires after the match.
● Each club must provide an umpire. Umpires’ decisions are final; abuse will not be tolerated.
● Clubs are responsible for their own players at all times.
● Transparency is vital in team management and is the responsibility of clubs.
● No phone calls after 10pm midweek or on weekends, unless in an emergency.
14. Branch Trophies
● All Branch trophies are perpetual challenge trophies and cannot be won outright.
● All trophies must be signed for using the MBHI Trophy Receipt form.
● Trophies must be returned to the Youths Fixture Secretary by 31st January the following year, clean and engraved.
● Late returns incur a €50 fine.
● If a trophy is permanently lost, the club must reimburse the Branch with a replacement.
