2026 Rule Change FAQ
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
1. WP 5.1 – Seventh Field Player
Q: Are cap changes still allowed between goalkeepers and field players?
A: Yes.
Q: Why would a team want a 7th field player with no goalkeeper privileges instead of switching a field player to a goalkeeper cap?
A: If a team is playing for the final shot of the period or game, there would be no need to have a goalkeeper as all of the attacking players would be on the attacking side of half with little or no time remaining when the shot is taken. This rule saves time and the unnecessary hassle of changing caps. All cap changes must be communicated to the referee, who will then inform the table staff.
Q: While playing with a 7th field player, if a penalty foul is called on a player, can a goalkeeper be substituted before the taking of the penalty throw?
A: No. Substitutions and cap changes before the taking of a penalty throw is not allowed. If the team on offense calls a time-out before the taking of a penalty throw, both teams can make substitutions and cap changes.
Q: While playing with a 7th field player, if the field player blocks or attempts to block the penalty shot with two hands, what is a penalty?
A: If the goal is scored, the goal counts and no penalty is imposed on the field player. If the shot is missed or blocked, the player is charged with a penalty foul and the penalty shot is retaken.
Q: Why isn’t it allowed to replace the goalkeeper with another field player in 12/10U?
A: 12/10U goalkeeper is not allowed to cross half pool to play with extra player in the attacking half. Due to this rule, an additional field player is not allowed.
2. WP 13.1 – Timeout Before Penalty Throw
Q: Can the team on defense call a time-out after the offense calls a time-out?
A: No, only the team on offense or the team that will be on offense after a goal is scored can call a time-out.
4. WP 15.3 – Goals, How Scored
Q: Is the referee required to raise their arm if an exclusion is called inside of 6 meters and the player with the ball is outside 6 meters? Also, do they need to raise their arm if the player with the ball was fouled inside of 6 meters but then moves outside of 6 meters?
A: No, for both cases. The referees are only required to raise an arm after a foul is awarded outside of 6 meters, but within one meter of the 6-meter line, to indicate that the player is eligible for an immediate direct shot.
6. NEW WP 22.21
Q: Are the shooter and goalkeeper required to remain on the 5-meter line and goal line, respectively, and not move until the referee blows the whistle to administer the penalty shot?
A: Correct. The shooter must start their shooting motion, without delay, after the whistle has blown. The goalkeeper cannot move beyond the goal line before the whistle has blown.
Q: What is the penalty if the goalkeeper moves forward and the goal is scored?
A: The goal counts and no penalty is imposed on the goalkeeper.
Q: For wall cages, does the goalkeeper's head have to be on the goal line or is it their hips?
A: Due to the limited space inside of wall cages, the goalkeeper hips must be on the goal line. The goalkeeper’s hips cannot come forward off of the goal line before the referee blows the whistle. If they push off the wall or goal to block a shot and the goal is not scored, it is a penalty foul and the penalty shot is retaken. If the goal is scored, no penalty is imposed on the goalkeeper.
Q: Wouldn’t it be considered a correctable error if the referee blows the whistle as the goalie moves forward off of the line?
A: No, referees will do their best to catch a goalkeeper moving out before they blow the whistle but it is not considered a correctable error. It is similar to a sprinter attempting to time the referee's whistle to get an early jump on the sprint.
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