Line marking the sides of the playing field; when the ball crosses this line, the opposing team puts it back into play at the same place.
23 m line
Line used to position the players when the ball is put back into play; positioning depends on whether the ball went out of play between the 23 m lines or between one of them and the goal line.
goal line
Line marking the ends of the playing field; the ball must cross this line for the goal to count as a point.
coach
The team’s leader; the coach plots strategy and decides who plays in different situations.
5 m line
Line where the attacker puts the ball back into play if the defenders push it behind their own goal line.
striking circle
Semicircle located in front of the goal; a goal can only be scored when the attacker hits the ball inside the opponent’s striking circle.
goal
Cage made up of a net mounted on a frame; a goal is scored each time a team hits the ball into the opposing goal from inside the striking circle.
players’ bench
Area reserved for substitute players and coaches; a team can have up to 16 players but only 11 play at once.
referee
One of two officials responsible for applying the rules; this individual penalizes players who commit infractions and awards penalty shots.
officials
Individuals in charge of keeping time, recording player substitutions and filling out the score sheet.
right wing
Offensive position to the right of the center forward and near the sideline; this player’s main role is to thwart opponents and score goals.
Offensive position that covers the center of the field; this player’s main role is to score goals by gaining position inside the opponent’s striking circle.
Line dividing the field into two zones, one for each team; face-offs are held on this line at the start of a period and after a goal is scored.
goalkeeper
Player whose role is to prevent the ball from entering the goal; the goalkeeper may touch the ball with any part of the body but cannot hold it with the hands.
