A penalty flick is awarded for an offence by a defender in the circle which prevents the probable scoring of a goal, or a deliberate foul.

PENALTY TAKER

The player taking the stroke must stand behind and within playing distance of the ball before beginning the stroke.

They must not take it until the whistle has been blown to signal both they and the goalkeeper are ready (neither are allowed to unnecessarily delay the flick).

The player taking the stroke must not pretend to play the ball.

The player taking the stroke must push, flick or scoop the ball and is permitted to raise it to any height

Using a "dragging" action to play the ball at a penalty stroke is not permitted.

Rebounds are not allowed.

GOALKEEPER

The defending goalkeeper must wear protective headgear .

If the goalkeeper prevents a goal being scored but leaves the goal-line or moves either foot before the ball has been played the penalty stroke is taken again.

For the first offence of this type, the goalkeeper must be warned (green card) and for any subsequent offence the goalkeeper must be suspended (yellow card).

For an offence by the goalkeeper which does not prevent a goal being scored, the penalty stroke is taken again

OTHER PLAYERS

All players on the field other than the player taking the stroke and the goalkeeper must stand outside the 25-yard line.

If they commit an offence, the flick is taken again.

TIMING

Time is stopped once a flick is awarded.

The penalty stroke is completed when

• a goal is scored or awarded
• the ball comes to rest inside the circle, lodges in the goalkeeper's equipment, is caught by the goalkeeper, or goes outside the circle.

Information provided by the BBC, please see there hockey pages for more information.