What the words mean

Back-line: The line indicating the end of the field, including the goal line between the goal posts.

Bully: Similar to a face-off. The referee places the ball on the ground, and the two opposing players place their sticks on the ground and then tap sticks once before going for the ball.

Centre line: The line that divides the field in half.

Centre mark: The spot in the middle of the pitch where the ball is placed to start a half or following a goal.

Centre pass: A pass that starts at half or following a goal. A player passes the ball to a teammate at least one metre away from him or her. The term is also called a push back or pass back, but the ball may be passed ahead of the player or on a square angle.

Dribble: Running or walking while controlling the ball with the stick.

Goal circle: A D-shaped area in front of the goal where an attacking player must enter before scoring. Also known as a striking circle or shooting circle.

Flick: When a player raises the ball into the air with the stick.

Forward: A player positioned in the offensive end of the field who tries to score goals; also known as an attacker.

Fullback: A player stationed in the defensive end of the field like a defenceman in ice hockey; also known as a defender.

Green card: The card issued by the referee that gives a warning to the offending player for minor violations, such as incidental body contact or a repeated infringement, like failing to keep a certain distance away on a free hit.

Kicker: A protective piece of equipment worn by a goalkeeper that covers the front and side of the shoes and allows him or her to kick the ball.

Long corner: Similar to a corner kick in soccer. When a defending player unintentionally hits the ball over the back-line, the ball is placed on the sideline about five metres from the corner flag, where the attacking team takes possession.

Midfielder: Player who patrols the middle of the field and plays both offence and defence, much like the midfield position in soccer; also known as a halfback.

Obstruction: An infraction called when players use their sticks or bodies to block other players from hitting the ball or when the goalkeeper lies on the ball.

Penalty corner: When a defending player intentionally hits the ball over the back-line or commits an unintentional foul in his or her defensive zone, the ball is placed on the back-line about nine metres from the nearest goalpost, where the attacking team takes possession.

Penalty stroke: Similar to a penalty kick in soccer. The ball is placed 6.4 metres from the goal with only the goalkeeper defending. It is called when the defending player intentionally fouls (i.e. obstruction) an attacking player attempting to score in the goal circle. It is also called when a player prevents the ball from entering the goal with a part of his or her body.

Red card: The card issued by the referee, which ejects the offending player from the game. This occurs on intentional fouls, such as deliberate body contact, or verbal abuse of the officials. The offending player is also suspended from the team's following game.

Tackle: When a player attempts to steal the ball from an opponent.

Yellow card: A card issued by the referee which suspends the offending player for at least five minutes or longer depending on the referee's judgement on the severity of the foul, resulting in something similar to a power play in ice hockey, when the team plays short-handed. The card is issued for intentional fouls, such as rough play or stick checks.