Sports Rules & Dimensions – Information Resources
Explore clear, practical guides to the rules, scoring, player positions and playing-area measurements of 11 popular sports. Whether you are checking a court size, learning where players stand or comparing the basics of two games, choose a sport below to find the relevant guide.
This sports information hub brings together 11 guides covering court sports, racket sports, field and oval sports, bat-and-ball sports and ice hockey. Each guide explains the basic rules and key measurements, with diagrams and answers to common questions. Competition rules and dimensions can vary by age group and governing body.
Browse Sports by Category
Court sports | Racket sports | Field and oval sports | Bat-and-ball sports | Ice sports
Court sports
Compare playing areas, positions, scoring and rotations across popular indoor and outdoor court games.
- Netball – Rules, positions and court dimensionsSeven players per team; position-specific playing areas.
- Basketball – Rules, positions and court dimensionsFive players per team on court; baskets worth one, two or three points.
- Volleyball – Rules, positions and court dimensionsSix players per team on court; teams rotate after winning the serve.
Racket sports
Find serving, scoring and equipment measurements for tennis and table tennis.
- Tennis – Rules, scoring and court dimensionsSingles or doubles; points, games and sets.
- Table Tennis – Rules, scoring and table dimensionsSingles or doubles; games normally played to 11 points.
Field and oval sports
Explore player positions, playing-area layouts and the main rules for outdoor team sports.
- Soccer (Football) – Rules, positions and field dimensionsEleven players per team; goals, offside and restarts.
- Australian Rules Football – Rules, positions and field dimensionsOval playing area; goals and behinds; traditional 18-player positional layout.
- Field Hockey – Rules, positions and field dimensionsEleven players per team; goals generally scored from inside the shooting circle.
Bat-and-ball sports
Understand how runs are scored, how players are dismissed and how fields are arranged.
- Cricket – Rules, fielding positions and pitch dimensionsBatting, bowling, fielding and wickets; multiple match formats.
- Baseball – Rules, positions and field dimensionsNine defensive players; innings, outs and runs.
Ice sports
See how ice hockey is played and how its rink differs from a field hockey pitch.
- Ice Hockey – Rules, positions and rink dimensionsSix players on the ice per team in standard play, including a goaltender.
Sports at a Glance
These examples describe typical senior or standard versions of each sport. Junior, recreational and competition formats may use different player numbers, equipment or measurements.
| Sport | Typical playing format | Playing area |
|---|---|---|
| Netball | 7 per team | Rectangular court |
| Basketball | 5 per team on court | Rectangular court |
| Volleyball | 6 per team on court | Rectangular court |
| Tennis | 1 or 2 per side | Rectangular court |
| Table Tennis | 1 or 2 per side | Table |
| Soccer (Football) | 11 per team | Rectangular field |
| Australian Rules Football | 18 per team on field in traditional format | Oval |
| Field Hockey | 11 per team | Rectangular pitch |
| Cricket | 11 per team | Oval or other field with central pitch |
| Baseball | 9 defensive players | Diamond and outfield |
| Ice Hockey | 6 per team including goaltender | Ice rink |
How to Use These Sports Guides
Checking measurements? Open the relevant guide for the playing-area diagram, line markings and dimensions. For example, a tennis court, volleyball court and ice hockey rink have very different layouts.
Learning positions? Start with netball, basketball, soccer, Australian rules football, field hockey or baseball to understand typical player responsibilities and positioning.
Comparing scoring systems? Tennis and table tennis use points and games, while cricket and baseball count runs. Basketball, netball, volleyball and the different forms of hockey use their own scoring and match structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the rules the same in every country?
Not always. International federations publish rules for many sports, but national leagues, local competitions, schools and junior programs can use adaptations. Check the relevant organiser when you need rules for a particular match.
Are junior playing areas the same size as senior playing areas?
They can be smaller. Junior competitions may change field or court dimensions, player numbers, equipment and match duration to suit participants’ ages.
Do these guides cover official competition rules?
The guides explain widely used rules and measurements for general educational reference. They are not a substitute for the current rule book or competition regulations when officiating or organising a formal event.
Which guides explain player positions?
Start with the netball, basketball, soccer, Australian rules football, field hockey, baseball, volleyball or ice hockey guides. Some sports have fixed positions, while others use more flexible tactical roles.
What is the difference between field hockey and ice hockey?
Field hockey is played on a pitch with a ball and curved sticks, while ice hockey is played on an ice rink with a puck and skates. The rules, team sizes and playing-area markings differ considerably. Read the field hockey guide and ice hockey guide for details.
About These Resources
Fosmore publishes independent, easy-to-read reference guides designed to help visitors understand everyday topics. These sports pages focus on practical explanations, original diagrams and straightforward comparisons.
Disclaimer: This is general educational information. Rules, field markings, dimensions and competition formats may change or differ by governing body, age group and level of play. Confirm current requirements with the relevant sporting organisation before relying on measurements or rules for official use. Fosmore is not affiliated with or endorsed by the sporting organisations referenced in these guides.