8 clubs to compete as First Division Hockey League

MUSCAT, AUG 27

The First Division Hockey League kicks off on Friday, with Qurayat Club beginning their campaign against Nizwa at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Al Amerat at 6 pm. On the same day, Saham face Sohar at Sohar Sports Complex at 5 pm.

The round continues on Saturday, September 6, with two matches: the first between Al Ittihad and Dhofar at Salalah Cultural and Sports Complex, and the second between Al Nahda and Masirah at Sohar Sports Complex.

This season, eight clubs are participating: Al Ittihad, Nizwa, Sohar, Masirah, Dhofar, Qurayat, Saham, and Al Nahda. The Oman Hockey Association divided the clubs into two groups: Group One (Nizwa – Ittihad – Qurayat – Dhofar) and Group Two (Sohar – Masirah – Saham – Al Nahda). Matches are played in a single-round league format, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semifinals.

In the knockout stage, the winner of Group One meets the runner-up of Group Two, while the winner of Group Two faces the runner-up of Group One. The winners advance to the final, while the losers contest the third place playoff. Strict disciplinary rules apply, including a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals, after which the match is cancelled and the team considered withdrawn.

PLAYER REGISTRATION

All clubs are required to register their players in advance with official association-issued cards and submit a list of 20 players along with coaching and administrative staff 72 hours before the competition begins. Coaching staff must wear uniforms different from the team’s colours, and each bench is limited to seven substitute players and four technical administrative medical staff.

Yellow cards are cleared at the end of the group stage, while red cards remain effective until the end of the tournament. Green card penalties also apply to all players, including goalkeepers.

The regulations provide a clear pathway for protests: the team manager may submit a protest to the competition manager within 30 minutes of the end of the match with a fee of RO 20. Appeals against decisions can be made within 60 minutes for a fee of RO 50, directed to the association. Any protest or appeal that does not meet the requirements will not be considered. Clubs are also responsible for the cleanliness of facilities, benches, and the safety of accommodation provided by the association.

The association provided transport tickets for Dhofar clubs (Salalah–Muscat–Salalah) and covered transportation for clubs from North Al Batinah and Dhofar when playing in Muscat. It also covers accommodation and meals for 22 individuals per club during matches in Muscat. Travel allowances vary by distance: Al Nahda receives RO 100 per preliminary round match and RO 180 once for travel in the knockout stage; Nizwa and Masirah receive RO 150 per match, with a single payment if accommodation is provided; Qurayat gets RO 100 per match; and Saham receives RO 25 per preliminary match. Sohar and Saham each receive RO 150 once per knockout stage trip (round trip).

In terms of rewards, the league champions will be awarded the official shield, 25 gold medals, and a financial prize of RO 3,000. The runner-up receives 25 silver medals and RO 2,000, while the third placed team gets 25 bronze medals and RO 1,000. Individual awards are also set for best player, best goalkeeper, top scorer, and best rising player, each with a commemorative gift and RO 100.