The FIH world rankings provide an overview of the balance of power of the best hockey nations in the world. It is drawn up by the world hockey association Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) and takes into account the performance of the individual national teams over the past four years. The FIH and the continental federations (e.g. the EHF ) use the world rankings to divide the groups in international competitions and their qualifying tournaments. In addition, the world rankings are used by the FIH as a marketing tool to promote interest and discussion in the sport of hockey.
The FIH has been leading the national team rankings since 2003. The time-weighted performance of the last four years at the major international tournaments is included in the rating: Olympic Games, World Championships, Champions Trophy or Challenge and continental championships. In 2008, other tournaments, in particular the qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games and the World Championships, were included in the rating. The current year is taken into account 100%, the years before 75%, 50% or 25%. The update is carried out approx. 4 times a year after the major tournaments.
Britain is in the world rankings not performed because it takes up only to the Olympic Games. The points earned there are credited proportionally to England, Scotland and Wales.
The following rankings for field hockey reflect the status of July and August 2018. The ranking lists for indoor hockey can also be called up from the FIH.
