Field Hockey

Kids, especially under twelve, are always seeking their parents' approval. Negative labels and generalizations and criticism can have a devastating emotional impact. If you critique your child's performance, she will interpret your anger, disapproval, and disappointment as meaning that you don't love her anymore-that your love is conditional.

If the world were a perfect place, talking to your daughter's field hockey coach would be as natural and stress free as talking to your child's teacher. Unfortunately, there is not much that worries and confuses youth sports parents more than talking to their child's coach.

Any pair of athletic cleats can be used for field hockey, but the type of shoe depends on the playing surface.

Because the mid-sole material of an athletic shoe takes a pounding and eventually loses its ability to provide your child's foot with adequate support or cushioning, experts, such as Dr. Michael Lowe, past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and long time team podiatrist of the NBA's Utah Jazz, recommend periodic replacement of athletic shoes, even if the bottom sole shows no sign of excessive wear.

A major change in uniforms was one of 18 rules changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Field Hockey Rules Committee at its January 20-21 meeting in Indianapolis. The rules changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

This comparison of rules is meant to be a quick reminder for parents with children participating at different levels. This overview of the rule differences is not meant to replace any rulebook. Please note: If a topic is not listed, it means that all levels are the same.

Artificial Turf: Artificial turf was first used for Olympic field hockey at the 1976 Games in Montreal. Today all international matches are played on a synthetic surface.

A field hockey match consists of two halves, usually 35 minutes each, and begins with a pass back (a non-defended pass from one teammate to another at mid-field). There are 11 players to a side, one of whom is a goalkeeper. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposition.

The playing field is 100 yards by 60 yards, divided by a center line and a 25-yard line of each half of the field. The striking circle is a semi-circle measured out 16 yards from each goal post.

The stick has a curved head, is rounded on one side and is flat on the left-hand side. The ball can only be touched with the flat side of the stick. The stick is made of hardwood with a minimum weight of 12 ounces and maximum weight of 28 ounces.