Maccabi Australia

Junior Starter Information

Junior Starter Information

Welcome to Maccabi Hockey Club. We are excited to have you and your child join our junior program.

Hockey is a fast, skill-based team sport that combines tactics, fitness and teamwork. Through hockey, children develop coordination, confidence, resilience and strong friendships. Many players continue playing into adulthood, and we look forward to seeing your children grow with our club.

Hockey Equipment

We play on AstroTurf (synthetic grass), so the correct equipment is important.

Players need

  • Hockey stick

  • Mouthguard (compulsory)

  • Shin pads (compulsory)

  • Good running shoes with grip or hockey shoes (no football boots)

  • A ball for practice at home

The club provides

  • Match balls

  • Team shirts

  • Goalkeeper equipment

  • Other training equipment

Match Day Information

Games are generally played on Sundays on AstroTurf fields and are played in most weather conditions.

Players should:

  • Arrive 25–30 minutes before the game

  • Bring all required equipment

  • Warm up and stretch before play

Team managers will send information about fixtures, match times and locations before each game. Fixtures are set by the Hockey Association.

If your child is unavailable for a game, please notify the team manager as early as possible.

Parents are encouraged to stay and watch the game, but if this is not possible the club will assist where required.

Team Selection and Positions

Team selection and positions are decided by the coach and team manager, depending on player numbers and age groups.

At junior level, we aim to help children develop a strong understanding of the game and encourage them to try different positions on the field.

The team manager will also provide information about:

  • Match times and locations

  • Training schedules

  • Equipment requirements

  • Any other match day details

Introduction to Field Hockey

Field hockey is a stick and ball game with origins dating back thousands of years. It was traditionally played on grass but is now commonly played on synthetic turf.

Two teams compete using curved sticks to hit, push, pass and dribble a small hard ball. The objective is simple: score goals by getting the ball past the opposing goalkeeper.

How to Play Field Hockey

Field hockey is a sport that emphasises skill, coordination and teamwork.

Two teams compete in two halves of 30 minutes each, with 11 players on the field including the goalkeeper. Players use hockey sticks to control, pass and shoot the ball while working together to move it up the field.

Teams

Each team has 11 players on the field, including the goalkeeper.

Up to five substitutes are allowed on the sideline and players can substitute freely throughout the match.

Positions

Teams are generally divided into three lines, similar to soccer:

Defence – protects the goal
Midfield – links defence and attack
Attack (forwards) – creates scoring opportunities

The coach determines formations and positions during games.

Stick Handling

Players must learn to control, pass, stop and hit the ball with their hockey stick. This is known as stick work or stick handling.

Keeping the ball under close control while moving is called dribbling.

The head of the hockey stick has a rounded side and a flat side. Only the flat side of the stick and its edges may be used to play the ball.

No Feet

Field players are not allowed to use their feet or other parts of their body to control the ball. Only the goalkeeper may use hands, feet or body when defending inside the shooting circle.

Understand the Rules

Because hockey is a non-contact sport, games are often controlled through referee decisions. There are many types of fouls, but the most common is a foot foul, when the ball hits a player’s foot.

New players sometimes find this rule challenging at first, but as stick control improves, the game becomes faster and more enjoyable.

Obstruction

Obstruction occurs when a player uses their body or stick to shield the ball from an opponent attempting to play it.

Third party obstruction can also occur when a player runs between a teammate with the ball and an opponent attempting to challenge for it.

Passing

Players move the ball up the field by passing to teammates.

A common tactic is triangle passing, which helps maintain possession and reduce interceptions.

Common passes include:

  • Flat pass – across the field

  • Through pass – forward pass

  • Back pass – backward pass

The most common pass is the push pass, where the ball remains in contact with the stick as it is pushed to a teammate.

Scoring

A goal only counts if the ball is touched inside the shooting circle.

Goals can be scored in three ways:

  • Field goal

  • Short corner (penalty corner)

  • Penalty stroke

Short Corner

A short corner is awarded when the defending team commits a foul inside the shooting circle.

The attacking team sets up around the circle while the defending team is limited to five players (including the goalkeeper). The remaining defenders must wait behind the centre line until the ball is played.

Many goals are scored during short corners because the attacking team has a temporary advantage.

Field Goal

A field goal is scored during normal play, but the ball must be touched inside the shooting circle for the goal to count.

Penalty Stroke

A penalty stroke is awarded after a serious foul inside the shooting circle.

A player takes a single one-on-one shot against the goalkeeper. If successful, the team scores a goal.

Ball in the Air

In general play, the ball should remain on the ground.

It may be lifted using scoops or flicks, but players will be penalised if the ball is raised in a dangerous way. A player may not play the ball above shoulder height.

Defenders are allowed to raise their sticks when saving a shot on goal.

Duration of a Match

A standard hockey match lasts 70 minutes:

  • Two halves of 30 minutes

  • 10 minute half-time break

The team with the most goals at the end wins. Some matches may end in a draw, while finals games may include extra time or shootouts.

Umpires

Each game is controlled by two umpires, each responsible for half the field.

Umpires may issue cards for serious or repeated offences:

Green card – warning
Yellow card – temporary suspension
Red card – player removed for the remainder of the match

If a player is suspended, the team continues with fewer players.

Safety Tips

Safety is important for all players.

Preparation

Players should warm up and stretch properly before training and matches.

Protective Equipment

  • Mouthguards must be worn

  • Shin guards should be worn during training and games

  • Goalkeepers must wear full protective gear

Good Technique

Accredited coaches supervise training and help players develop safe and effective techniques.

Players should also maintain good hydration and nutrition.

Code of Conduct

Hockey should always be played in the spirit of the game.

Players should

  • Respect umpires and their decisions

  • Treat teammates and opponents respectfully

  • Avoid threatening or abusive behaviour

  • Play fairly and positively

  • Thank opponents and umpires after matches

Players should never argue with umpires or behave in a way that brings the club into disrepute.

As a Parent at Maccabi Hockey

Parents play an important role in creating a positive environment.

Parents should:

  • Respect the rights and dignity of others

  • Remember children play sport for enjoyment

  • Avoid criticising mistakes or losses

  • Encourage good performances from all players

  • Respect officials and their decisions

  • Be positive role models