Junior Starter Information

MACCABI HOCKEY CLUB

JUNIOR CLUB STARTER KIT  / INFORMATION

We are excited to have you on board with our Junior Hockey Club.

Please read the following information to get a better understanding of this enthralling game. Hockey is just as much about tactics as it is fitness and skill. Teamwork is paramount to success and this game will give your child (children) great life skills, fitness, fantastic hand eye coordination, and an experience they can take with them into adulthood. We look forward to seeing your children grow up with our club as we all have.

Hockey Equipment

You will need the following equipment

Please remember we play on AstroTurf (Synthetic Grass)

Hockey stick

Mouthguard (compulsory)

Shin pads (compulsory)

Good running shoes (with rippled sole or made for field hockey – no football boots)

A ball for practice at home

 

We will supply

Balls

Team Shirts

Goalkeeper gear

All other equipment required.

Introduction

Hockey is a stick and ball game with origins dating back thousands of years.  It is traditionally played on grass, but now it is played on synthetic surfaces. Two teams compete using ‘hooked’ sticks to hit, push, pass and dribble a small, hard ball with one aim in mind – to score a goal by getting the ball past the goalkeeper.

How to Play Field Hockey   

If you want to learn a fantastic new sport, field hockey is for you. The emphasis on skill (rather than pure athleticism) pushes its popularity to older generations, as well. This guide will teach you the ins and outs of the sport and get you acquainted with the basics of field hockey.

Know Your Equipment & Players

All you need to start playing is a stick and a ball, sport-specific of course. The game is played on turf fields. Two teams play against each other in two, 30-minute halves. Each team is allowed 11 players on the field at all times, including the goalie.

The goalie is heavily padded from head to toe. Player protective gear is simpler, however, with the basic padding of shin guards and a mouth guard. But not to worry, the sport is completely non-contact.

Learn the Positions

The positions are generally divided up into three lines on the field like soccer. There is an offensive, midfield, and defensive line. The 10 players,   excluding the goalie, are positioned on the field according to a formation set up by the coach.

The objective of the game is to score more goals than your opponent.  This seems simple, but as a whole, field hockey is a low scoring game.   Generally, game scores range from one to five.

Teams

There are 11 players on the pitch with up to five substitutes on the side-line.  Players can substitute virtually at any time and any number of times.

Stick handling

Hockey players must be able to control, pass, push, stop and hit the ball with a hockey stick. This is known as stick work, or stick handling. Keeping the ball under close control is called dribbling. The head of a hockey stick has a rounded side (the right side) and a flat side (the left side). It is only with the flat, left-hand side of the stick and the edges of that side which can be used to play the ball.

No feet!

Field players are not allowed to use their feet (or any other parts of their bodies) to control the ball. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use hands, feet, etc. to stop or propel the ball when defending in his or her own circle.

Understand the Rules

Because the sport is non-contact, games are often dominated by referee calls. There are numerous types of fouls, but the most common is a foot foul. The ball is not allowed to hit any player’s feet on the field (excluding the goalie), intentionally or unintentionally.  Beginning players usually have trouble with this until they are comfortable with stick stopping. But if you learn the basic rules, the speed of play is faster and more enjoyable.

For more information on penalties, please see iSport’s guide, Understanding Common Fouls in Field Hockey or Field Hockey Rules & Regulations.

Obstruction

Obstruction is also a rule of field hockey and is a direct contribution to the high frequency of whistle blows during games. In the most general terms, obstruction is called when the ball is shielded from an opposing player who is trying to get the ball. Players often use their own bodies or sticks to block the ball, but third party obstruction is also called. Third party obstruction is called when a player runs between her teammate (who has possession of the ball) and an opponent trying to get the ball, essentially block the opponent’s path.

Learn the Passing Lingo

Players on the field work together by passing the ball between each other to progress it up the field. The players use a triangle passing system to connect passes to each other. This strategy helps prevent the opposing team from intercepting the ball. There are a few common passes:

Flat pass: A pass directly to the left or right, generally across the field.

Through pass: A straight forward pass.

Back pass: A backward pass.

The most common form of passing is the push pass.  In this pass, the player keeps the ball on her stick for the entire duration of the pass and pushes the ball to her teammate. Players can also slap the ball to make a moving pass to a teammate.

Familiarize Yourself with Scoring

There are several ways to score a goal in field hockey. But, the most important rule to remember is that the ball must be touched within the shooting circle to count as a goal — there are no exceptions.  Goals can be scored on a:

Short corner

Field goal

Penalty stroke

Short Corner

Understanding short corners can be very confusing. It is a power play awarded to the offensive team when the defence commits a foul inside the shooting circle. The offensive team is allowed to set up around the shooting circle with as many field players as desired.

The defensive team is only allowed five players (including the goalie) to defend the goal. The remainder of the defensive team must wait behind the centre line until the ball is put into play by the offense. At that point, the players waiting behind the line may run back to help defend.

For a few seconds during this power play, the offense almost doubles the number of defensive players. This is why many goals are scored off short corners.

Field Goal

Another way to score is with a field goal — a goal scored during regular field play. The only catch to this form of scoring is that the ball must be touched within the shooting circle for it to count as a goal. So, if you’re a parent at your son or daughter’s game, think twice about jumping up for a long goal — it may not have counted.

Penalty Stroke

Lastly, goals can be scored by penalty strokes. These are shots awarded to a player whose team was severely fouled inside the shooting circle. A player chosen by the fouled team is allowed to take a single shot, one-on-one, with the goalie. If she makes it, she receives a point for her team. If she misses, the defensive team takes a 16-yard hit after the play has ended.

Ball in the air

In general play, the ball cannot be raised into the air when hit. It can though be raised by using a scooping or long pushing action of the stick. A player will be penalised if they lift the ball in a way which is dangerous to another player. When the ball is in the air, a player must not play it above shoulder height. A defender can use their stick at any height to save a shot at goal – because attackers are allowed to raise the ball when trying to score a goal.

Learn Which High Balls are allowed

The ball is allowed to be lifted into the air on certain occasions. The general rule is that the ball can be lifted either lower than a player’s knee or higher than her head. But, regardless of where the ball is, if the hit doesn’t put anyone in danger, the referee could waive a potential penalty.

On the field, the ball is lifted by scoops or flicks.  Players are also allowed to take lifted shots on goal, as long as they not dangerous. On short corners, the ball is not allowed to be lifted, except with a specialty shot, called the drag flick.

Duration of a match

A regulation hockey match lasts 70 minutes – which is broken into two halves of 30 minutes each with a break of 10 minutes. The team with the most goals at the end of the 70 minutes is the winner. It is also possible for a match to end in a draw. But in some matches – such as a championship game – there must be a winner. In those cases, a match which is tied, it goes into extra time (the first team to score wins), and if necessary, to a shootout.

Umpires

Each match is controlled by two umpires. Each umpire controls half of the pitch and works cooperatively in the middle part of the pitch.

For bad or repeated offences by players, an umpire can show them a card. A green card is a warning. A yellow card means the player is suspended from the game for a minimum of 5 minutes or the time the umpire decides depending on the nature of the offence.  A red card is for a very serious offence and means the player is suspended for the remainder of the match.  If a player is suspended temporarily or permanently, their team plays with fewer players.

It’s Always a Good Day for Hockey

Field hockey is one of the most popular team sports in the world and continues to grow. Why? Because it’s simple! All you need is a stick and a ball to hit around and get started. Grab a partner and pass around, or join a pickup game.

Read more at: http://fieldhockey.isport.com/fieldhockey-guides/how-to-play-field-hockey

Safety tips for hockey players

The following tips apply to all players, irrespective of the level at which they play.

Good preparation is important Players should undergo simple fitness testing prior to participation to ensure their readiness to play.

Players should routinely warm-up and cool down, including adequate stretching before and after play.

Particular attention should be given to thoroughly warming-up and stretching the hamstrings, calves, quads, ankles, hips and lower back.

Wear appropriate safety equipment

Goalkeepers should wear a helmet and face guard during training and competition.

All players should wear shock absorbent shin guards during training, informal play and competition.

All players should wear properly fitted mouthguards to prevent dental injury.

Good technique and practices will help prevent injury

Accredited coaches must be available to advise and monitor skill development of players at all levels of play.

Coaches and players should pay attention to good player nutrition and adequate hydration.

Coaches should incorporate training focused on improving ball handling skills and safe use of the hockey stick.

Referees and officials should control and consistently penalise dangerous play.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Hockey is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the game. All training and matches shall be conducted in the true spirit of the game of hockey and Spectators, Club officials, coaches, captains and players are to comply with this policy.

Club members, whether on or off the field of play, shall not engage in conduct unbecoming to the game.

Players shall:

Never argue with the Umpire.

Not verbally or physically threaten or abuse any Umpire, player or official.

Be aware of racial vilification laws and never racially vilify team members or opposition

Not dispute the Umpires decision nor react in a threatening or disapproving manner.

Players if sent off the field, leave the field immediately and not indulge in any unacceptable behaviour.

Not behave in any manner, which may bring the Club into disrepute. Players are encouraged to play in a positive and sportsmanlike manner at all times. This should include recognition of good play on the part of the opposition and extending thanks to the umpire and opposing teams after the match.

As a parent at Maccabi Hockey

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others.

Remember that your child participates in sport for their own enjoyment, not yours.

Never ridicule or yell at your child and other children for making a mistake or losing a match.

Show appreciation for good performances by all players, including the opposition.

Respect officials’ decisions and teach your children to do likewise.

Do not physically or verbally abuse or harass anyone associated with the sport (player, coach, manager, umpire etc.)

Be a positive role model.

Team Selection & Team Positions + Match Day + Training

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Depending on the age of your child and how many players are available team selection and team positions are decided by the coach and team manager.

The team manager will give you all the information that relates to the game, times, training, positions, equipment required, and all matters pertaining to match day and any questions you may have will be directed to him / her.

We want children to get a good understanding for the game and try as many field positions as possible.

Emails are sent out three days before a game and fixtures are set by the Hockey Association.

If you child is unavailable please let your team manager know with as much notice as possible.

Players should arrive 25 – 30 minutes before a game to warm up and stretch properly.

We encourage parents to stay and watch the game but if you cannot make it the club will assist where possible.

Games are played on a Sunday and on AstroTurf fields in all weather conditions.

Once again we welcome you into our club and know you will enjoy this great sport.