MATERIAL

A number of things are mandatory on the field, some of these things you also take with you into the hall. Everything about the field is listed below.

1. A hockey stick is a must. Of course you can't do anything without a stick, you play hockey with a stick and a ball. Balls are often provided during training and you are not obliged to purchase them yourself. A stick must be purchased yourself, the prices of the sticks differ per brand. It is best to buy the stick in the store to try out the different sticks.

2. Shin guards are mandatory on the field. The ball does not always stay low on the field and can hit the shins, so it is important to protect the shins to prevent injuries

3. A hockey mouthguard is also mandatory. Just like with the shin guards, the ball can sometimes go higher in the air than expected or a stick swings far back. If you touch a ball or stick to your teeth without a mouthguard, there is a good chance that the teeth will be damaged. Wearing a mouthguard is necessary.

4. Shoes are also important, hockey shoes have studs under them. Some children who are just starting out and are not sure whether they want to continue playing hockey train in their own shoes for the first few times. However, this is not ideal, the fields can be slippery and the chance of slipping is very high without hockey shoes, the studs under the shoes prevent slipping.

5. The uniform, for training you can wear your own purchased sportswear . A club uniform is required for matches. This kit must be purchased and can be obtained from the club's main sponsor. The outfit consists of socks, a skirt/shorts and the shirt.

6. A glove , this is not mandatory but many people enjoy playing with it. The glove ensures that you can sit low with your stick and feel less pain when a ball hits your hand.

IMPORTANT FIELD RULES

On the field there are certain rules that everyone must adhere to. These rules are also different than in the hall. A few important field rules are discussed.

- On the field you play in a team from the D youth, in the F you play with a threesome and in the E either with a six or eight.

- A stick has a convex and a flat side. During hockey you are only allowed to play with the flat side of the stick. On the field you can do this by means of a push, sliding stroke or a stroke.

- In hockey, the ball may not touch the foot. If this does happen, the opponent gets the ball

- The goalkeeper is not allowed to cross the 23 meter line, the goalkeeper is not a field player so does not continue with the game

- The ball may not reach higher than the knee, except in the case of a scoop (this is a high pushed ball) or if there are no players near the ball and it is therefore not a dangerous ball. Please note that when accepting the scope you must maintain a distance of 5 meters from the person receiving it.

- The first shot on goal at a penalty corner must hit the board, so the ball may not be high in the net.

- Matches are always played on weekends.

Click here for a full explanation about hockey as a sport and the development of your child by the KNHB

HAVE HOCKEY FUN!