When people think of buying gear for field hockey, the first thing that probably pops into their head is the stick. The last thing is probably the accessories. Accessories are usually thought of as small trinkets to complete an outfit. However, when it comes to sports the smaller details can be very important.
If you are new to the sport of field hockey, you might not even be familiar with what accessories for field hockey means. That’s why we have put together these 5 tips to buying accessories for field hockey.
Goggles
Believe it or not, protection for your eyes is reasonably new to the sport of field hockey. It wasn’t until 2011 that the National Field Hockey Society insisted that eye protection be enforced during games of field hockey. In addition to that, your goggles must be certified and approved in order to be able to use them in play. Here are three things that you should consider when making sure your goggles are acceptable:
- When it comes to official regulation, goggles are only needed when minors are playing.
- Polycarbonate lens style and wire frame style are allowed.
- Field hockey goggles are actually not allowed in professional play.
The Difference between Field Hockey and Lacrosse Goggles
Many people often get the sports of field hockey and lactose confused. There are some similarities between the two. But can you actually use lacrosse goggles on field hockey games? The answer may surprise you. The answer is yes.
The difference is really all in the comfort and what the player prefers wearing.
Clear Lens vs. Wire Frame
Some players may have a preference towards metal or plastic eye protection. Both are acceptable types of eyewear, but there is a difference between the two. The wire frame is known to be superior in protection, however, the downside is that wire frames have also been known to cause stitches and obstruct peripheral views. Most veteran players recommend polycarbonate or plastic goggles with clear lenses.
Body Protection
There is no denying that field hockey can be a rough sport. Whether you are on the field or a goalie, there is always a chance that you may get a bit roughed up. It is extremely important not to skip on the body protection. Be sure to get a helmet for your head and the standard pad protectors for your body. There are pads available for your legs, arms, elbows, and feet.
Carry On
Of course, when all is said and done, you will need a way to carry all of this gear. This is probably the easiest thing you will have to pick out. All you really have to do is grab all your gear, go to your local sports shop, and make sure everything can fit in your chosen sports bag.
Be sure to also see that the bag is sturdy enough to hold all of that gear. You don’t want any wear on the bag early on in the season. Then you would already have to buy another one.
SHIRLEY says
These are great tips for buying accessories for field hockey
Darlene Schuller says
what a great list thank you!! I’ve never really cared for that game, I got more injured w/them dang sticks then times I actually made contact lol
Florence Cochrane says
Great tips for protecting oneself when playing field hockey. Most sports are rough.
Shirley OFlynn says
Great information on accessories to buy in order to stay protected when playing field hockey.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
Boy this takes me back many, many years to when I was about 14/15 and used to play field hockey for my school. Lots of good tips here for new players, protection is the A & O of playing the game to my mind.
Janet M says
Thank you for all the great tips. The gear is so important.
HEIDI C. says
Field hockey is very popular in our province. I have been trying to encourage my girls to try it out.
Debbie White Beattie says
Great tips especially for safety because I know that field hockey is just as aggressive as ice hockey
kathy downey says
Great tips for when playing field hockey.
Peter H says
Thanks for the tips.
Judy Cowan says
Great tips for anyone into this sport, thanks for sharing.
Cheryl Grandy says
Safety equipment in any sport is important. Thanks for the information on field hockey protection.
Krista M says
It’s been MANY years since I played field hockey! My kids aren’t involved in that sport but safety tips are important in all sports. I never knew anything about the different types of eye protection before!
Lushka Smith says
Thanks for the tips. I used to play field hockey eons ago, not much safety equipment back then.
nicky says
Good info to know! Thanks for the advice.
nicolthepickle says
I’m not familiar with what field hockey requires, but I can see getting good googles would be so important.