Why hockey?
- Its fun! and as a non-contact sport, players can focus on building their skills without having to worry about being checked or hit by another player.
- Socialisation...if you want a social sport where your kid can make friends, field hockey’s team environment is ideal for creating long-lasting friendships.
- Learning new things...field hockey can be as easy or as challenging as you want it to be. There's always something new to learn or to improve on so you can challenge yourself and be very proud of your achievements.
- Team spirit...hockey games have a great sideline environment where even families from other teams get to know each other. Parents watching their kids play (or kids watching their parents play!) are, on the most part, very encouraging and are only in it for the kids (and parents!) to have a good time.
Who Do I Contact If I Have An ISsue?
General issues can be raised with any of our committee members (found on our 'contact us' page), or with Hockey NSW directly by visiting their website: https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/info-hub/member-protection/
Which age DIVISION WILL I PLAY IN?
Age groups are based on the age the player is on 31 Dec of the current year:
U7 - aged 5, 6 or 7 on 31st Dec
U9 - aged 8 or 9 on 31st Dec
U11 - aged 10 or 11 on 31st Dec
U13 - aged 12 or 13 on 31st Dec
U15 - aged 14 or 15 on 31st Dec
U17 - aged 16 or 17 on 31st Dec
Mens/Womens - aged 18 or over on 31st Dec
U7 - aged 5, 6 or 7 on 31st Dec
U9 - aged 8 or 9 on 31st Dec
U11 - aged 10 or 11 on 31st Dec
U13 - aged 12 or 13 on 31st Dec
U15 - aged 14 or 15 on 31st Dec
U17 - aged 16 or 17 on 31st Dec
Mens/Womens - aged 18 or over on 31st Dec
What Equipment Do I need and WHERE can I get it?
Basic equipment consists of a hockey stick, a hockey ball, shinguards and a mouthguard. We have some sticks/balls that we can lend you to try on your first few nights.
What is the uniform?
U7 - U17
Club shorts, socks and shirts.
Men and Women
Black shorts, skorts or leggings. Club socks and shirt.
Club shorts, socks and shirts.
Men and Women
Black shorts, skorts or leggings. Club socks and shirt.
Should i use a dentist Moulded mouthgard?
YES! Having a mouthguard that is constructed and fitted by a dental professional undoubtedly provides the best protection for your teeth. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and makes a plaster model to get the perfect fit. These mouthguards provide the best protection due to their close fit (you can still talk while it’s in), comfort and cushioning (shock absorption) effect. They can be the most expensive option. However, the cost of an injury to the teeth or jaw will be a lot more expensive. Check with your health insurance provider as most will provide free custom made mouthguards twice a year. We have found that most kids will just “chew” on the “boil & bite” style mouthguard as they never fit properly and when kids do this they are getting no protection whatsoever!
Do i need special shoes to play hockey?
If you are just starting out then normal sneakers are fine. Once you get more into the game you may want to purchase special hockey turf shoes which have small cleats on the bottom of them which stop you slipping around as much.
What do my registration fees cover?
Your registration fees cover the following:
- Baulkham Hills Hockey Club fees which include competition fees, turf hire fees for competitions and training, umpiring fees and equipment upkeep fees
- Hockey Australia & Hockey NSW fees which cover public liability and basic player insurance
- North West Sydney Hockey Association fees
Can i join once a season has started?
Yes! We can usually fit an extra player in so please contact us to find out.
Can my child try hockey before committing to play?
Absolutely! We usually run a few pre-season hockey nights that will take your child through some of the basic skills of hockey. During other times, you are welcome to join us for Tuesday night training at Pennant Hills. Please contact us to arrange a time.
Am i covered by insurance while playing for BHHC?
Yes. Once you become a member of Hockey NSW you are covered with Personal Accident Insurance and Public Liability Insurance. For more information please visit https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/associations/insurance-intro/
What grades are available?
In the junior competition we enter one or more team in each age group. In each age group except for U7s and U9s there are teams ranging from A grade to C grade. The grade we enter each team will depend on the players skills.
For the mens competition we enter 2-3 teams in the Sydney Hockey Association competition. At the moment they are in one of the SL3 - SL7 grades.
Women play in the Sydney North Women’s Hockey Competition (now run by North West Sydney Hockey Association) and usually have 2-3 teams in C and D divisions (possibly B division, depending on registrations).
For the mens competition we enter 2-3 teams in the Sydney Hockey Association competition. At the moment they are in one of the SL3 - SL7 grades.
Women play in the Sydney North Women’s Hockey Competition (now run by North West Sydney Hockey Association) and usually have 2-3 teams in C and D divisions (possibly B division, depending on registrations).
DO Boys and girls play in the same team?
Yes, teams from U7-U17 are mixed. When you join the senior teams, men and women play separately.
Can I play in both juniors and seniors?
Yes, although there are a couple of conditions. Girls will need to be at least 13 and boys will need to at least 15 on 31 Dec of the current year and it will also be at the club's discretion to allow you to play on the senior teams. Please speak to one of the committee members or your coach or team manager and they will be able to give you more information.
Do all age groups play on a full sized field?
No, the field sizes vary.
U7s play on an eighth of a field
U9s play on a quarter field
U11s play on a half field
U13s - U17s and Seniors play on a full field
U7s play on an eighth of a field
U9s play on a quarter field
U11s play on a half field
U13s - U17s and Seniors play on a full field
What Rep Opportunities Are Available?
Hockey provides quite a few representative opportunities. Each season junior players can try out for North West Sydney Hockey Association teams. There are also primary school and high school representative teams which are organised through your school. A few other groups organise teams as well. We try to let you know about all try outs through the year.
Can i play hockey outside the regular season?
Yes. There's a couple of options for playing hockey outside of the regular season; Indoor Hockey and Social Hockey.
Indoor hockey runs throughout Term 4. This is played on basketball courts and is a slightly different game. For more information go here. Depending on the number of players interested, our club trys to enter teams in all age groups.
There is also a fun, social hockey competition held at Pennant Hills that runs on a weeknight during Term 4. This lets families and friends play together and is held on a half-field, 6-a-side with no goalies. We usually have several teams entered in this fun competition.
Indoor hockey runs throughout Term 4. This is played on basketball courts and is a slightly different game. For more information go here. Depending on the number of players interested, our club trys to enter teams in all age groups.
There is also a fun, social hockey competition held at Pennant Hills that runs on a weeknight during Term 4. This lets families and friends play together and is held on a half-field, 6-a-side with no goalies. We usually have several teams entered in this fun competition.
How long is a game of hockey?
U7 & U9 games go for 15 minutes each half with a 5 minute half time.
U11-U17 games go for 25-30 minutes each half with a 5 minute half time break.
Mens and womens games go for 35 minute halves with a 5 minute break, or 17 minute quarters with two 2 minute quarter breaks and a 5 minute half time break.
U11-U17 games go for 25-30 minutes each half with a 5 minute half time break.
Mens and womens games go for 35 minute halves with a 5 minute break, or 17 minute quarters with two 2 minute quarter breaks and a 5 minute half time break.
Why is the hockey ball so hard?
Hockey balls are made of hard plastic, which makes for smoother manoeuvring over AstroTurf and grass alike. Balls with indentations have become popular as they allow for the ball to travel at consistent speeds over wet surfaces.
Do all age groups play with the same ball?
Not any more. Usually the U7s and U9s play with a slightly smaller ball, but as of 2017 the U7s, U9s and U11s will play with a new ball called a “joey ball’. It is slightly softer and smaller than a regular hockey ball.
Is hockey played in the rain?
Yes, it certainly is! As the fields are wet anyway the rain doesn’t stop the game. It is only if there is lightning around or terential rain that games get cancelled.
There's a storm. How do i know if my game is on?
If you haven’t heard anything from your team manager please assume your game is on. If you really want to contact someone, your team manager is the best person. You will get sent their details once you get allocated to a team at the start of the season.
I can't make my game. What should i do?
You need to let your team manager know ASAP so they can organise a fill in player if needed. Your team managers details will get sent to you once teams are organised at the start of the season.
How can i get involved with the club?
Our clubs thrives on the efforts of volunteers. There's a few ways you can get involved.
Volunteer at fundraising events
We occasionally do fundraising events like Bunnings barbecues and for these we need volunteers and people to organise and run events. Keep an eye on the website and facebook for opportunities to get involved.
Coach a team
We have a great group of coaches. We often have need of new parents getting involved with coaching their child's team, particularly in the younger divisions.
Manage a team
Team managers handle the paperwork, sort out replacements for absent players and work with the coach to coordinate subs. For junior teams, this is usually a parent of someone in the team.
Train as an umpire
Did you know our umpires get paid per game once they are trained and certified? If you are about 12 or over you can start training by ‘shadowing’ existing umpires at games. Please contact our Umpire Coordinator for more information at [email protected]
Volunteer for a committee role
Each year at our annual general meeting, we call for people to fill vacant committee positions. There's usually a few up for grabs, so be there to get involved!
Volunteer at fundraising events
We occasionally do fundraising events like Bunnings barbecues and for these we need volunteers and people to organise and run events. Keep an eye on the website and facebook for opportunities to get involved.
Coach a team
We have a great group of coaches. We often have need of new parents getting involved with coaching their child's team, particularly in the younger divisions.
Manage a team
Team managers handle the paperwork, sort out replacements for absent players and work with the coach to coordinate subs. For junior teams, this is usually a parent of someone in the team.
Train as an umpire
Did you know our umpires get paid per game once they are trained and certified? If you are about 12 or over you can start training by ‘shadowing’ existing umpires at games. Please contact our Umpire Coordinator for more information at [email protected]
Volunteer for a committee role
Each year at our annual general meeting, we call for people to fill vacant committee positions. There's usually a few up for grabs, so be there to get involved!
Can i just play a couple of games a season?
Juniors really need to commit to a full season as we can only put so many players in a team. There will only be about 4 or 5 subs so most of the team will need to show up at each game. We understand if you have the odd weekend off.
Mens and womens teams will have a few extras on the team to start with so it’s most likely possible to put your name on the team list as long as you let us know in advance that you will only be participating in a few games throughout the season. All of our senior teams use a roster so that the manager is aware in advance of numbers. Please note that you will need to play in a minimum number of games (about six) to be able to play in the final series if your team makes it through. Please contact us to ask about payment options for this scenario.
Mens and womens teams will have a few extras on the team to start with so it’s most likely possible to put your name on the team list as long as you let us know in advance that you will only be participating in a few games throughout the season. All of our senior teams use a roster so that the manager is aware in advance of numbers. Please note that you will need to play in a minimum number of games (about six) to be able to play in the final series if your team makes it through. Please contact us to ask about payment options for this scenario.
Will I get to have a turn as a goalie?
U7s and U9s have no goalie so if you are in these age groups then no.
All other age groups have a goalie. Usually in the U11s age group the role of goalie is rostered on to give everyone a couple of turns during the season. By the time you reach the U13s there is usually one person that loves it and only wants to play as a goalie but if there is a new player that wants a turn please ask your team coach or manager and talk to them about giving it a go at training.
All other age groups have a goalie. Usually in the U11s age group the role of goalie is rostered on to give everyone a couple of turns during the season. By the time you reach the U13s there is usually one person that loves it and only wants to play as a goalie but if there is a new player that wants a turn please ask your team coach or manager and talk to them about giving it a go at training.
