So what are the origins of the game and how is it played today?

A Brief History

The Modern Game
The modern game of hockey evolved in England in the mid-18th century, primarily around schools.

1876 - the game was formalized in England

1887 - the first women's hockey club was founded in London

1908 - the first Olympic Hockey Competition for men was held in London with England, Ireland and Scotland competing separately. It was dropped from the Olympic programme in 1912 but reinstated at the games in 1920. However, as there was no International Federation for the sport it was again dropped in 1924 at the Paris games.

1924 - The International Federation of Hockey (FIH) was founded in Paris under the initiative of Frenchman, Paul Léautey, who became the first President of the FIH.

1927 - the International Federation of Women's Hockey Associations (IFWHA) was established

Since the 1930s the popularity of the sport has grown. It is played in most secondary schools in the UK and at national level in more than 120 countries around the world.

An International Sport
Although international tournaments for men have been held since the early 1900s, top-class international tournaments for women were first organised in the mid-1970s.

1974 - the Women's World Cup match was held in France

1975 - the Women's world championship was held in Scotland

1980 - Women's field hockey became part of the Olympic Games

1982 - the FIH (men's hockey) and IFWHA (women's hockey) came together to form the FIH. Today, the International Hockey Federation consists of five Continental associations - Europe, Oceania, Africa, Pan America and Asia - and around 120 country associations.

Field Hockey Today

The Field of Play

The playing area consists of a pitch and two goals.

Pitch
The pitch is rectangular playing area, on grass or an artificial surface, measuring 92m by 55m. The longer sides are called side-lines, the shorter sides are called back-lines. The back-line between the goal posts (one goal is placed centrally on each back-line) is known as the goal line.

Pitch markings include the centre line, two 23m lines (halfway between the centre line and each back-line), shooting circles (half circles around each goal) and a penalty spot (inside the shooting circle in front of goal).

Goals
There are goals at either end of the field, placed centrally on the goal line. Each goal is 3.66m wide. Goalposts, 2.13 metres high, are joined at the top by a crossbar. A net is attached to the crossbar, the goalposts, and the ground behind the goal.

Teams and Positions

Each team consists of 11 players, usually 5 forwards, 2 fullbacks, 3 halfbacks, and 1 goalkeeper, but the formation may be changed by the team captain. Up to five substitutes are allowed.

The team captain has a great deal of responsibility. He/she works with the team coach, if there is one, before and after the game but during the game, most of the decisions on the field are made by the captain.

Officials

Officials include two umpires and sometimes two timekeepers and two scorekeepers.

The game

The game is played with a hockey ball. Each player moves the ball around the field with a hockey stick and the object of the game is to score goals. The team with the most goals wins.

The game is divided into two halves of 35 minutes each. Teams change ends for the second half.

During the game, there are set pieces and moves. [See On the Field] Teams try different moves and tactics in an effort to score.

Scoring

A point is scored when a player hits the ball into the opponent's net from the striking circle - a semicircle zone in front of the goal Games are tied when both teams have the same score at the end of the game.

Competitive Hockey

Schools
You normally start to play hockey at secondary schools. Mini hockey or a seven-a-side game is a good introduction to the sport for young players. Players with potential at school-level may be sent for county or national trials. Trials are run by representatives from regional and national organisations.

Local clubs
Most clubs have junior and senior teams who play in competitive leagues. Again, potential players are sent for county or national trials. [See Information for links to some UK clubs]

National Teams and Competitions
International games for men and women have been held for many years. With the introduction of top-class tournaments for women in the 1970s, and the amalgamation of international organisations for men and women, the sport has grown in strength and popularity.

Major Tournaments include:

• The World Cup
• The Olympic Games
• Various continental cup competitions, e.g.. the Pan-American and European Cups

Governing Bodies
There are Associations for the game in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The FIH, the International Hockey Federation, is the international governing body for the sport.

[For addresses of governing bodies and associations see Information: Organisations]