For under 11 and over divisions the short answer is no. There must be a very good reason for a player to play "down"

For under 8 and under 10 the answer is ‘maybe.'

It will depend on the number of players in the younger age group and if the the older player can be accomadated. 

Age divisions are divided by Calendar Year. For the 2009 Spring League season:

GIRLS

Girls born in 2001 are in the U8 division

Girls born in 2000 are in the U9 division

Girls born in 1999 are in the U10 division

Girls born in 1998 are in the U11 division

Girls born in 1997 are in the U12 division

Girls born in 1996 are in the U13 division

Girls born in 1995 are in the U14 division

Girls born in 1994 are in the U15 division

Girls born in 1993 are in the U16 division

Girls born in 1992 are in the U17 division

Girls born in 1991 are in the U18 division

BOYS

Boys born in 2001 are in the U8 division

Boys born in 2000 are in the U9 division

Boys born in 1999 are in the U10 division

Boys born in 1998 and 1997 are in the U12 division

Boys born in 1996 and 1995 are in the U14 division

Boys born in 1994 and 1993 are in the U16 division

Boys born in 1992 and 1991 are in the U18 division

Probably not; but it will depend on the number of players in the older age group, the skill level of the player and the agreement of the coach. 

Phone the Hawks office at 604-261-1243 or contact the office.

The 2009 season runs from the week of March 30 (first week of practices), with the first games on April 17/18th,  (U18 age starts April 3rd/4th).  There are no games on the Easter week-end  (April 10th-13th) or the Victoria Day week-end (May 16-18th).

There is usually an age group Festival or Tournament on one weekend in May or June (Dates TBC). League games end June 27th/28th.

The under 10's start Monday April 6th for girls and Wednesday April 8th  for boys.

Girls: 

Under 11, 12, 13, 14 usually Saturdays.
Under 15, 16 and Under 18 Girls usually have Sunday games. 

Away games days vary, depending on the turf availability of the away team.  Your manager will give you the schedule.                                                       

Under 8/9/10 Girls play Monday evenings for one hour, either 5:30-6:45 or 6.45-8:00pm - The sessions include a practice and a mini-game. Eric Hamber.

Boys:                                                                                                                                                        

Under 12 and 16 usually Saturdays.                                                                                                                  

Under 14 and 18 usually Sundays.

Away games days vary, depending on the turf availliblty of the away team.  Your manager will give you the schedule.

Under 8/9/10 Boys play Wednesday evenings for one hour, either 5:30-6:45 or 6.45-8:00pm - The sessions include a practice and a mini-game. Eric Hamber.

Girls: All U8-12 games are at Eric Hamber (35th and Oak).

For all other age groups, The Hawks Club home fields are Wright Field, (UBC campus), Eric Hamber, Crofton and Point Grey High School.

Away games can be in Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, West Vancouver, Delta or Surrey.

Boys: All U8-12 games are at Eric Hamber (35th and Oak).

For all other age groups, The Hawks Club home fields are Wright Field, (UBC campus), Eric Hamber and Point Grey High School.

Away games can be in Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, West Vancouver, Delta or Surrey.

Please check our link "Field locations" for details.

Sticks, mouth guards and shin guards will be available for purchase online during the registration process.  They will be delivered at the field during the first week of practice. 

You can also purchase sticks, shin guards and mouth guards from Total Field Hockey , Rackets and Runners (23rd and Oak- there is a 10% discount for Hawks members) and AKPro at 7220 Main Street or (gives a 15% discount for Hawks members).

Mouth guards, shoes and shin guards can be purchased at most quality sporting goods stores before the season.  Rackets and Runners, AKPro, Sports Exchange or Gmax Sports (Waterloo and Broadway) bring in stock for the field hockey season. It is highly recommended that  players purchase mouth guards before the season, so that the guards can be molded in time for the first practice.

If you need help deciding what equipment you need for your player please look at FAQ's under "What equipment do I need to play...".

We also have a "for sale" and a "for swap" section for used sticks and equipment on our web site.

A stick should be on the short side rather than on the long size. It is better field hockey development if the player has to squat using their legs with a short stick, than cheat by leaning out with their back with a too long stick. The stick should go up to about the player's hip bone. There is about a 2 inch leeway on either side. It is a matter of preference.

It is not neccessary to purchase a composite stick for your U10 or younger player. They are expensive and not neccessary at the develpment stage

Your player will need 4 important pieces of equipment to play Spring League Field Hockey.

1.  Good quality running shoes/turf boots NO CLEATS

2.  Shinpads - soccer shinpads are fine. 

3.  Mouthguard - standard plastic sports mouthguards can be purchased at many sports stores (Look under FAQ's under "Where can I get equipment").They can also be purchased online through our registration.  To mold the mouthguard to the shape of your mouth so it is more comfortable, place it in boiling water for about a minute, then take it out and hold it in your mouth for a minute.

4.  Field Hockey stick. See FAQ "How do I measure a stick?" if you are unsure what size your player needs. To find our where to buy a new stick look under "Where can I get equipment" to find out where you can purchase a stick. They can also be purchased online through our registration.

We also have a "for sale" and a "for swap" section for used sticks and equipment on our web site.

Your player will need 4 pieces of equipment to play Field Hockey.

1.  Good quality running shoes/turf boots NO CLEATS

2.  Shinpads - soccer shinpads are fine but after U12 it is recommended to purchase Field Hockey only shin guards.

3.  Mouthguard - standard plastic sports mouthguards can be purchased at many sports stores (Look under "Where can I get equipment" for stores.).They can also be purchased online through our registration.  To mold the mouthguard to the shape of your mouth so it is more comfortable, place it in boiling water for about a minute. Then take it out and hold it in your mouth for a minute. Mouth guards suitable for players with braces can be purchased at Rackets and Runners. Lastly, for the best fit, your dentist can fit custom made mouth guards. They usually cost $100-$150.

4.  Field Hockey stick. See FAQ "How do I measure a stick?" and "Where can I get equipment" for best fit and store locations.

You can also look at our "for sale" or "for swap" section of our web site to purchase used equipment.

Girls: All U8-12 practices are at Eric Hamber (35th and Oak).

U8-10 Girls practice on Mondays from 5:30-6:45 (for U8 and U9) and 6:45-8:00pm (for U9 and U10).

U11-U12 Girls practice on Tuesdays OR Thursdays from 5-6:30. The day of practice will depend on the coach. If your child has a conflict on one of the practice days please make a note of it on our registration under "my child wishes to play with..."

U13-U18 Practice location and time will depend on the coach. We have 3 possible locations. Wright Field, (UBC campus), Eric Hamber, or Point Grey High School.

Boys: All U8-10 practices are at Eric Hamber (35th and Oak).

U8-10 Boys practice on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 (for U8 and U9) and 6:45-8:00pm (for U9 and U10).

U12-U18 Boys practice location and time will depend on the coach. We have 3 possible locations. Wright Field, (UBC campus), Eric Hamber, or Point Grey High School.

There is no provision for a discount at this time.

Although, there are certain volunteer jobs that will pay a small honourium. We also offer bursaries and we can direct you on how to apply for a Kidsport Grant.

Our Registration is online only. For the 2009 Spring Season registration will open on November 1st, 2008. There is an early bird discount if you register early. There are late penalties if you register late and spots on a team are not guaranteed. Cheques and credit card payment will be accepted.  Players are not completely registered until payment is received. 

You will have to purchase or renew your player's Field Hockey Memberhip for the 2008/2009 season. FHBC memberships are valid for one year from September 1st - August 31st.  You will be linked to the online FHBC membership through our registration process. Your Hawks membership will not be complete until you have a valid FHBC membership. More information about the FHBC membership can be found at Field Hockey BC. You can call the office at 604-261-1243 or e-mail

Players aged U8-U12 do not wear skirts. Players at this age level should have a pair of black or dark shorts for games.

Skirts are only required for U15/16/17 and 18 age groups. You must purchase your skirt and it will belong to you for the duration of your playing time with the Hawks Club, both in the junior and senior leagues
Skirts cost $40 each and will be available for purchase from the team manager or online during your regsitration. Online purchases will be delivered at your first practice.  
U13 and U14 girls do not need to purchase skirts.  Skirts will be loaned to the U13 and U14 girls.  A $50 postdated cheque will be collected by your manager and will be held until you return the skirt.

 

FOR GIRLS:    Players in the U8/9/10/11 and 12 (born in 2001-1997) divisions wear t-shirts, socks and shorts. T-shirts and socks are included in their fees and will be handed out at the first practice.  All players require dark or black shorts of their own.

Girls in the U13 and U14 ( born in 1995-1996) divsions wear t-shirt, socks and skirt. T-shirt and socks are included with the fees and will be handed out at the first practice.  Skirts are loaned for the season. A post dated cheque  for $50 (made out the Hawks FHC fpr July 1st 2009 must be given to the manager on the first practice for the skirt.

Girls in the U15/16/17 and 18 (born in 1994-1991) divisions wear shirts, black skirt and socks. Socks are included with the fees. Skirts  need to be purchased through the team manager or online during our registration, the cost is $40. A shirt will be given to the player for the duration of the season.  A post dated cheque for $50 (made out to Hawks FHC for July 1st 2009) must be given to the manager on the first practice for the shirt.

For skirt requirements please see the FAQ "Does my daughter need a skirt?"

FOR BOYS:    Players in the U8/9/10/11/12 and 14 divisions (born in 2001-1995) have their uniforms included in their fees.  Uniforms are t-shirts and socks and will be handed out at the first practice.  All players require black shorts of their own.  

Boys playing in the U16 and U18 (born 1994-1991) divisions wear a white Adidas shirt  from the previous season. All players require black shorts of their own. Socks are included in the fees. New players to the club or the U16 age division can purchase the shirts through the team manager for or online during our regsitration for $40.00. Shorts are also available for $25 but not required if you already own a pair.