USA Field Hockey to Focus on 11-a-Side & Indoor

USA Field Hockey has made the strategic decision to concentrate efforts and resources on 11-a-side, the primary format of the sport, and the continued growth of the indoor game, electing not to participate in Hockey5 programming at this time. The 11-a-side discipline remains the dominant format played at the middle school, high school, club, collegiate and international levels, while indoor continues to thrive domestically and internationally. 

As part of the shift in focus, USA Field Hockey will not compete internationally in the Hockey5s discipline and does not plan to host or sanction regional or national Hockey5s tournaments in the near future.

“Prioritization is essential to delivering long-term success,” said Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s CEO. “After reviewing the full scope of our programming, we determined that narrowing our focus best serves our U.S. National Teams and the sport. The 11-a-side game is clearly the most important format at every level, and the indoor game continues to see tremendous growth which can be seen in the USA’s recent performances, record number of indoor players and record team entries at the National Indoor Tournament.”

USA Field Hockey recognizes the important role small-sided games play across all sports, particularly in introducing new individuals to the game and in supporting skill development, practice efficiency, and game-based learning. USA Field Hockey will continue to provide resources for those interested in playing, coaching and umpiring Hockey5s as an exciting and fun small-sided format for development, training and competition.

Moving forward, for outdoor small-sided play, USA Field Hockey will continue to offer 7v7 formats. The 7v7 competition format is widely recognized and aligns well with existing club and school programming across the country.

Does this mean USA Field Hockey will not have teams competing in the next cycle of Hockey5s Pan American Cup and/or FIH Hockey 5s World Cup?

Correct, USA Field Hockey will not have teams compete at either event in the next cycle.

Will USA Field Hockey Umpires and Technical Officials still be eligible for the Hockey5s Pan American Cup and/or FIH Hockey 5s World Cup?

Yes, those umpires and technical officials who are integrated to the FIH international panel for Hockey5s are still eligible for those events.

Can I still organize Hockey5s in my community? 

Yes, clubs and teams can still organize their own Hockey5s programming locally. Hockey5s is exciting and fun, with or without boards, and a great way to bring people together in the sport.

Will USA Field Hockey’s Sport Development Department still provide resources for Hockey5s?

Yes, although USA Field Hockey is not hosting Hockey5s programming and events, USA Field Hockey will still provide resources on its website for those interested in Hockey5s. This will include information for athletes, coaches, umpires, and fans.

Can I still get Hockey5s Boards in the United States?

Yes, USA Field Hockey has a strong relationship with FIKAGEAR, USA Field Hockey’s Official Sponsor of Hockey5s Boards and the leading manufacturer of top quality Hockey5s boards worldwide. For those who are handy, USA Field Hockey has a DIY Guide: How to Make Hockey5s  Boards.

Will there be Hockey5s at USA Field Hockey National events? 

No, USA Field Hockey will discontinue Hockey5s at events. USA Field Hockey will utilize the 7v7 competition format when offering small-sided formats at outdoor events.

Will USA Field Hockey still sanction national Hockey5s events?

No, USA Field Hockey will no longer sanction national Hockey5s events.

Will USA Field Hockey return to Hockey5s programming and events in the future?

At this time, USA Field Hockey’s focus is on 11-a-side and indoor, following the FIH’s Rules of Hockey. There is no timeline on whether the organization will return to international Hockey5s competitions and hosting and sanctioning national Hockey5s events.