Field Hockey
Outdoor intramural field hockey program for grades 1 to 11
About the Program
WRA Field Hockey is a developmental program for non-varsity players that provides an introduction to the sport, giving players a chance to learn the fundamentals and rules of the game.
Our coaching philosophy is to teach the game of field hockey in a fun environment and to work on child development in sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork and competition.
Play begins in March and ends prior to Memorial Day weekend.
Spring Divisions
WRA Field Hockey offers four divisions to accommodate grades 1 to 11. In all divisions, players will need a hockey stick, shin guards, and a mouth guard. All practices and games are held at Centre Square Park in Blue Bell.
INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION
Designed for 1st and 2nd graders, our instructional division plays on Sundays (from 11:30am to 12:45pm) and teaches players the basic fundamentals of field hockey, from how to hold the stick to dribbling and passing skills. Fun situation games are used to give the players a feel for teamwork before graduating to actual full games. Our season concludes with a round-robin tournament where all participants receive medals.
JUNIOR DIVISION
Designed for 3rd and 4th graders, our junior division continues to focus on skill development, with most children typically beginning their field hockey journey in this division. Teams practice once a week and play one game on Sunday. Games follow a 6v6 format and utilize a scaled down field (35yds x 60yds). Scores and records are not kept. The season concludes with a tournament where teams compete for medals.
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
Designed for 5th and 6th graders, our intermediate division focuses on the fundamentals of the game. Teams practice once a week and play one game on Sunday. Games follow a 6v6 format and utilize a scaled down field (35yds x 60yds). Scores and records are not kept. The season concludes with a tournament where teams compete for medals.
SENIOR DIVISION
Designed for 7th to 11th graders (non-varsity only), our senior division blends an even mix of grades across all teams. Teams practice once a week and play one game on Sunday. Games follow a 10v10 format and utilize a full-sized field. Goalies are not used. Instead, the goal line is partially blocked by an obstacle to replicate a goalie. Rosters are made up of an even mix of 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders (only non-varsity 10th and 11th grade players). All teams play 7 games with scores and records tracked to determine seeding for an end-of-season tournament.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our program is managed and coached by volunteers. The more volunteers, the better the program runs! To learn more about the opportunities available each season, see below.
ADULT VOLUNTEERS
All volunteer coaches and assistant coaches age 18 or older must submit background clearances prior to the start of the season. Coach responsibilities include:
- One practice and one game per week
- Communicating with your team regularly
- Working with division coaches and commissioner
- Submitting scores on Sundays (senior division only)
- Being a positive role model for players and parents
MINOR/STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
All volunteer coaches and assistant coaches who are minors and/or students must, together with his/her parent/guardian, complete and submit to the appropriate Division Commissioner the Parent or Guardian Attestation for Minor/Student Volunteers. If there is an issue that you need to disclose regarding your minor/student child, please contact Field Hockey Chairperson to discuss. A decision will be made on an individual basis whether to allow a student to volunteer based on the nature of the infraction and/or the amount of time since the infraction occurred.
HOCKEY OFFICIALS
WRA Field Hockey trains high school students to officiate junior and intermediate games, as well as instructional tournament games. Students interested must at least be in 9th grade and must attend the scheduled training session(s) and the scrimmage day in order to be placed on the roster of active officials. For more information, contact Rich Fry.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow our association on Facebook, as well as our individual sports programs on Instagram.
NEED SOME HELP?
Choose a support topic below or explore our FAQs for broader assistance.
CONTACT US
For general information about the Whitpain Recreation Association and its youth sports programs, email us at info@playwra.com or use the contact form below.
©2022 Whitpain Recreation Association. Address: P.O. Box 64, Blue Bell, PA 19422