REGISTRATION & PROGRAMS
What age groups do you offer?
We offer programs for U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19 age divisions in Studio City, and U12, U14, U16, and U19 in Huntington Beach. All programs are open to all genders and welcome players of every skill level, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.
How do I register my child?
Registration details and forms are available through our club website (www.wcriptide.com). You can also contact us directly at wcriptide@gmail.com for assistance with the registration process.
What if my child has never played field hockey before?
Perfect! We welcome all experience levels and are excited to introduce new players to this amazing sport. Our coaches are skilled at working with beginners and will help your child learn the fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.
Can my child play up an age group?
Age group placement is typically based on birth year for competitive balance and safety. Contact us at wcriptide@gmail.com to discuss any special circumstances.
Do you offer prorated costs for the season?
Yes. If you sign up partially through the season, we can offer prorated costs. Please email wcriptide@gmail.com with questions.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we believe every child should have the opportunity to play. Please reach out to wcriptide@gmail.com to discuss scholarship opportunities and payment plans.
SCHEDULES & LOCATIONS
Where do you practice and play?
We’re based in Studio City and Huntington Beach and will provide specific field locations and addresses upon registration. All families will receive detailed directions and parking information.
What does the season schedule look like?
Our season typically consists of 14 practices per season, divided into four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. In Studio City, we currently offer sessions on Sundays from 9-11AM, and individuals from 11 AM- noon (right after the team practices). In HB we offer practices on Saturday mornings (time varies per season and will be communicated during registration).
What happens if practice is canceled due to weather?
We’ll notify families via email and any club communication platforms about weather-related cancellations. We will send these emails to all registered participants.
EQUIPMENT & GEAR
What should my child wear to the first session?
- Gym clothes or athletic wear
- Sneakers or turf shoes
- Shin guards (field hockey specific)
- Mouthguard (required for all sessions)
- Water bottle, sunscreen, and light snack
Where can I buy field hockey equipment?
You can find quality gear at:
- Amazon – Search “field hockey stick,” “field hockey shin guards,” etc.
- Longstreth – Field hockey specialist retailer
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Carries beginner starter packs
- Big 5 Sports – Good for basic protective gear
How do I choose the right stick size? (Stick Guide Here)
- Under 5’1″: Try a 34″–35″ stick
- 5’1″ and taller: We recommend starting with a 36.5″ stick
- For beginners, starter kits available on Amazon or at sporting goods stores are perfect
What type of shin guards do I need?
Field hockey shin guards are different from soccer shin guards! They must:
- Cover ankles and extend from foot to below the knee
- Have a hard shell design specifically made for field hockey
- Be worn with socks that completely cover the guards
What shoes should my child wear?
- Sneakers work fine on turf surfaces
- Turf shoes offer better grip and performance (Asics and Adidas make excellent options)
- Avoid metal cleats as they’re not permitted on most field surfaces
Are mouthguards really required?
Yes! Mouthguards are mandatory at every practice and game for safety. Basic boil-and-bite mouthguards are available at any sporting goods store or online.
FIELD HOCKEY 101: LEARNING RESOURCES
We’re brand new to field hockey—how can we learn more?
Field hockey is an exciting, fast-paced sport, and we’re here to guide you! Here are some excellent resources:
Instructional YouTube Channels:
- Vital Field Hockey for Beginners (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
- A Hockey World
- Field Hockey at Home Page
Full Games to Watch:
College Games (great skill level, easy to follow):
- NCAA YouTube has full games, watch here!
USA Field Hockey Games – Examples of local and international-level play
Social Media Accounts to Follow:
- Leap Hockey – Outstanding coaching tutorials and drills
- Dutch Field Hockey Drills – European-style training examples
- USA Field Hockey – Official national team content
Online Training Programs:
- Leap Hockey Online Programs
- 24/7 on-demand classes
- One-week free trial
- Beginner through advanced levels
- Perfect for supplementing club training
SAFETY & POLICIES
What safety measures do you have in place?
Player safety is our top priority. All coaches are trained in proper technique and safety protocols. Required protective equipment (shin guards and mouthguards) must be worn at all times during activities.
Do you have a concussion policy?
Yes, we follow current best practices for concussion recognition and management. Any player suspected of having a concussion will be removed from activity immediately and cannot return without proper medical clearance.
What’s your weather policy?
We monitor weather conditions closely and will cancel activities if conditions are unsafe. Families will be notified via email about any cancellations or schedule changes.
CLUB COMMUNICATION
How will I receive updates about schedules and club news?
We primarily communicate through email, so please ensure your contact information in LeagueApps is up to date.
What if I have questions during the season?
Our coaching staff and club administrators are always available to help. Don’t hesitate to approach coaches before or after practices, or email wcriptide@gmail.com anytime.
How can I get involved as a parent?
We currently do not need volunteers, but if we do in the future, we will reach out to all parents!
DEVELOPMENT & OPPORTUNITIES
Does the club offer advanced training opportunities?
Yes! We provide pathways for players who want to pursue field hockey at higher levels, including individuals, sending information about camps, clinics, and competitive opportunities.
Do you have teams that travel to tournaments?
We plan to open up these opportunities in 2026. Details about travel commitments will be communicated well in advance.
Can players participate in other sports while playing field hockey?
Absolutely! We encourage multi-sport participation as it contributes to overall athletic development. Please communicate any scheduling conflicts so we can work together to find solutions.
CONTACT & SUPPORT
Who do I contact for help?
Email us anytime at wcriptide@gmail.com for questions about:
- Registration and enrollment
- Equipment recommendations
- Financial assistance
- Schedule questions
- General club information
We’re here to support your family’s field hockey journey and make sure you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable experience!
What if my child wants to try field hockey but isn’t sure they’ll like it?
We offer a trial session for each player. Contact us to discuss options for your child to experience field hockey before making a full commitment.
Welcome to the exciting world of field hockey! We’re thrilled to have your family join our field hockey community and look forward to helping your child develop their skills, make new friends, and fall in love with this amazing sport.