Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated 5th August 2004
At Hockey Ballarat, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our members (present and future) needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, call us on 0407 338 508 or email admin(at)hockeyballarat.org.au.
When do you train?
For the latest information about training times can be found here. If these times are not possible we can usually suggest a reasonable alternative - please ask or send us an Email for further information.
When do you play?
Junior games are played Friday night and Saturday mornings.
Senior games are played occasionally on Friday nights but usually Saturdays from 2.00 (women's) and Sundays from 2.00 (men's).
Fixtures are available from the commencement of the season.
Where do you play?
All local competition games are played at Prince of Wales Park. For details as to how to get to Prince of Wales Park and it's facilities, please click here.
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How much does it cost to play hockey?
Playing hockey involves the following:
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Fees and Memberships (For details please click here)
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Equipment (Stick, shoes, Mouthguard)
- Uniform
Hockey Ballarat Recommends wearing of the appropriate Safety Equipment.
Can I "come and try"?
Yes, we welcome anyone to come along to training for "no charge" before they make a decision. You will need a mouth guard, but if necessary we can lend you a stick until you know hockey is for you. We would prefer that you not make a decision to play hockey until you know you will enjoy it.
Do you have a place for me?
Generally we have a place for one more if you join before the start of the season - we can always add another team before the season starts if we find we have extra players. Once the season starts it does become more difficult, but usually, with proper use of "interchange" we can manage to cope with a small number of new players joining during the season.
Can girls play hockey?
Yes, there are girls teams in the under 14 age group. Usually, we recommend (for the sake of their own long term development) that girls over the age of nine play in a girls team although girls do have the choice of playing in a boys team.
How old do you have to be to play hockey?
There are no age restrictions imposed by the Hockey Ballarat.
Junior competition commences at the under 14 age group with restrictions on the size of the field and the number of players.
Where do I buy the uniform?
Uniforms are to be purchased through a retail outlet, your school or from your club. For representative teams, uniforms will be provided by Hockey Ballarat.
Do juniors play seniors?
Yes. Hockey Ballarat attempts to encourage players to start playing in a senior team before they become too old to play juniors by referring them to a senior club for any junior wanting to also play seniors. History suggests that players who don't start playing seniors before they finish juniors are far less likely to continue with hockey.
Please send us an email if you are currently playing juniors, and would like to also play seniors. Positions do become available each week due to the unavailability of players through injury, or other reasons - if you are interested in "filling-in" on an as needed basis please let us know.
Do I have to be available every week?
No. The main point here is that you should let your team manager / coach know as soon as possible if you will be unavailable so that replacements can be organised.
Do you have a veterans team?
There is no veterans competition at this stage.
How can learn to be an umpire?
Umpiring junior games is the best place to start. If you are a senior player we will also pay your match fees. Further tuition can be organised once you have gained experience. Please send an email if you are interested.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes, there are many jobs depending on what interest you. If you are interested in being a volunteer you need to speak to someone on the committee or contact us by email.
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How do you tryout for representative teams?
Nomination forms are available from the canteen, or for state teams, see Hockey Victoria's website. Please also consult their calender to find out the closing dates for nominations.
Do you play in the rain or snow?
Yes. Usually we also train unless it is very heavy rain. However, games are stopped whenever lightning is close by.
Do you play in the school holidays?
Competition games are not played in the middle week of school holidays (government schools). There is also no local hockey on the "Queens Birthday" weekend (seniors or juniors) as this is traditionally Senior Country Championships. Please click here for your full fixtures.
Do you play hockey in the summer?
Yes, there is usually a Pre Christmas and Post Christmas hockey competition. All games are at Prince of Wales Park using modified rules, reduced field sizes, and reduced player numbers. Summer Junior hockey is a good time for new players to get started with hockey. Please return back to this website at that time for more details.
Can I play for more than one team?
Generally players can not play for more than one team in the same week of the competition. The rules do provide a limited number of exceptions. However, players are allowed to play with a different team in different rounds (senior competition rules again impose some limitations). They can also play for more than one team if they are in different competitions (Juniors, Men's, Women's). Players cannot play for more than one club in the same competition, but players can play for different clubs in different competitions.
How many people play hockey in Ballarat?
There are almost 20 teams playing at Hockey in Ballarat (plus local and school competitions.) This means that there are over 400 players registered to play hockey.
Do I have to pay extra for training?
No, your registration and match fees cover the cost of training and accident insurance.
Who do I tell if I can't play this week?
You should tell your team manager - tell your captain if you play in a senior team that has no team manager. Please give lots of warning if possible so we can organise a replacement.
Can girls play in a boys team?
Yes they can - ultimately the choice is theirs. However most experienced coaches believe that players should take the opportunity to play in a girls team before they become too old for juniors. Debate continues on the point of when should the switch be made.
Can I get extra coaching?
In the first instance you should speak to your coach as they will be able to offer some suggestions on some activities you can practice at home or on your own before training. If you feel you are ready for some more intensive sessions, and are willing to pay a little extra, please send us an email and we will organise for a suitable personal coach to contact you to talk further.
In addition, there are also various development squads for player such as Red Zone, Take it On and VicStix which you may be able to particpate in. Again, please contact us for more details.
Do you have a code of conduct?
Yes we have a code of conduct, please click here if you need a copy.
Coaching players in a game.
Hockey Ballarat encourages support but would prefer spectators to refrain from giving players instructions during a game as this is the coaches job. In any case, can you be sure your instructions are consistent with the instructions given by the coach.