Field Hockey – Demystifying that 'Strange' Sport

Field hockey is to New England fall sports as oboe is to orchestra — it looks kind of funny, and not many people know how to play it.

I love field hockey. I started playing in the second grade, and continued through middle school and into high school.  When college came, I took a sabbatical to pursue other things. Two years ago, I returned to the world of whistles, stop-and-go and short sticks when I returned to my high school to work as an assistant coach for two seasons. 

When the sweet smell of late summer grass scents the air and the green leaves start turning gold, I inevitably get that all-too-familiar urge to strap on some shin guards, mold a mouth guard and head onto the field. 

Since the sport is practically in my family's blood (my sister has continued her field hockey career into college), the confusion that surrounds it is simultaneously comical and a little bit frustrating.

"Hey, I know the rules to field hockey... The whistle has to blow every 20 seconds for no apparent reason," one friend said the other day.

"I asked Aubry if it's basically ice hockey but on a field. I guess it's actually different," quipped another.

Do I find this amusing? Yes. But I still find the mystery that surrounds the sport slightly maddening when I want to talk corners, strokes and slap shots in the same way the majority of the population talks touchdowns.

So this is my circle, where I'll bring you the latest on Salem's field hockey scene and tell you all-you-need-to-know about obstruction, 16-yard hits and scoops. You'll find annotated coverage — all-you-need-to-know with a few weekly footnotes on those pesky rules and funky looking plays.

The Salem Witches varsity, junior varsity and freshmen teams are prepped to take on other local high schools — varsity's first home game is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at Geswell Field — and the Salem State squad has a packed schedule through the fall, looking to improve on its 8-9 record from last year.

In short, there is a lot of field hockey, many flicks and reverse sticks that need a little bit more attention.

For those field hockey freaks out there like me, I encourage you to get in touch and share your pictures with me at aubry@patch.com.

See you on the field. Bring your kilt!