FAQ's

1. WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Required Equipment

• ALL players MUST have a mouthguard AND shin guards – field hockey shin guards are recommended (soccer ones acceptable for younger players) or they will NOT be allowed to participate
• Field hockey loaner sticks and balls will be available for use, but we recommend players have their own stick
• Goalie equipment is available to use for interested youth players. High school goalies should bring their own gear (get permission from your school)
• Running shoes, turf shoes or cleats are acceptable footwear (note some tournaments do not allow cleats due to their type of turf)
• Please bring plenty of water and a snack

*If interested in purchasing your own gear, please check out our field hockey equipment page for recommendations.

2. MY CHILD HAS NEVER PLAYED FIELD HOCKEY. CAN WE COME TO A TRIAL PRACTICE BEFORE SIGNING UP?

Yes - If you're unsure if your child will like field hockey, email us about trying a practice (even if the season has started). You can also come to our first or second fall or spring season practice to try it out and register after (please bring mouthguard and shin guards). We are more than happy to work with you!

3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY SESSIONS?

We offer both weekend and weekday field hockey. Our Saturday fall practices and Sunday spring practices are the foundation of our club program. The weekend session is where players practice with their teams. We focus on game play, scrimmages and more group skills / competitions. Weekdays sessions are smaller and focused on mastering individual skill development - we intentionally work with each player to help grow their game. We see weekday sessions are a supplement to our weekend team practices, however, if you can only do a weekday time slot, please join us!

4. IS PRACTICE CANCELED IF IT'S RAINING? HOW DO YOU NOTIFY US?

Sessions are rain or shine! In the case of severe weather, we will cancel practices and try to reschedule a makeup session. We will send an email no later than an hour before a scheduled practice if it is canceled, including morning sessions. No refunds for canceled practices.

5. DO YOU OFFER REFUNDS OR PRORATE IF WE CAN'T MAKE ALL THE PRACTICES? 

We love when kids play multiple sports. If your child loves field hockey, but can't make all the practice dates (e.g., you've committed to soccer or lacrosse and can only make 5 practices), please email us BEFORE you register and we can give you a promo code to use. NO refunds for missed practices or tournaments once the season has started. Do not register and then ask for a pro-rated refund as this impacts operations.

6. DO I NEED A USA FIELD HOCKEY MEMBERSHIP?

YES - All players must be members of the USA Field Hockey Association in order to participate in practices and non-USFHA sponsored local tournaments. You may either purchase a USA Field Hockey Membership directly from the USFHA (select "Golden Gate Rippers" as your club affiliation). Or you may purchase your annual USFHA membership through Rippers for $10 during registration through the USFHA club support program. Memberships last for one year. 

7. DO I NEED TO SIGN WAIVERS IF I'M JUST DOING A TRIAL PRACTICE?

All players, including those registering for a Trial Practice, are required to sign waiver & liability forms, medical release, etc. before you can play in practice or games. Waivers are filled out electronically during registration.  

Other questions? Contact us at FH@goldengaterippers.com