Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know about field hockey sticks?

There are differences between indoor and outdoor field hockey sticks. Stampede’s fall programs use outdoor sticks. This useful guide will help you choose a field hockey stick for your player. There is no need to purchase a brand new stick—a used stick in decent condition will serve your player well.

Do players need cleats?

Practices and games are played on artificial turf or Bermuda grass. Stampede prioritizes artificial turf field requests for all practices and home games, but this is not guaranteed. As such, players should be prepared to play on either surface. We recommend a comfortable pair of either turf shoes or cleats depending on the player’s preference.

Who is coaching my child?

All of our coaches are volunteers. Stampede is committed to helping new coaches learn the game of field hockey and improve their coaching techniques. While many of our volunteers have played or coached field hockey in the past, no previous coaching experience is required to volunteer. Stampede leadership will provide resources for coaches looking to expand their knowledge of the game.

Volunteers approved to coach for Stampede must undergo and pass an annual criminal background check. Stampede coordinates background checks through an approved vendor and pays the cost for all background checks. Additional trainings may also be required.

What is the inclement weather policy?

Stampede practices and games are not cancelled for rain or snow. However, if thunder is heard or lightning is seen at any time during a practice or game, all activities will be suspended immediately and all players and coaches must immediately seek shelter. Stampede leadership will do our best to reschedule games impacted by thunder or lightning, but cannot guarantee a make-up date.

Certain parks or fields may be closed by the operator based on the weather. Your coach will let you know if there is a field status change.

How do I register my player?

Click the purple “Register” button on the website, then select the appropriate program (K-2 Clinic or 3rd-8th Grade Rec League). Complete a registration form for each player in your family and add it to your Shopping Cart. Please see FAQs about sibling discounts for 3rd-8th grade rec league. Once all registrations are in your cart, click on the Shopping Cart logo to checkout. Once you have successfully checked out, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the address you provide on the checkout screen.

Are there any discounts available?

Families who register multiple siblings for the 3rd-8th Grade Rec League are eligible for a reduced registration fee for the younger sibling(s). The oldest player should be registered as “Oldest / Only Child” and each subsequent player as “Additional Sibling.” The discount is automatically reflected in the “Additional Sibling” registration price. No sibling discount is available for the K-2nd Grade Clinic. Stampede is committed to making field hockey accessible to all players regardless of family financial need. Contact Stampede for assistance.

What is Stampede’s refund policy?

Registration fees are immediately put to use by the organization to reserve fields for practices and games, purchase equipment and uniforms, and satisfy other costs incurred in running the program. However, if a player must withdraw from a Stampede program, a partial refund may be issued, provided the refund is requested prior to July 15th. Registrants who withdraw prior to July 15 will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be processed after July 15th.

If the season is interrupted due to any circumstances beyond Stampede’s control, Stampede will determine whether, if, and how a pro-rated refund or credit can be issued, but no such refund or credit is guaranteed.

What is Stampede’s Code of Conduct Policy?

Howard Stampede believes in a players-first approach for our programs and events. We strive to create safe and positive environments in which learning and developing in a way that is fun and engages our youth players is more important than the outcome. We expect parents, coaches, and fans to understand that developing youth as players and people is an important job requiring adults to act as positive role models. We also expect players to treat each other and all coaches, officials, and event organizers with respect. The #1 reason a child chooses to play a sport, and will continue to play throughout their lives, is because it's FUN.

Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in dismissal from the program without refund. Parents/guardians that register their player(s) must sign and abide by the following:

General Behavior:

• Alcohol and Drug Use: There will be no possession or use of alcoholic beverages at an event site by anyone under the legal drinking age; or anyone, regardless of age, if prohibited by the event venue. There will be no possession or use of any illegal substances.

• Discrimination of any kind including based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability will NOT be tolerated.

• Sportsmanship and Fair Play: In all practices, games, and Stampede sponsored events, players are expected to perform to the best of their ability, within the context of specific rules of field hockey. Sportsmanship and fair play to teammates, opponents, coaches and umpires should be in the forefront of a team’s basic philosophy and attitude.

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, including but not limited to:

• Any act considered to be an offense under federal, state, local and MYFHL laws and rules.

• Vandalism, damaging of property, unauthorized use of equipment or property, or theft.

• Inappropriate horseplay or other misbehavior which physically endangers any person or property.

• Verbal, physical abuse or hostility towards a player, teammate, opponent, coach, umpire, administrative staff, or person of the public.

Any person observing or having knowledge of an activity, which may result in serious bodily harm to a program participant, must immediately report such activity to Stampede leadership or its representatives.

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in:

• Participant(s) responsible for property loss being liable to pay all replacement/repair costs.

• Expulsion from any practice, game, or Stampede sponsored event.

• Immediate dismissal from a Stampede program without refund, including loss of opportunity to participate in future Stampede seasons.