KAPRB Blue Demons Girls Field Hockey FAQ Tell me about KAPRB Blue Demons Field Hockey KAPRB Blue Demons Field Hockey is an all- volunteer, non-profit organization, established in 2014 by a group of dedicated Kennett Square parents. KAPRB Blue Demons is a youth sports program open to student athletes residing in the Kennett Consolidated School District and neighboring Delaware townships. Our mission as a non-profit organization is to provide a safe and competitive environment while teaching and developing the game of field hockey. We are devoted to promoting educational, recreational and competitive field hockey activities for elementary and middle school students. Our program competes from grades 1st – 6th. Our goal for the girls program is to offer each child an opportunity to develop fundamental field hockey skills as well as emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship, fitness and teamwork. What are costs to join? For the 2014 fall season, the cost for the girls program is $100 for Grades 1 / 2, and $125 for Grades 3 /4 and 5 / 6. We are a non-profit organization and only try to cover our expenses, which include fields, officials, insurance, and uniforms. Where can I get equipment and how much does it cost? Girl’s equipment requirements: stick, mouth guard shin guards and eye goggles. Prices vary, but Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modells and Sports Authority carry new girl’s equipment. Her Game is a field hockey specialty stores who created a custom package for Blue Demons. Packages include a stick, shingaurds, ball, goggles and mouthgaurd. www.hergame.com or visit their store in Newton Square. We encourage cleats, but sneakers are suitable for younger girls. Please be sure to ask a sales person to help select the right size stick for your child or reference the chart below. How do I know if my child is eligible? All players residing in the Kennett Consolidated School District are eligible for play in KAPRB Blue Demons Field Hockey. If my child has played with URA in the past, can she continue? Yes, if your daughter would like to continue with the URA program, we are in full support of URA. You and your daughter can make that decision. How long is the season and when is practice? Our girls program begins in early September and ends by mid November, possibly sooner. Practice schedules and locations will be provided in August to each parent via email. We are hoping practices and games will be at Legacy Fields and the District office fields. Practices for grades 1/ 2 and 3 /4 will most likely take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays (until games begin). Practices for grades 5 /6 will most likely be on Tuesday and Thursday, with games on Saturdays. This is subject to change based on field availability – a formal schedule will come out in late August. How many players do you need for a team? For the 1st – 4th grades, there are 6 players on a team during play (no goalie). All girls will have equal playing time and will switch positions, in order to experience all aspects of the game. The 5th/6th grade team will play 11 squad teams with a goalie. Equipment and Protective Gear The Stick: Junior sticks and wood sticks provide maximum control and are great for new players. Sticks are made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber composite with the left side of the stick completely flat and a J-shaped hook on the bottom. All sticks are right handed. Only one side of the stick is used in play. The length of stick can vary by personal preferrance and experience, but here is a recommended sizing guideline based on height: Stick Length Height 28”…………………………………………4’0” & under 30”………………………………………..4’1” – 4’3” 32”………………………………………..4’4” – 4’6” 34”………………………………………..4’7” – 5’0” 35”………………………………………..5’1” – 5’3” 36” / 36.5”……………………………5’4” – 5’6” The Ball: Hard plastic about 8-9 inches in circumference, about 5.5 ounces. The Mouthpiece: All players must wear mouth guards. Shingaurds: All players must wear shinguards. Eye Cage: All players must wear protective eye guards. Who do I contact for questions about the Blue Demons Field Hockey Program? Organization / Communication information – Kim Chiomento and Susan Gaughan kchiomento@comcast.net and sgaughan95@verizon.net, Coaches or Team specific information: Grades 1/ 2 – Susan Gaughan at sgaughan95@verizon.net, Sherri Donnell Grades 3 / 4 – Nadiene Ringler-Friedrich at fried117@verizon.net, Cybil Housh, Carrie Killgore Grades 5 / 6 – Chrissy Schwarz at chrissyschwarz@comcast.net, Jill Hunt, Kim Chiomento Claire Finfrock – KAPRB Executive Director – kaprb@verizon.net