The NFHS revised rule 1-6-4 to include the following language: effective January 1,2009, a player’s stick shall not exceed a bow of 25 mm, which must be visible and permanently labeled on the stick.
Any state, league or program that follows NFHS rules for field hockey. Check with your coach, league administrator or local rules interpreter to confirm which rules your program follows.
All field hockey sticks have a slight curvature along its length. This curvature may not exceed a height 25mm at its highest point when the stick is laid face down on a flat surface.
Manufacturers are free to choose how to mark sticks to meet the rule. The most common ways to mark a stick, either of which is acceptable are:
To comply with the new rule all sticks must have a bow that is no greater than 25mm and contain a visible marking to that effect. Carefully inspect your stick for a mark containing the actual bow measurement or indicating it is not greater than 25mm. The mark may be anywhere on your stick. Some manufacturers mark their sticks by attaching a label just before the grip begins.
- Make sure you know where the mark is on your stick so you can point it out as needed.
- Do not tape over or cover up the mark.
For more information contact your stick manufacturer, your state rules interpreter or the NFHS directly.
If your stick does not have a bow measurement label or you can’t find it on the stick, contact the manufacturer directly. Make sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address and stick model so that the manufacturer can either send you a sticker or advise you where the mark is located.
