Evidence shows that games were played with a ball and stick as long as 4,000 years ago. The modern game we know as field hockey began in England during the 1800's. The game appeared in the Olympics as a men's sport in 1908. It was added for women in 1980. The game was dominated by the Indian and Pakistani national teams until the early 1980s. Since that time many other teams have gained prominence. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the world governing body for the sport. The major international events are the Hockey World Cup and the Women's Hockey World Cup. The events are held every four years with 12 men's and 12 women's teams participating. The first men's World Cup was held in 1971 and the women's was added in 1974. In the U.S., field hockey is often regarded as a women's sport.
The game is played on a rectangular field measuring 100 by 60 yards. There is a goal, seven feet high by 12 feet wide at either end. It is played by two teams of 11 players each. Each player has a long stick. The flat side is always the natural side for right handed players. There are no left handed sticks. Players are permitted to use any part of the stick except the rounded back side. There are no set positions in field hockey. One player is usually designated as the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers may block the ball with any part of their body, but must always carry a stick. The game is played in two 35 minute halves. The team with the most goals at the end of these periods wins.
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