Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know about field hockey sticks?
There are differences between indoor and outdoor field hockey sticks. This useful guide will help you choose a field hockey stick for your player. We recommend Play It Again Sports located in Ellicott City for all your equipment needs. Don’t forget to mention that you’re playing with Howard Stampede Field Hockey to receive a discount.
What shoes should players wear?
Stampede prioritizes artificial turf field requests for all practices and home games. Some away games are played on grass, however. We recommend a comfortable pair of turf shoes or cleats.
Who is coaching my child?
All of our coaches are volunteers. While many of our volunteers have played or coached field hockey in the past, no previous coaching experience is required. Stampede is committed to helping new coaches learn the game of field hockey and will provide resources for any coach looking to expand their knowledge of the game.
Volunteer coaches must agree to undergo an annual criminal background check. Stampede coordinates and covers the cost of all background checks. Additional trainings may be required at the discretion of Stampede leadership.
What is the inclement weather policy?
Practices and games go on in rain or snow. If thunder is heard or lightning is seen, all activity stops and everyone must go to shelter immediately. We’ll try to reschedule games stopped by thunder or lightning but can’t promise a make-up. Some parks or fields may be closed by the operator; your coach will let you know.
How do I register my player?
Click the purple “Register” button on the website, then select the desired program. 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 at checkout.
Can I make special requests for my player?
We understand that families may encounter scheduling conflicts or other circumstances that necessitate special requests during registration. While we strive to accommodate these requests whenever possible, we cannot guarantee that requests will be fulfilled. Various factors, many beyond our control, impact the fulfillment of specific team assignments and practice days/locations. We ask that families remain prepared for the possibility that a request may not be met.
Are there any discounts available?
Families registering multiple siblings for the 3rd–8th Grade Rec League get a reduced fee for the younger sibling(s). Register the oldest as “Oldest / Only Child” and each younger sibling as “Additional Sibling.” The discount shows automatically on “Additional Sibling” registrations. No sibling discount for other programs. Stampede may be able to offer financial assistance—please contact us.
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. A 25% administrative fee will be charged for refund requests made by June 15. Refund requests between June 16 and August 1 will be honored at 50%. No refunds will be issued after August 1.
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.