1st & 2nd Grade Program Information
First and second graders will be introduced to the sport in a fun, inclusive and positive clinic format. The focus at this age is on effort and drills are designed for success. Athletes will begin to understand how to work with the stick and ball and will be introduced to the fundamentals of passing, receiving, dribbling, shooting, and very basic defensive concepts. Players will also learn 1v1 game strategy.
Clinic Format
Each hour-long clinic is similar in format and structure. When the athletes arrive, they will meet their instructors at their country flags. The instructors are all Darien High School students, and most of them are part of the Blue Wave Field Hockey program. All are excellent field hockey players and have played youth field hockey here in Darien. Once the session has started, athletes will warm up with their instructor. Athletes will then meet in the center of the field for the welcome meeting and to hear the day's points of emphasis. Athletes will then begin the first of four instructional stations for the day. At each station the BWFH instructors will lead the girls in skill building activities and games. Upon signal from the lead instructor, the athletes will rotate from station to station until they have completed the circuit. At the end of the clinic, everyone will meet in the center of the field for the session wrap-up and DJFH cheer.
Clinic Groups
Our first and second grade athletes are divided into clinic groups and assigned a country at the start of each season. To begin each clinic, the clinic group will proceed to their country's flag. We've found this the best way for our young athletes and parents to know where to go.
Clinic groups are loosely organized by their school-- please be sure to select the appropriate school during registration. With the exception of those that do not attend Darien Public School, each group will include at least two others from their school. This ensures there's at least one familiar face in the group.
DJFH is about having fun with friends and growing NEW friendships. Per DJFH policy, special requests for group assignment will not be honored. Siblings will be placed in the same group unless a specific request is made not to do so.
Volunteers Needed
As part of the registration process, parents are given the opportunity to volunteer to be first and second grade Parent Helpers. These parents rotate with their child's group from station to station and assist the BWFH interns managing the athletes. Our interns are experts in field hockey, but may not have the child management skills of parents.
For those that did not volunteer during registration, but would like to participate, please contact registrar@djfh.org.
Keys to Success
Parents and athletes, please keep these in mind every time you attend a DJFH event.
ARRIVE EARLY: Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your clinic. This allows us to start promptly and ensure the best experience possible for the athletes.
EQUIPMENT CHECK: All athletes are required to adhere to DJFH's equipment guidelines, which can be found here. Athletes will not be permitted to participate without proper protection (mouthguard & shin guards).
UNIFORMS: As part of registration, each athlete ordered shorts or a skirt, which will be distributed at the start of the season. These items are optional for practices and clinics but required for game play. At the first clinic or practice, each athlete will be issued a reversible pinnie or jersey that should be worn to every DJFH event. These uniform tops will be collected at the end of the season.
BATHROOM CHECK: Please ensure all athletes have used the facilities prior to arriving on the turf. While there are options at DHS, we've found it best if athletes can focus their attention fully on field hockey.
DRESS ACCORDINGLY: Early in the season, it can be warm on the turf. Later in the season, particularly for our early morning sessions, it can be chilly. At times we make the decision to play in light rain. Please dress accordingly.
HYDRATE: Everyone should bring their own water bottle to every DJFH clinic, practice or game.
TIMELY PICK-UP: Out of respect for our coaching staff, please be on time to pick up your child. Our coaches will not leave until everyone is safely with a guardian. Coaches are not permitted to drive athletes home.
Schedule & Location
All first and second grade clinics will be held at Darien High School on the Varsity Baseball Turf, unless otherwise noted in advance.
Typical Saturday Schedule
1st Grade: 11:00am - 12:00pm
2nd Grade: 12:15pm - 1:15pm
Each season our first and second grade program will have five or six clinics, depending on a number of factors, the primary one being field space availability.
Weather & Cancellations
From time to time, we may need to cancel or reschedule DJFH events due to conflicts or weather. DHS events, athletics and testing, take priority over youth sports. Severe weather can also impact our clinics, practices, games and events.
If we need to cancel or change our schedule unexpectedly, we will attempt to notify parents at least 60 minutes prior to an event starting. These changes will be messaged to all parties and reflected in the DJFH calendar and team schedules. Although, in less obvious situations we may hold our decision as long as possible.We must wait at least 30 minutes from the last lightning/thunder before returning to the field.
If there is foul weather in the forecast, and we do attempt to have the game or practice, please be on standby should we need to cancel or end the session early.
Cancellation decisions are not made by the coaches, but rather by members of the DJFH board. Please monitor team communications and DJFH.org for updates.
