3rd & 4th Grade Program Information
Third and fourth graders will focus on fundamentals and gain a general understanding of basic game play and strategy in an instructional clinic and small-sided scrimmage format.
Saturday Clinics
Each 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.
Sunday Games
Games are played either 6v6 or 7v7 on a reduced field, with no goalies. Games will typically consist of a ten-minute warm-up session, two 22-minute halves, and a 5-minute halftime. Every player will rotate through every position. Game play will introduce the athletes to concepts of teamwork and allow them to apply the skills they've learned in clinic. Each game will have a BWFH umpire that will also provide in game instructions.
We do not keep score. Yes, the object of the game is to put the ball in the net. However, at this age, our program emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and teamwork.
Equal Playing Time
All DJFH teams adhere to the concept of equal playing time. As part of their role, our coaches focus on ensuring each athlete see their fair share of playing time in every game.
If for whatever reason an athlete or parent believes playing time has not been evenly distributed, please wait 24 hours before contacting the coach and please do so via email. Please do not approach the coach on the turf immediately following a game.
If the matter cannot be resolved directly with the coach, please contact President@DJFH.org
Team Placement
Our third and fourth grade athletes are divided into teams and assigned a country at the start of each season. To begin each clinic, the team 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.
Teams are loosely organized by 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 team 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 3rd & 4th Grade Coaches. and take on the following responsibilities:
- At clinic, rotate with their child's group from station to station and assist the BWFH interns managing the athletes and coaching the teams. Our interns are experts in field hockey, but may not have the child management skills of parents.
- At games, lead all aspects of game play including team management, substitutions, and reinforce concepts learned in clinic.
- After each weekend, we ask that our coaches send a message to the team to provide a recap of the past week’s clinic and game and to remind them of clinic and game times for the upcoming weekend.
- We ask that all coaches arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their team's games, and that after the games coaches assist with picking up their turf.
We also need help setting up and cleaning up at the start and conclusion of our Sunday games. Many hands makes light work. For those that would like to be part of our Field Crew, please let us know.
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 3rd & 4th grade clinics will be at Darien High School, and typically will be held on the Varsity Baseball Turf.
Typical Saturday Schedule
3rd Grade: 8:00am - 9:15am
4th Grade: 9:30am - 10:45am
Each season our 3rd & 4th grade program will have five or six Saturday clinics, depending on a number of factors, the primary one being field space availability.
Games will be late Sunday afternoons on Stadium East.
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.
Team Calendar
Your specific team calendar can be found in the SportsEngine App. However, below please find the schedule for all 3rd & 4th grade events.
Instructions for downloading the app and finding your team can be found HERE
The schedule will not be released until August after the Darien Board of Education has provided our field space.
