What protective gear does my child need? Are mouth guards and goggles required?

Required at USA Field Hockey events (2026 Regulations):

• Mouth guard: every player under 19 must wear one while on the field.
• Face mask on defensive penalty corners: every field player defending a penalty corner must wear a smooth face mask (preferably clear or white, otherwise a single color) or a metal grill mask that closely follows the contours of the face.

Under the 2026 FIH Rules of Hockey (Rule 4.2):

• Shin, ankle and mouth protection are recommended for all field players.
• Hand protection is allowed if it doesn't significantly increase the size of the hand.
• Body protection (including knee pads when defending a corner) can be worn under clothing.
• Goggles, soft headgear or a face mask for the whole game are allowed only for medical reasons assessed by an appropriate authority. Goggles must have a soft-covered frame and plastic lenses. Otherwise, protective headgear is only allowed when defending a penalty corner or penalty stroke.

Goalkeepers must wear at least headgear, leg guards and kickers, plus a shirt in a different color from both teams.

Players must not wear anything that is dangerous to other players.