Q: How old must a child be to start inline hockey?

Many children start at age 4 or 5 but don’t let that stop you if your children are older. Players may start at any age right up into our adult league.

Q: What are the different age levels?

8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, ADULT – 18 years old and over on January 1 of the current year, not a current high school student

Q: Do Boys and Girls play on the same team?

Yes, Boys and Girls play on the same teams. Boys and girls do play on the same team, unless there are enough girls in the division and they want to form their own team. The distribution of female players within each division varies from season to season and will depend on the number of female players registered and the league’s consideration toward making teams that are balanced as best as possible.

Q: Is inline hockey safe Sport?

Yes. Hockey players wear more protective equipment than any other sport. A study has shown that hockey injuries ranked after both basketball and soccer. Body checking and fighting is not allowed.

Q: MY CHILD HAS NEVER PLAYED HOCKEY, IS THERE A BEGINNER GROUP?

For those kids that are just starting inline hockey there is a non-competitive development division in the junior groups.

Q: HOW MANY GAMES ARE PLAYED PER SEASON AND HOW OFTEN ARE THE GAMES?

The season typically consists of 5 tournaments with between 2-5 games per tournament per division. The schedule will differ from tournament to tournament to accommodate all teams. Younger age groups usually tend to have earlier times during tournament weeknights and weekends.

Q: How many players are on a team?

The number of players per team varies depending on the number of registrations. The maximum is 12 players (three lines of four) and a goalie for a total of 13 and the minimum is 5 players and a goalie for a total of 6.

Q: How many practice possibilities are there?

Each age group has 2 official practice sessions per week. See time table.

Q: Will hockey take up a lot of our time?

Hockey will take up a lot of your time, but it is definitely time well spent. Practices are twice a week, there are tournaments on weekends and voluntary commitment to help out the club. It can be quality time for the whole family and new friends can be made across all age groups. These friendships and memories last a lifetime.

Q: What Inline Hockey Gear Does a player need?

There is a set of mandatory equipment that all officials and players are required to wear during all NIIHA (Namibia Ice and Inline Hockey Association) activities such as training sessions and games.

Players and officials are required to have the following equipment:

• Helmet – all players and officials must wear CSA/HECC-approved helmets, with a properly-fastened chin strap. Goaltenders must wear approved face masks.
• Full face protection (cage or full shield) is required for players less than 19 years of age. Visor or cage must be worn by all players 19 and over.
• Gloves – all players must wear approved ice/inline hockey gloves.
• Elbow Pads – all players must wear approved elbow pads.
• Shin Guards – all players must wear shin guards designed for ice or roller hockey.
• Skates – Skates must be inline skates, but should not be aggressive skating skates. Skates must be free of any unsafe protrusions. Quad skates are forbidden.
• Eyeglasses – any eyeglasses must have plastic, not glass, lenses.
  Jersey and Long Pants – As all equipment must be covered a jersey and long pants are required.

Q: What Inline Hockey gear does a goalie need?

Helmet with Cage or Full Face Mask, Chest Protector, Leg Pads, Blocker, Catcher Glove, Inline Hockey Goalie Skates with Goalie Wheels, Neck Protector, Jock or Jill Protector, Throat Guard, Goalie Pants, Elbow Pads, Knee Pads, Goalie Stick, Sweatbands or Wristbands, Shin Guards plus a goalie gear bag and a stick bag … you might also have to invest in a bigger car :).

Q: Is it OK to buy used equipment?

We are all aware of the growing cost of equipment for players today. Parents and players should keep a few things in mind when purchasing used equipment. Equipment loses its effectiveness over time and use. This should be the first consideration when purchasing used equipment. In very few cases will it be as effective as in its original form. Check to ensure the product is free of holes, cracks, uneven padding etc.

Helmets with loose padding should not be purchased. In cases that the padding is loose, only the manufacturer can re-glue the padding back in place. Because of the age of the helmet, they may be unwilling to do this re-gluing. DO NOT attempt to re-glue the padding on your own. If the wrong glue compound is applied to the helmet, it may affect the plastic compounds of the helmet and lessen the protective qualities of the product. DO NOT use super glue, contact cement, or hot glue guns to attach the padding to the helmet. If purchasing a helmet from a used equipment store, ask what, if any, repairs have been done to that specific product.

Q: What about Gear maintenance and care?

Proper maintenance and care of inline hockey gear are essential for performance and longevity. After each use, thoroughly dry all equipment to prevent mold and bacteria growth, paying special attention to padding and helmets. Regularly inspect gear for wear and damage, replacing items as needed to ensure safety. Clean pads, gloves, and protective gear with mild soap and water, allowing them to air dry completely. Skates should be wiped down after each use, and wheels and bearings should be checked and maintained regularly for optimal performance. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will help extend the life of the gear.
Open up gear bags overnight and don’t leave them in your car…

Q: How can I be sure if the equipment fits?

Equipment should completely cover the area that it was meant to protect. Helmets should fit snug and not slide on the player’s head. Pants should protect the kidneys, hips, front, side of thighs and tailbone. Athletic supporter and cup should be positioned properly and be of the correct size. Shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves should adequately cover the chest and arm areas.

Q: Where do kids put their gear on?

When children are younger it is sometimes easier to get their gear on at home, bringing them to the rink dressed. As they get older, some kids like to get dressed on their own at the rink. We do not have locker rooms to get dressed in.

Q: Where can I buy gear

New gear you will find online at https://www.ninjahockeyshop.com. This shop is run by our Coach Luke, supported by Sam. 

Second Hand Gear can be bought on various Whatsapp groups.