Small Sticks

What is Small Sticks?

Small Sticks is Hockey New Zealand’s nationally branded junior programme, designed to attract children, aged 4–13, into hockey and foster a lifelong love of the sport. Small Sticks allows children to play hockey at a level equal to their ability, with the correct equipment and in the appropriate game format.

In 2011, there were 1,500 children that successfully piloted Small Sticks throughout the country. Our aim is to have 20,000 primary school children go through the programme this year, with 100,000 children to have been introduced to hockey over the next five years.

What are the different Small Sticks modules?
Small Sticks is a programme made up of four different modules.

The first module develops basic fundamental skills – throwing, catching, hitting and exercise – through the Fun Sticks module aimed at attracting children in Year 1 and 2 (under 6) to hockey.

Children will then progress through the various game formats:
- Mini Sticks - for Year 3 and 4 (under 9 starting on 1/8 field)
- Kiwi Sticks - for Year 5 and 6 (under 11)
- Kwik Sticks - full field 11-a-side hockey.

There are two elements to Small Sticks – in a school and in an association – what is the difference?

Small Sticks In-School

The aim of the Small Sticks In-School programme is to build a hockey legacy in targeted schools, getting children interested and hooked on hockey. It is also about the association building strong relationships between the school, the club and the coaches.

The Small Sticks In School programme includes the teacher being trained, a minimum of four coaching session in school time with an accredited coach, a resource kit for the school to use after the programme is finished, a festival day at the completion of the programme, recruitment material to help engage children and their parents.

Small Sticks in an association

Small Sticks in an association replaces junior hockey and changes the format of the game so that it matches the player’s age level and ability. Fun Sticks, Mini Sticks, Kiwi Sticks and Kwik Sticks all have different game formats and rules, and it is important that associations adopt this to ensure that there is consistency in the way the programme is delivered throughout the country.

To see the different formats and find out more click here to read the Association Guide.

Why has Hockey New Zealand developed Small Sticks?

Hockey New Zealand is developing nationally branded participation programmes to help develop the sport. Having a nationally consistent approach to game formats, lesson plans, coach and umpire development material, equipment, marketing and communication material, provides hockey with a recognisable programme that can attract commercial support and funding. This will help us promote the programme and make it available to potential players throughout New Zealand.

Who has helped with Small Sticks?

We are very appreciative of the support from associate sponsors Ford Motor Company and Fuji Xerox along with funding from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT). Our aim this year is to attract a naming rights sponsor that will help us to deliver this programme to 100,000 primary school children over the next five years.

Who should I contact to find out more about Small Sticks?

Please contact your local Regional Development Manager via the list below or your association to find out more. Please do not cut and paste or try to replicate any of the Small Sticks material. If you require a particular image or branding element, please contact julia.king@hockeynz.co.nz. 

Regional Development Managers 2012