Any age
This is a crucial stage to the ongoing success of field hockey in Canada. This stage allows the sport to be played by tens of thousands of recreational athletes across the country. In this stage the passion for the game of hockey continues with emphasis on the leisure and social aspects of the game. By encouraging inclusion, the game can remain a viable option for full participation by all in a fun and inviting participatory environment.
Young athletes can enter this stage at essentially any age. If children have been correctly introduced to activity and sport through Active Start, FunStix, and Learning to Train programs, they will have the necessary motor skills and confidence to remain active for life in field hockey. Not only can an athlete enjoy playing field hockey for a lifetime, but she or he can also become involved in the sport as a coach, official, administrator, or volunteer. These individuals should be encouraged to take up and get involved in new sports as well.
Competition can be as little as once per week and can take place in clubs, university alumni games, community leagues, and relative age-group competitions. Athletes should work to try and maintain the basic field hockey skills learned in their development career.
Physical
Maintain aerobic fitness by walking or jogging at least 3-4 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each.
Maintain strength through resistance conditioning exercises.
Maintain flexibility – stretching, yoga or pilates.
Technical
Maintaining existing skills and learning new ones. Engaging in new aspects of the game in a non-playing capacity through volunteering of time, e.g., coaching, umpiring and management.
Provide mentorship and development opportunities to young coaches and athletes to enable the development of field hockey and participate in community clubs.
Tactical
Exchange varied tactical knowledge for incorporation into game situations.
Provide knowledge, ideas and experience to promote the game.
Incorporate the experience for enjoyment and growth of the sport.
Mental
Remain motivated to play and desire to learn and improve skills.
Develop and maintain social contact, but most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Health
Overall maintenance of general health through active lifestyle. Perform at least 30 minutes of activity per day (moderate and vigorous) and return to a variety of activities.
Nutrition: Caloric needs decrease, maintain balanced diet, low in fats, low in salt, high in whole grains and complex carbohydrates, maintain calcium levels, ensure adequate nutrition without avoid over-eating, and continue optimizing hydration.
