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Adaptive & Inclusive Hockey | USA Field Hockey
USA Field Hockey · Adaptive & Inclusive Programs

Field Hockey
is for Everyone.

Three powerful pathways that open field hockey to players of every ability, age, and background — from first-time beginners to international competition. Start a program in your community today.

Three Pathways

Choose Your
Program Path

Each pathway is designed for a different community need — but all three share the same core values: inclusivity, activity, and community. You can run one, two, or all three.

All Starz
Ages 4 – 94

Non-competitive adaptive and inclusive field hockey with clubs and divisions for every ability level. The lowest barrier to entry, the broadest reach, and a dedicated national support team to help you launch.

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Unified Hockey
All Ages

Players with and without disabilities share the same field, the same team, and the same game. Non-disabled athletes become coaches, advocates, and accelerators — advancing the sport for everyone and creating authentic inclusion.

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Hockey ID
Intellectual Disabilities

The FIH-recognized format for athletes with intellectual disabilities, competing in international leagues under FIH and Para Hockey — and on the pathway to Paralympic and Olympic recognition. The most structured competitive track in adaptive field hockey.

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Why It Matters

The Case for
Adaptive Hockey

Starting an adaptive program isn't just the right thing to do — it actively strengthens your club, your state chapter, and the sport as a whole.

Inclusivity
Open your program to athletes who have never had a place in the game before. Adaptive hockey expands your community and creates genuine belonging for players of every ability.
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Activity & Wellbeing
Physical activity through sport delivers measurable benefits in fitness, mental health, and social development — especially for individuals with disabilities who are significantly underserved in organized sport.
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Community
Adaptive programs unite families, coaches, volunteers, and communities around a shared purpose. The ripple effect builds new relationships and new advocates for your program and the sport.
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Participation Growth
Adaptive programs open entirely new participant markets — adding players who would never enter a traditional club pathway. More players means more clubs, more funding, and a stronger sport.
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International Pathways
Through Hockey ID and the FIH Para Hockey structure, athletes in your program can compete at regional, national, and international levels — including a pathway toward Paralympic and Olympic recognition.
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Club & Chapter Strength
Adaptive programs signal commitment to inclusion, qualifying your club for new grants, media recognition, and partnerships. Sponsors and schools increasingly prioritize organizations with visible inclusion initiatives.
Pathway 01 / 03

All Starz

Non-competitive adaptive & inclusive hockey for ages 4 to 94

All Starz is USA Field Hockey's flagship adaptive program — designed from the ground up to be accessible, joyful, and low-barrier. Players of every ability participate together in a non-competitive environment with multiple clubs and divisions to suit different ages, needs, and skill levels. There is no previous field hockey experience required — for players or for coaches starting a program.

What makes All Starz unique is the support network behind it. A national team of experienced coaches is ready to help any new program get off the ground — providing training, curriculum, and on-call support so that you never feel like you're starting from scratch. With minimal equipment needs and a flexible format, All Starz can be launched virtually anywhere.

  • Open to all abilities, all ages (4–94), all backgrounds
  • Non-competitive format — participation and joy over scores
  • Multiple divisions and club structures to fit your community
  • National coaching support team to help new programs launch
  • Low-cost startup with equipment support available
  • Works in schools, parks, recreation centers, and community spaces
  • Built-in curriculum and coach resources provided by USAFH
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All Starz Program Photo
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Pathway 02 / 03

Unified Hockey

Athletes with and without disabilities, playing and growing together

Unified Hockey brings two groups of players onto the same field under one team banner — athletes with disabilities and athletes without. Rather than treating inclusion as a side program, Unified places it at the heart of competitive play. Non-disabled athletes take on an active coaching and supporting role, accelerating the development of their teammates while deepening their own understanding of the game and of leadership.

The result is something remarkable: a genuinely shared athletic experience where everyone improves, everyone belongs, and the boundaries between "adaptive" and "mainstream" sport dissolve in real time. Unified programs create some of the most vibrant and tightly-bonded teams in the sport.

  • Athletes with and without disabilities on the same team
  • Non-disabled players coach, mentor, and accelerate the game for all
  • Creates authentic inclusion — not a separate track
  • Advanced play outcomes for all participants
  • Builds empathy, leadership, and real community
  • Ideal for high school and collegiate programs looking to expand access
  • Connects to USAFH national unified events and showcases
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Unified Hockey Program Photo
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Pathway 03 / 03

Hockey ID

FIH-recognized field hockey for athletes with intellectual disabilities

Hockey ID is the most structured and internationally recognized adaptive pathway in field hockey — the FIH-sanctioned format for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Competing under the FIH and Para Hockey frameworks, Hockey ID clubs participate in recognized international leagues with a clear progression from local club play to national and international competition.

USA Field Hockey is actively working to grow Hockey ID programs across the country and to support the sport's pathway toward Paralympic and — in time — Olympic recognition. Starting a Hockey ID club positions your organization at the forefront of adaptive sport in the United States and connects your athletes to a global community.

  • FIH-recognized format — official international rules and structure
  • For athletes with intellectual disabilities
  • Competes in recognized international leagues via FIH & Para Hockey
  • National team pathway through USA Field Hockey
  • On the pathway toward Paralympic and IOC Olympic recognition
  • Full USAFH program support and coach development resources
  • Connects local athletes to a global adaptive hockey community
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Hockey ID Program Photo
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Open to Everyone

Who Can Start
a Program?

You don't need a large budget, a field of your own, or a roster of experienced coaches. Adaptive programs are designed to launch from wherever your community is right now.

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Existing Field Hockey Clubs
Add an adaptive strand to your existing club — All Starz, Unified, or Hockey ID — and immediately expand the community you serve without starting from scratch.
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Schools & Universities
PE departments, special education programs, and athletic departments can all host adaptive programs. Unified Hockey is a natural fit for high school and college communities.
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Community & Recreation Centers
Parks departments, recreation centers, YMCAs, and community organizations are ideal hosts for All Starz programs — low infrastructure requirements, broad community reach.
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Disability Organizations
Organizations already serving individuals with disabilities — group homes, day programs, disability advocacy groups — can partner with USAFH to bring adaptive hockey to their existing communities.
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Therapy & Support Programs
Occupational therapy programs, adaptive physical education initiatives, and rehabilitation centers can integrate field hockey as a structured physical activity program.
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New Program Founders
No existing club? No problem. If you see a need in your community and want to build something from the ground up, USAFH's support team will walk with you every step of the way.
Faith & Community Groups
Churches, mosques, temples, and community organizations can use adaptive field hockey programming as an outreach and community-building tool for individuals of all abilities.
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Any Motivated Individual
Parent of a child with a disability. Former player. Coach. Social worker. If you're motivated to grow the game and build community, USAFH has the resources and support to help you do it.
Getting Started

Four Steps to
Launch Your Program

Starting an adaptive program is simpler than you think. Here's how it works.

01
Choose Your Pathway
Decide which strand fits your community best — All Starz for broad inclusion, Unified for mixed-ability teams, or Hockey ID for athletes with intellectual disabilities seeking competitive play. You can always add more pathways later.
02
Reach Out to USAFH
Email allstarz@usafieldhockey.com or contact your state chapter. The USAFH adaptive program team will connect with you directly, answer your questions, and match you with a support coach to help plan your launch.
03
Register Your Program
Complete your USAFH club or program registration at usafieldhockey.com/membership. All coaches and adult volunteers must complete SafeSport training. Equipment support and grant options are available for qualifying programs.
04
Start Playing
With your program registered and your support network in place, it's time to hit the field. USAFH curriculum, coaching resources, and an ongoing support team are with you every session as you build something that lasts.
Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do I need field hockey experience to start an All Starz program?
No. All Starz is specifically designed to be accessible to program founders and coaches with no prior field hockey background. USAFH's support team provides all curriculum, coaching guidance, and on-call support so that your first sessions can be safe, structured, and fun from day one.
What's the difference between All Starz and Unified Hockey?
All Starz is a non-competitive adaptive program where everyone participates regardless of ability. Unified Hockey places athletes with and without disabilities on the same competitive team — non-disabled athletes take an active role in mentoring and accelerating the play of athletes with disabilities. Both are inclusive; they serve different community needs and can run alongside each other.
Who qualifies for Hockey ID programs?
Hockey ID is designed for athletes with intellectual disabilities, following the FIH and Para Hockey eligibility criteria. Contact USAFH directly at allstarz@usafieldhockey.com for eligibility details specific to your athletes and to learn about classification requirements for competitive play.
Is SafeSport training required for adaptive programs?
Yes. SafeSport training is mandatory for all adult coaches, administrators, and volunteers working with minor athletes in any USAFH-registered program — adaptive or otherwise. This is a federal requirement and non-negotiable. USAFH provides guidance on completing training quickly.
What equipment do I need to start?
All Starz has minimal equipment requirements and can be adapted to available space and resources. USAFH offers equipment support and grant opportunities for qualifying new programs. Contact the adaptive programs team to discuss what you have available and what options exist to fill any gaps.
Can I run more than one program type?
Absolutely. Many clubs run All Starz and Unified Hockey side by side, or add Hockey ID once their adaptive program is established. USAFH encourages building toward a full adaptive program suite as your community and capacity grow.
Is there a minimum number of participants to start?
No minimum. Some programs launch with four or five athletes and grow organically. The important thing is getting registered and connected with your USAFH support coach — from there, your program will grow.
Where can I find more information about all three programs?
Visit fieldhockeyallstarz.com for comprehensive program information, or email allstarz@usafieldhockey.com to speak directly with the USAFH adaptive programs team. Membership registration is at usafieldhockey.com/membership.

Start Something
That Matters.

Every player deserves a place in field hockey. Your community is ready. Let's build it together.