State Chapters are volunteer-led extensions of USA Field Hockey and its 501c3 charitable status, sharing responsibility for serving their local field hockey communities and helping them to grow.
USA Field Hockey’s mission is to Grow the Game, Serve and Inspire Membership and Succeed Internationally. State Chapters have the added goal of succeeding locally. They focus on promoting and increasing field hockey opportunities in their state, supporting and uniting stakeholders to succeed both on and off the field.
State Chapter's Mission#
Grow the Game. Serve and Inspire Membership. Succeed Locally and Internationally.
State Chapters work with clubs, schools, multisport organizations and all stakeholder groups; players, parents, fans, coaches, umpires, program leaders and administrators, teams, leagues, donors and sponsors to be the lead for all things field hockey in their state, including how and where to enjoy local field hockey. State Chapters help drive grassroots growth!
Why State Chapters?
USA Field Hockey recognizes that sustaining and growing a sport in the United States requires effective sports leaders. Exponential growth can only occur when national, regional and local sports leaders work together, adopting and applying shared goals, values and development philosophies.
Field hockey is a sport for all and a sport for life, and yet how it is enjoyed throughout the United States is very different. As a result, each area of the country has unique opportunities and challenges. It is USA Field Hockey’s vision that engaging and empowering volunteers at the state level will result in exponential growth and increased interest and investment on behalf of all stakeholders. The foundational structure of State Chapters will create fluid communication between USA Field Hockey and leaders who share the goal of promoting and developing field hockey for future generations to enjoy.
USA Field Hockey would like to thank all the State Chapter volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about State Chapters and want to start a chapter in your state, please email sportdevelopment@usafieldhockey.com.
State Chapters Helping to Grow the Game
State Chapters empower leaders with local knowledge and expertise with established structures to achieve maximum impact when growing the game.
State Chapters…
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing for grassroots growth
- Improve utilization of great programming, tools, and resources in the community
- Drive new athletes to existing programs, schools, and clubs
- Improve communication and connection within the field hockey community and with key stakeholders
- Promote and develop grassroots field hockey programming so more people have the opportunity to play, coach, umpire and fall in love with the sport
State Chapter Expansion Plan #
In 2019, USA Field Hockey launched the first pilot State Chapter in Michigan. Since then, eight additional State Chapters have formed: Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas. The goal for the future is continued expansion and exponentially more field hockey opportunities.
Process for Launching a State Chapter: #
- USA Field Hockey will throw a wide net of outreach to community leaders to get involved
- USA Field Hockey will hold informational webinars on opportunities
- Volunteers step forward
- State Chapter Leaders elected by USA Field Hockey Members in the State
- Leaders become established, fill committees
- USA Field Hockey provides start-up resources to State Chapter - financial, technology and support
- State Chapter leaders work with USA Field Hockey and other State Chapter leaders to develop and execute on a customized State Chapter Strategic Plan
Help Your State Chapter Thrive - We Need You! #
State Chapters can't thrive without YOUR support.
Get involved! When your State Chapter launches, you can help support its growth by taking the following steps:
- Take a position or join a committee
- Send recommendations of strong leaders for any open roles
- Encourage your network and alumni to get involved
- Support, promote, and partner with your State Chapter leaders
- Help support the Strategic Growth Plan
- Give insight, provide feedback, and ask questions by emailing sportdevelopment@usafieldhockey.com
