NCAA Field Hockey Adds Face Mask Requirement

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (April 17, 2025) – All NCAA field hockey players defending a penalty corner will be required to wear a face mask when defending a penalty corner. This was among the rule changes effective for the fall 2025 season that were approved by the NCAA Field Hockey Rules Subcommittee and the NCAA Playing Rules.

This rule change will require 4 face masks with a goalie or 5 face masks if a goalie is not used. The NCAA cited in its rules document that the cost of each face mask ranges from $75-$145.

The rationale stated that the FIH (International Hockey Federation), the governing body of field hockey and indoor field hockey, and USA Field Hockey are requiring all field players to wear face masks when defending penalty corners during their tournament competition to best protect the players. The use of face masks on penalty corners is widely accepted by professional organizations and NCAA member schools and is an important consideration in mitigating injury risk.