This question has been asked countless times since the ‘70s. The game itself is a blend of football and hockey, played on an oval field with no sidelines. The object is to get a ball into your opponent’s end zone. The smaller the number of players, the better; otherwise, you use a goalie to stop the ball from going into the net.
Does that sound like something you’d play in the summer? Probably not. But if you’re in Canada in the winter, you might be dreaming of the feel of the ball on your hands and the fresh air in your lungs. Or maybe you’re just happy to be out of the house, enjoying a new experience with your friends and family.
Here’s the rub. While Canadian football has a large following (both north and south of the border), the United States loves its hockey. It’s considered the national sport even though the Boston Bruins haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1972. (Go figure.) The sport is so popular that the terms ‘field hockey’ and ‘field football’ are often used interchangeably.
For decades, Americans have been asking if they should play in the spring or the fall. Those in favor of the spring season (which is indeed closer to the ocean breezes of summer) argue that the winter is too harsh, with its extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather. Those who love the fall season (generally closer to the warmth of a comfortable indoor environment) counter that the summer heat is too unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially for someone with asthma or allergies.
The truth is that both seasons have their perks. Let’s take a look and find out what makes each one so special.
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Winter Offers Unique Experiences
First off, winter in the U.S. is perfect for getting out of town. You can literally build an igloo in your backyard or take a sleigh ride through the snow. The extreme temperatures provide a unique opportunity to get creative and crafty, with outdoor ice skating rinks opening up around the country. (Well, most places that still have some white snow on the ground.)
The biggest problem with the winter season is keeping yourself warm. Remember, the heat is generally the opposite of what you want when playing sports. It hinders your performance and makes you more susceptible to injury. (Ask any athlete about this. It’s a common problem.) But that’s not the worst of it. The extreme cold can also cause your muscles to stiffen up, making it harder for you to move around. To make matters worse, if you have asthma or allergies, the cold air can cause your symptoms to flare up. There are ways to prevent this, like having a steroidal inhaler with you, but it’s still annoying to have your conditions flare up just because you’re not used to the temperatures.
While it might be tempting to stay inside and hibernate in winter, you should absolutely not do that. The cold weather provides a fabulous backdrop for some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. If you’ve visited the U.S. before, you know what I’m talking about. You might be familiar with places like the Rockies, the Appalachians, and California’s San Francisco Bay Area. Places that are breathtakingly beautiful and offer some of the most amazing views you could ever hope to see.
But let’s talk about the upside of the winter season. It’s often considered a ‘rest’ season, with fewer professional and collegiate sports taking place in the winter. Which means fewer games and practices for you to attend. Fewer people around, which makes it easier to practice your swing or take a stroll without feeling like you’re going to bump into someone. (Remember: you can always practice in a different manner. Even Tiger Woods said he prefers to practice in the spring.)
Now, if you’re not into the winter aesthetically, you might not want to live somewhere where it snows a lot. (Unless you get a thrill out of watching the flakes fall from the sky, I guess.) But other than that, it’s an amazing time to be a sports fan.
The Fall Is Perfect For Building Up Steam
Let’s face it, the best season for sports is the summertime. It’s humid and warm, which is just perfect for working out and hitting the pitches. But for some reason, we always want more out of sports than the summer has to offer. It’s like we’re punishing the Earth by wanting to play in the snow or hail. (I don’t know why we always associate these elements with ‘sports.’)
Still, the winter months are a great time to build up your stamina and get ready for the upcoming sports season. The days are generally shorter and the temperatures are generally lower. This means you can exercise more easily and get in some quality time with your friends and family. (Quality time… that is, if they don’t mind being the only ones wearing shorts and T-shirts. I’m sure there are some pretty cool outings that you can coordinate with some of your coworkers. Short-season leagues and farm teams are a great way to build up your endurance and make new connections. You can also take a look at the junior leagues, where the kids play in the summer and the pros play in the winter. This provides an opportunity for the junior players to get some professional experience. It teaches them valuable lessons in dedication and hard work, as well as giving them a chance to showcase their talents. (Including, sometimes, the talents that they might not have learned about in school.)
The downside to the fall season is the same as the winter. The temperatures aren’t always perfect for playing sports, with some areas hitting highs and some areas hitting lows. This makes it hard to gauge exactly how active you should be, especially if you live somewhere that gets hit hard by extreme heat or cold. Many teams and leagues decide to call it a day in the fall and winter, with the pros largely playing in the spring. (This is especially the case in the NFL, where the games are mainly in the spring.) But while the season might be over for the pros, the amateurs and enthusiasts are still trying to find their groove and get some games in. (Usually indoors, due to the chilly temperatures outdoors.)
I’m sure there are a lot of people who couldn’t decide whether to prefer the winter or the fall. For them, the solution is to play both. There are actually a large number of field hockey players who live in the United States. According to Forbes, there are more than 100,000 registered amateur field hockey players in America alone. That’s enough for at least two professional teams. (Assuming each team has around 25 players on it. More like three or four.) So even if you don’t play the game, there’s still plenty to be involved with. You can help out with fundraising for the local field hockey club or volunteer at a youth hockey camp.
The best thing about the fall and winter seasons is that they provide you with a chance to catch up on your favorite television shows. Whether you love football or basketball, the seasons bring their perks. It’s just up to you to decide which one you prefer.