Minkey facts for kids
Minkey is a fun game that's a bit like field hockey, but it's made simpler for kids. The name "Minkey" comes from "MINi hocKEY." It started in Australia over 20 years ago.
Today, kids under 7 and under 9 play Minkey across Australia. They use smaller fields and easier rules. A similar game is popular in Canada, often called "mini hockey." In Canada, kids usually play it informally at home or school with small sticks. These sticks are about 20 inches long. Some organized leagues also exist.
Mini Hockey, sometimes called "Knee Hockey," became popular in the United States in the early 2000s. Companies like Franklin started selling sets with two sticks, a net, and two mini hockey balls. The sticks are about 19 inches long. The goals are typically 26 inches long and 28 inches high. Travel hockey teams helped spread the game. They would play it in hotels during tournaments. In the U.S., Knee Hockey is often played on your knees, but also standing up. There isn't an official professional league, but many people share their games online.
Contents
The Minkey Field
The Minkey field is a smaller, simpler version of a full hockey field. It's designed to fit smaller spaces and be easier for young players.
Here are the approximate sizes of the fields:
| Under 7 Minkey | Under 9 Minkey | Normal Hockey | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 40 meters | 50 meters | 91.4 meters |
| Width | 25 meters | 35 meters | 55 meters |
| Length of defensive zone | 10 meters | 10 meters | 22.9 meters (called the "23 meter area") |
| Width of goals | 2 meters | 2 meters | 3.66 meters |
Remember, Minkey field sizes can change. They can be adjusted to fit the space available. They can also be changed to suit the size of the players.
Minkey Game Rules
Each Minkey field has markers at its corners. There are also markers on the center line at each side. Other markers are 10 meters from each back line on each side. The goals are marked by two markers. Or, they can be a net at least half a meter deep to catch the ball.
Team Sizes and Game Length
Minkey teams have 6 players for the under-7s game. Under-9s games have 7 players. Both boys and girls play on these teams. Games are made up of two 15-minute halves.
Starting and Restarting the Game
To start the game, players have a "face off" on the center line. This is where two players tap their sticks together and then try to hit the ball. Each team must be in their own half before the ball is pushed. After a goal is scored, the team that didn't score restarts the game. They do this with another face off on the center line.
Scoring Goals
A goal is scored when the ball is hit or pushed. It must come from inside the opponent's defensive zone. Then, the ball must go into or through the opponent's goal.
Out-of-Bounds Rules
If the ball goes over the side line, the other team gets a free push. This push happens at the spot where the ball crossed the line. If the ball goes over the back line, the other team gets a free push. This push happens on the 10-meter line. It's in line with where the ball went over the back line.
Free Hits and Pushes
A free hit is given to the other team for certain rule breaks. For under-7 games, it's called a free push.
- Raising the stick above waist height.
- Playing the ball on purpose with feet or hands.
- Playing the ball on purpose with the rounded side of the stick.
- Raising the ball above knee height.
- Blocking an opponent (getting between the ball and the opponent).
- Criticizing or making fun of another player or the umpire.
- Hitting another player or the umpire.
- Hitting another player's stick with your own stick.
- Having a third player playing the ball (this means more than two players are directly involved in playing the ball at the same time).
All players must be 5 meters away when a free hit is taken. If a small mistake happens in a defensive zone, the other team gets a free hit. This free hit is on the 10-meter line, in line with where the mistake happened.
Safety in Minkey
Safety is very important in Minkey. Players are strongly encouraged to wear a mouth guard. They should also wear shin guards for both practice and games. No player, coach, or anyone else should swing a stick above waist height. This rule helps keep everyone safe.
Only six players are allowed on the field for under-7s games at one time. For under-9s games, only seven players are allowed. Some players also choose to wear goggles. This helps protect their eyes from other players' sticks.
See also
In Spanish: Minihockey para niños
