Start with the rulebook for your competition and use the size chart for each piece, because goalkeeper equipment has several components with different fit measures. FIH lists goalkeeper PPE across head, body, hand and leg equipment; OBO’s current chart sizes helmets, body armour, leg guards and foot protectors separately.
Choose goalkeeper gear piece by piece: check your competition’s rules, match each item to the maker’s size chart, and see how the full set moves together. FIH lists goalkeeper PPE categories across the head, body, hands and legs, while product charts use different measurements for different pieces.
Compare the gear by fit
| Equipment | What to check |
|---|---|
| Helmet and face protector | Use the maker’s head measurements and confirm the model is intended for field hockey. |
| Body armour and arm guards | Follow each piece’s chart for arm length, torso measurements and fit instructions. |
| Leg guards and kickers | Check the maker’s separate chart for leg guards and foot protectors; OBO uses height and shoe size respectively. |
| Hands and remaining kit | Match the equipment configuration to the current competition rules and the maker’s chart. |
OBO’s size guide measures helmets by head width and height, body armour by arm length and leg guards by height. It sizes foot protectors by shoe size. Those are OBO’s product measurements, so check the chart for the exact maker and model you are considering.
Check the applicable rules
FIH lists goalkeeper protective equipment categories including face protectors or helmets, hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, foot and genital protectors. Competition rules can add or change requirements, so use USA Field Hockey’s rules hub to locate the current document for your event and confirm the equipment configuration.
Try the full set together
USA Field Hockey’s equipment guide says goalkeeper equipment should fit well to allow mobility. Try the pieces with the clothing and shoes worn in play, check the fit while moving, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for adjustment and use.
Related guides
Official sources
Checked November 4, 2026.
Common questions
What equipment does a field hockey goalkeeper need?
FIH lists goalkeeper personal protective equipment for the head, hands, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, feet and groin. Check the current rules for your competition to confirm its required configuration.
How do I choose goalkeeper leg guards and kickers?
Use the chart for the exact maker and model. OBO’s chart uses height for its leg guards and shoe size for its foot protectors, which it calls kickers.
Can I use one size chart for all goalkeeper gear?
Use the chart for each piece and manufacturer. OBO lists separate measurements for helmets, body armour, leg guards and foot protectors, so do not transfer one item’s size label to another.