Prior to 1912 keeping goal in hockey was considered dangerous, and many sides could not get a goalkeeper (GK), even referring to trying to obtain a player “willing to be an Aunt Sally in goal” (Eric H Green, Text Book of Hockey, 1909). As a result, many teams played with four half backs (EE White and EH Pyle (Eds), Goalkeeping National Library of Sports and Pastimes, 1912). Certainly in the 1890s under Rule 7, which remained in force until 1938, all players were permitted to stop the ball with any part of the body and only if it was “carried or knocked” was it then deemed a foul. The ladies could then use their skirt (reaching to 6 inches from the ground all round) to stop the ball, but this often was quite a problem when wishing to use their feet as their skirt hid their feet and the sight of the ball was lost. Trapping the ball with the foot was advised. However, the captain could designate a GK who was able to kick the ball whilst still in the circle (Ernest Bell, Handbook of Athletic Sports, 1890). Around 1902-3, Rule 13 was altered and “it is no longer insisted that the captain shall name the GK before commencement of the game” (FG Aflalo, The Sports of the World: Hockey for Men and Women, 1903).

Illustration from La Vie au Grand Air, 1906: how to stop a hockey ball.

Advert for a lady’s hockey boot from Ladies’ Hockey Field magazine, c.1910. Note the protection for stopping the ball.

An early description of the GK makes for fascinating reading:

“He should be a cool, steady hand, not easily disturbed by trifles. Keen and prompt when the terrible moment arrives and he sees the opponent just inside the circle, free from obstruction deliberately taking a shot at goal.”
(Bell, 1890)

One can well understand the difficulty in finding a GK when a player keeping goal is advised:

“On a fast ground where the ball travels rapidly over the turf, the foot is as safe as the hand when the GK knows exactly how to use it in negotiating a shot. Whichever foot is used the toes should be turned outwards and the full force of the ball received on the inside of the boot in the cavity below the ankle, which always seems to me to have been designed, by a merciful Providence, for the purpose. At the outset it may be a little painful, but the foot will soon get accustomed to a few hard knocks. At first a certain amount of courage will be required to place the foot in a position in which the ankle seems certain to be struck, but a little experience will show this method of defence is not only exceedingly reliable but seldom followed by an ugly bruise. The reason of this is that in saving the shot with the inside of the foot there is always a tendency to support the foot slightly on the outer edge of the sole of the boot, with the result that the force of the ball more often than not spends itself upon the edge of the sole. And there is the further advantage that the ball will invariably stop dead, and the foot only has to be moved to drive it out of the circle.”
(Stanley R Brazier, Spalding Athletic Library; Hockey the Game grows for Men and Women, 1907).

Chiswick Ladies’ Hockey Club 2nd XI, 1905-1906. No goalkeeper is immediately recognisable among the team.

Around the turn of the 19th century designated GKs seem to have sought out greater protection, yet a difference in opinion endured as to the desirability of wearing cricket pads, primarily because:

“the absence of them facilitated rapid movement and with the tendency to wander up field there was more opportunity to get back when required […] The reverse of course may be equally true […] the legs are amply protected against blows of the opponents stick and the pads fill a greater space […] than a shin guard.” (White and Pyle (Eds), 1912). Playing without a GK freed up an extra player for the outfield, often in the forward line. However, writing in 1900, FS Creswell the Honorary Secretary to the Hockey Association (of England) reflected that it had, “now almost gone out of vogue. Mosely Hockey Club are an exception as they alone of the chief clubs at the present time adopt the two backs game.” (FS Crewell (Ed), Hockey, the All-England Series, 1900 edition).

Hawke’s Bay Hockey Association representative team, New Zealand, 1915. Cricket-style goalkeeping pads are visible. Hockey in British Empire’s colonies and dominions often evolved along similar lines to the game played in Britain.

The GK was advised to wear (cricket) wicket keeper’s pads not batsmen’s as they were stronger and wider. Relief was also on its way for the GK who contrary to expectations actually found the foot became extremely sore and was left with a large bruise. “Boots: GK boots should have strips of cane or cord sewn in and have extra stout soles and toe caps. Cane or cord is better than rubber as the ball will not bounce off so far” (White and Pyle (Eds), 1912). They were recommended to wrap up well against the cold weather and to wear chamois leather gloves for a better grip on the stick.

The references for the ladies’ game are sparser, but it appears in the early days shin pads were worn and as the GK became a more designated position a shorter skirt was worn with long shin pads followed later by cricket pads.

Lancastrians hockey team tour to Llandudno, Easter 1911.

England goalkeeper Harvey Wood wearing specialist hockey boots with extra protection on the instep, 1908.

Since those days the GK has variably had to contend with the under cut short corner, hand stopped and hit form 14 yards, fortunately later reduced to a permitted height of 18 inches and stopped outside the circle. Although the modern permitted drag-flick can travel into the top of the net at frightening speeds. Metal cages instead of nets required the GK not only to watch the incoming ball but, possibly seconds later, to defend the back of the head as the ball rebounded out from the cage! Synthetic pitches and subsequent rule changes have seen the GK becoming an even more vital position requiring body protection, face masks and a huge glove, forerunners of the full-body foam armour of today. Throughout all these changes, patience and courage have remained important priorities.