The average speed of an indoor field hockey ball, when drag flicking, is over 75 miles per hour. Avoiding the ball every time is almost impossible. Hitting a ball on the head can potentially shatter bones or cause serious brain injuries. Dating back to before the ancient Olympic Games, field hockey is one of the oldest competitive sports; it has evolved enormously since then. In ancient times, field hockey was considered too dangerous for women. Today, women play this exciting game using stiff, composite, slightly curved sticks mostly ranging from 35 to 39 inches in length to hit a hard plastic ball. For protection, all players must wear a mouth guard and shin guards. Many players choose to wear gloves as well, but they are not required. Over many years and numerous rule changes, indoor women's field hockey has become a dangerous, yet exhilarating and fast-paced game. To play, each team uses six players at a time, usually five field players and a goalkeeper. Moving the ball down the field while keeping it on the ground is a huge challenge, but scoring and defending are by far the most important tasks in field hockey. Once close to the goal, players can throw the ball in the air to try to get it into the goal. Generally a passing game, the sticks are likely to be high and the ball is always moving quickly. In indoor field hockey, face coverings should be mandatory to reduce external injuries, prevent internal injuries, and reduce injury liability for coaches and the stadium. On the field, there is a specific area on each half of the playing field. , known as "the D" or "the circle", where players can shoot. When in D, the ball can be lifted and hit until it is... in the center of the card... due to injury to the coaches and venue. Athletes are more likely to reach their full potential if they are better protected. Traumatic emergency room visits will become less common if players have to wear a mask. Although field hockey is a dangerous and fast-paced game, wearing face masks will significantly reduce the number of injuries while playing. With fewer injuries, more girls may decide to take up this exciting and venerable sport. Coaching teams will become easier if girls are more willing to play aggressively. Without the risk of lawsuits from the parents of an innocent concussion victim, hosting tournaments would be easier and could allow more tournaments to be held, giving athletes more opportunities to play field hockey. Ultimately, wearing masks during indoor field hockey games can mean the difference between life and death.