Maine’s field hockey pioneers will soon have a place of their own.

The Maine Field Hockey Association recently approved the creation of a MFHA Hall of Fame to honor players, coaches, officials and teams who have made a contribution to field hockey in Maine.

A group consisting of MFHA members, members of the umpires association and a representative of the field hockey community will be charged with finding and selecting nominees and inducting members into the Hall of Fame.

Dexter field hockey coach Margaret Veazie, a MFHA board member and past president, said Gardiner coach Moe McNally introduced the idea at a board meeting and the board voted last fall to start the Hall of Fame.

“It’s a good thing to be able to do this for who I feel should be recognized,” Veazie said.

There are four catagories in which nominees will be considered for the Hall of Fame. Coaches, players and officials who have made contributions to field hockey and have been out of action for five years, and teams that have attained record status or extraordinary recognition.

A current MFHA or umpires’ association member can submit official nomination forms to the committee at any time. No more than three candidates in each category can be enshrined in any given year.

The committee will meet in May and September to vote on possible candidates. A majority of the selection committee is needed for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.

NFHS, Gatorade join up

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Gatorade have announced a three-year partnership to support the NFHS Coaches Education Program, which will develop and distribute educational materials on health and nutrition.

Gatorade will provide support to NFHS member state organizations for instructor training and coaching scholarships.

The Maine Principals Association, which regulates Maine high school athletics, follows NFHS rules and regulations.

Jessica Bloch can be reached at 990-8193, 1-800-310-8600 or jbloch@bangordailynews.net.