Initially, 10 teams per tournament were scheduled to take part; however, on 6 July 2017 the International Hockey Federation announced the tournaments will be expanded to 12 teams.[1] As hosts, Argentina qualified in both tournaments. Five continental tournaments were scheduled with two nations qualifying to the Youth Olympics. The 12th and final team was determined through a draw where the third best team qualified from the continent qualified. Should a nation decline it would go to the third best team in another continent. The results of the random draw (and priority) for the boys' tournament was Oceania > Asia > Europe > Africa and Pan American while the results for the girls' tournament was Africa > Asia > Europe > Oceania > Pan America.[1][2]
To be eligible to participate at the Youth Olympics athletes must have been born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2003. Also nations (excluding Argentina) may only qualify in one team sport (Beach Handball, Futsal, Hockey5s or Rugby Sevens) per gender.[2]
^A France and South Africa qualified in boys' field hockey and rugby sevens, opting to send their respective latter. Austria and Kenya respectively were listed by the IHF as participating in their place.[5]
^B Solomon Islands decided to compete in futsal and thus the quota was reallocated to the third best placed team from Asia, Bangladesh.[6]
The schedule was released by the FIH and Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee.[9] Each day during the group stage will contain six boys' matches and six girls' matches.
Boys' 9–10 Place Match Boys' Quarterfinals Boys' 11–12 Place Match Girls' Quarterfinals
October 13
Saturday
09:00
Girls' 11–12 Place Match Boys' 5–8 Place Match Boys' Semifinals Girls' Semifinals
October 14
Sunday
08:30
Boys' 7–8 Place Match Girls' 7–8 Place Match Boys' 5–6 Place Match Girls' 5–6 Place Match Boys' 3–4 Place Match Girls' 3–4 Place Match Boys' Final Girls' Final
