Support for Area /County /League /Official /Umpire

In this section, we offer support and guidance to Areas, Counties, League administrators, officials and umpires on how to implement, and ensure compliance with, the trans and non-binary

participation policy.

Changes to any policy can be difficult to navigate, and we’re aware that this policy might take some roles more time to understand the implications of the changes. The most important thing

to note is that England Hockey is here to support with any questions or concerns you have at any time related to this policy.

Firstly, we recommend everyone reads this guidance to understand how the policy has changed and what it means for players and also for key roles who will implement this policy. Please review

the understanding the trans and non-binary participation policy section and the policy compliance section of this guidance for initial support. We have also developed FAQs which will help

you with any specifics related to the policy. For anything else please reach out to England Hockey on [email protected]

We know that sometime policies can be misinterpreted or misunderstood. England Hockey is committed to making our guidance as clear and supportive as possible for all those involved in the

game. If there are any differences of opinion between key roles when discussing the guidance or policy, please reach out to England Hockey for clarification.

Clubs and players have a key role in understanding the policy and what it means for them. For some players, this change could be substantial, and it’s important we’re able to support the

players and their clubs through this change and ensure they continue to feel included and welcome in hockey by finding the right form of hockey for them. There are multiple ways to be

involved in hockey, and we have avenues for all players regardless of ability, gender, sex, or age. We recommend firstly to ensure the club has read the guidance on offer, and then reaches

out to the club Welfare Officer who will have a better knowledge of the player and their needs. If more support is needed, please reach out to England Hockey.

Umpires and officials and technical officials have a primary responsibility to uphold on-pitch rules and regulations of our game. It is important that those in a role of responsibility

understand the policy regulations and what it means for player eligibility and compliance. Please review the Understanding the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy section and the

Policy Compliance section of this guidance. It is equally important to know the signs and actions to take if you see or hear any discrimination or actions that bring in game into disrepute.

Hockey is an inclusive and welcoming sport, and it is important that behaviour on the pitch lives up to this. Thank you for the role you play in upholding the welcoming spirit of the game.

In line with other eligibility guidance, the responsibility for verifying a player's eligibility lies with the club. It is not the role of the umpire or official to monitor or enforce the

eligibility of individuals on the team sheet, irrespective of any awareness of a player's circumstances. It is the duty of the club to field eligible players for any game. The umpire's

primary responsibility is to apply the Rules of Hockey to ensure the game is conducted safely and fairly. Should a player engage in dangerous play, the umpire will take appropriate action in

accordance with the rules. However, the umpire is not accountable for the enforcement of player eligibility policies.

The below points give you guidance on how to manage any issue or dispute pre, during or post an event. What to do if:

Post-Match

We use cookies to make sure you get the most from our website. Learn more.