Why does this policy only apply to those aged 12 and over?

s195(4) of the Equality Act 2010 requires sports to consider the age and stage of development of the children competing. This policy review has considered when the differences between the sexes manifests itself in order to consider fairness of competition. According to the NHS, the average age for girls to start puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12. This means that aged 12+ fairness needs to be considered for participation. This means the policy applies to teams of children and young people in Year 7 at school or in U12 teams at clubs. It applies to all children and young people playing in senior hockey.