Policy Compliance

All participants, regardless of sex or gender, should be aware that they may be subject to doping control testing as per the UK Anti-Doping Rules. The use of hormones in most cases contravene the World Anti-Doping Agency Code and therefore any trans or non-binary participants using hormones for the purpose of gender reassignment, or any participant talking hormones as part of HRT, are encouraged to contact UK Anti-Doping in relation to any Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Any information regarding a person's transgender history must be handled with the greatest care, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation/Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data of all members must be treated as confidential. It's crucial to refrain from disclosing details about a trans individual's transition or history to anyone, including other members, participants, officials, or volunteers, unless you have prior consent from the individual. Such disclosure could expose them to the risk of discrimination or harassment.

Regardless of age, you should not disclose someone's transgender status unless you have obtained explicit consent from the individual. For those under 18 years old, under data laws, the confidentiality of personal data concerning children is particularly safeguarded, emphasising the need for utmost discretion.

If you have any questions or concerns on confidentiality or how to handle a situation, please contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk. 

A lot of clubs ask whether they should disclose having a trans player to the opposition and or umpires, usually as they see this as education for officials, and supportive of the player. They do not consider how the individual wants the matter to be handled, and this is the priority in this situation. Please remember that disclosure should not ever happen without consent.

It is essential to respect and uphold the dignity of every individual, and everyone is encouraged to collaborate with this policy and guidance in a spirit of good faith, whilst meeting our code of conduct and living by England Hockey’s values. England Hockey is dedicated to ensuring that members of the trans community can engage in and enjoy the sport without experiencing discrimination or prejudice.

Below are some examples of how someone (e.g. player, official, umpire, team manager) could be non-compliant with the policy:

• If a player is challenged on the basis that their appearance does not conform to gender stereotypes.
• If a trans or non-binary participant is challenged while participating in the Open category.
• If a trans or non-binary participant is challenged while participating in the Mixed Hockey format if participating as their recorded sex at birth.
• If a trans or non-binary participant is challenged while participating in a classification defined by Appendix B.
• If a trans or non-binary participant is the subject of any gender-based discriminatory or prejudicial behaviour.
• If a trans or non-binary participant recorded male at birth, is playing in the Female category as their gender they identify as.
• If a trans or non-binary participant is removed before or during a game without proof of their eligibility for the category they are playing in.
• If a female recorded at birth participates in the Female and Open category at the same time in the same season whilst being eligible for both.

We understand that not everyone is an expert on various forms of eligibility or on discrimination, and it's natural to sometimes feel uncertain about whether our policy has been misinterpreted or breached.

If you've observed or encountered any instances of individuals not complying with the policy or have concerns about how this policy is being interpreted, and you're unable to address the issue locally, it's important to reach out to the England Hockey team via email at trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk.

If you feel there is a case of discrimination in a game, in training, in the club house or any other hockey environment, every incident, no matter how seemingly minor, should be reported to England Hockey. Even seemingly insignificant occurrences can have a detrimental effect on those involved. We’re committed to supporting anyone who brings forth a concern, and those who advocate for another player, or confronts any form of discrimination – those who do will not face negative repercussions.

Having gender critical views is not considered unlawful discrimination, and merely holding such views is not inherently unacceptable behaviour. However, it's important to note that having these views does not grant individuals the right to express them in a discriminatory manner. The way in which these beliefs are expressed could potentially be deemed unacceptable behaviour or even unlawful discrimination.

If discrimination, prejudice, or harassment towards or about a player takes place, it is important that any offensive behaviour is dealt with. Such behaviours are wholly unacceptable and may be subject to disciplinary action under the England Hockey Disciplinary Regulations. We would ask that any such incidences are reported in line with this discipline process. For any concerns or questions on reporting a potential disciplinary action, please contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk for support and guidance.

Any participant that is challenged directly before or during an event on their eligibility should not be removed from the event at that time. If a player is challenged inappropriately then on pitch sanctions will be made in accordance with the disciplinary regulations. All incidents should be raised through the official process and reported to discipline@englandhockey.co.uk after such an event takes place. If you have any questions on eligibility, please contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk

We are committed to supporting all players, clubs, coaches, officials, Areas, and leagues to find the best outcome of all players, and we know this can be a difficult policy to navigate. Therefore, England Hockey is committed to supporting on all eligibility concerns related to this policy to find the right outcome and solution for trans and non-binary players.

To report a concern or an issue, or to seek further guidance, please email England Hockey at trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk with details of the case and the team will be in touch to support you through the process.

Any other form of eligibility concern should be dealt with through the normal process in your local Area. You can find the right contact information at the end of this guidance document.

If any individual, including trans or non-binary individuals, experiences bullying, harassment, or discrimination within the hockey community, it's crucial to address it as an issue. If you suspect such behaviour is occurring, it's imperative to report it. In the first instance please report the matter to your club welfare officer.

It's important to note that being transgender does not constitute a safeguarding risk for others. It is important to also note that transgender people, of any age, may be more vulnerable than other members of society. When considering reporting any bullying, harassment or discrimination against trans or non-binary people in hockey, please adhere to our Safeguard policy for guidance. In cases where there's a safeguarding concern and the wellbeing of a transgender member of the hockey community is at risk, disclosing their transgender status in accordance with safeguarding procedures may be necessary if it's relevant to the situation. It's essential to approach the needs of all involved with careful consideration and balance during safeguarding incidents.

Should you have any concerns regarding the safeguarding of a transgender individual or require advice or guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to the club welfare officers or the England Hockey team at trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk.

If you suspect discriminatory behaviour is occurring, it's imperative to report it. All discrimination concerns linked to this policy should be sent through the disrepute process to England Hockey at trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk

England Hockey is committed to ensuring that any trans or non-binary participant should be able to access and enjoy hockey without fear of discrimination, prejudice, or harassment, and sometimes it can take time to find the right form of hockey for each individual. If a player is ineligible to participate in a form of hockey based on this policy or any other form of eligibility, it will be managed through the appropriate disputes process. England Hockey is committed to working with trans and non-binary players, and their clubs, to find the right hockey for each player. 

Any participant wishing to appeal a decision made by England Hockey in accordance with this policy or participation eligibility, should appeal in writing to England Hockey at discipline@englandhockey.co.uk  outlining the decision, the grounds for the appeal and attaching any supporting documentation. The appeal will be heard by a panel of at least three people established for this purpose, to include a lawyer from one of England Hockey’s existing panels (or in the alternative a person from Sport Resolutions where requested / agreed).   

We have a Code of Conduct in place as well as other policies which we expect the hockey community to adhere to. And there are procedures in place for addressing concerns about people who may not be upholding those policies – this applies to all policies, not just the Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy. 

Hockey is a sport that should be enjoyed by all who participate, be it as a player, official, volunteer or spectator. England Hockey believes that the highest standards of integrity can be held at all levels of the game and can therefore ensure the sport is enjoyable for everyone. The code applies to everyone who is involved in hockey at all levels. England Hockey takes any breaches of the code of conduct seriously. If you believe that a breach has taken place, please view the Inappropriate Behaviour page for further information.