Support for Area /County /League /Official /Umpire

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 trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk

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:

• Someone raises an eligibility concern directly before a match starts: We would not expect any participant to be challenged on their eligibility directly before an event. If a member of team raises a concern, and the player is unknown to you through conversations with your area or England Hockey, you should direct the person to raise an eligibility concern after the match has taken place. All incidents should be raised through the official process. If you have any questions on eligibility, please contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk
• Someone raises an eligibility concern weeks/days before a match: We would not expect any participant to be challenged on their eligibility directly before an event. If there is a concern before an event takes place, please raise a concern through the eligibility process outlined above. All concerns should be sent to trans.policy@englandhockey.co.ukwhere the England Hockey team will support you.
• Someone raises an eligibility concern during or after a match: We would not expect any participant to be challenged on their eligibility during an event. If a member of team raises a concern, and the player is unknown to you through conversations with your area or England Hockey, you should direct the person to raise an eligibility concern post-match. All incidents should be raised through the official process after such an event takes place. If you have any questions on eligibility, please contact trans.policy@englandhockey.co.uk
• If a player is known to be participating in an ineligible category: If it is confidently known that a player is participating in a category for which they are ineligible, the following steps should be taken. This should only apply if the umpire or official is aware of an ineligible player. If there is any doubt of ineligibility, the player should be allowed to participate, and follow up action taken through the correct channels.

Pre / during the match

• If the umpire or official feels confident and it is appropriate, they may raise the issue directly with the club at the time of the game. However, this approach should be undertaken with respect, as it may lead to confrontation during the game or accusations of prejudice. If there is any doubt of ineligibility, the player should be allowed to participate, and follow up action taken through the correct channels.

Post-Match

• The recommended and primary course of action is to report the matter to the league after the game. This ensures that the concern is managed through the appropriate processes and in accordance with established protocols for addressing eligibility issues.
• You oversee or overhear cause for concern on bullying, harassment or discrimination against a known or unknown trans player before a match: If you suspect discriminatory  behaviour is occurring, it's imperative to report it whilst being mindful of our Safeguard policy. All discrimination concerns linked to this trans policy should be sent through the disrepute process to England Hockey. 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 Officer or the England Hockey Safeguarding team at safeguarding@englandhockey.co.uk. For any form of disciplinary issues, the disciplinary regulations process should be followed.
• You oversee or overhear cause for concern on bullying, harassment or discrimination against a known or unknown trans player during a match: If you suspect discriminatory  behaviour is occurring, it's imperative to report it whilst being mindful of our Safeguard policy. All discrimination concerns linked to this trans policy should be sent through the disrepute process to England Hockey. 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 Safeguarding team at safeguarding@englandhockey.co.uk. For any form of disciplinary issues, the disciplinary regulations process should be followed.
• You oversee or overhear cause for concern on bullying, harassment or discrimination against a known or unknown trans player after a match: If you suspect discriminatory  behaviour is occurring, it's imperative to report it whilst being mindful of our Safeguard policy. All discrimination concerns linked to this trans policy should be sent through the disrepute process to England Hockey. 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 Safeguarding team at safeguarding@englandhockey.co.uk. For any form of disciplinary issues, the disciplinary regulations process should be followed.