Old Loughtonians Hockey Club Limited (the “Club”) is accredited to the England Hockey Clubmark scheme and seeks to ensure that members enjoy their hockey in a safe environment and following England Hockey guidelines.

When joining the Club members declare:

“I recognise that hockey can be a dangerous sport. Whilst the club has public liability and other insurances I acknowledge that I am primarily responsible for my own welfare and that of my children and guests and am aware of the risks of playing sport or of my children playing and watching sport. If there is any emergency (whether through accident, illness or otherwise) then I wish you to take all such reasonable steps as you think necessary or appropriate to deal with my (or my child's) illness or accident. I expressly give consent to the club's coach, physiotherapist, welfare officer, nurse, first aid officer or other club officer to take such action as they, in their objective opinion believe to be best at the time to protect, heal and save me or my child.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to ensure that I and my children are playing with the correct equipment and it is not the responsibility of the club to provide me or my children with any such equipment.”

This note covers some of the current guidelines from England Hockey regarding the use of face masks, wearing gum shields and wearing shin pads.

Gum shields and shin pads

England Hockey strongly recommends wearing shin, ankle and mouth protection whilst playing hockey.

There is a lot of evidence to show that gum shields prevent a number of injuries. It is recommended that gum shields should be replaced every year and be shock absorbable and fitted by a dentist or a reputable provider.

The Club’s policy is that everyone should wear both gum shields and shin pads in all matches and all training sessions. Coaches will try to remind anyone seen not to be wearing either that they must do so but please remember that it is your responsibility (and not the responsibility of your fellow members acting as volunteers or representatives of the Club) to follow these safety rules. Parents must take responsibility for their children’s safety. Juniors will be asked to leave the pitch if they do not wear protective equipment.

Face masks

England Hockey strongly recommends, in line with FIH rules of hockey, that face masks be worn across all age groups and playing formats. Face masks can be worn throughout a match if there are medical reasons why that is appropriate but would normally be worn by defenders at short corners.

Anyone taking part in short corners should consider acquiring their own face mask which fits them safely. Anyone borrowing a face mask from a fellow member or the Club will be taking a risk as these may not have been checked for damage and may not have been cleaned or sterilised. During any pandemic such as Covid 19 there must be no sharing of face masks or other equipment.

The Club or fellow member cannot be expected to take responsibility for the safety of a member who has chosen not to equip themselves.

The Club will not force anyone to take part in a short corner and anyone without the correct equipment should assess the situation before proceeding.

Medical details

The Club collects medical details and emergency contact details from members for their safety. Please keep the information up to date and specifically inform a captain, coach or manager if there is anything you think they need to know.

Anyone with an allergy must inform the person responsible for a match or session and not accept any food without checking what it includes or may include. If in doubt, decline.

Supervision

Parents (whether members themselves or not) must supervise their children at the club and not leave them unattended or unsupervised either in the clubhouse, on the terraces. in the grounds or pitchside.

First Aid

Teams do not have dedicated first aiders. If you are able to provide first aid please let your captain, coach or manager know.

England Hockey Link to Safety Guidance

Additional guidance in respect of Covid-19 and other pandemics:

Players are encouraged:

not to share equipment (especially face masks)
to maintain appropriate social distancing in line with England Hockey and Government advice that may be introduced or reintroduced in the future
to follow good handwashing hygiene advice, washing hands before sessions/matches and immediately afterwards
to wear clean clothing for each session/match (except for same-day tournament play)
to self-isolate in line with Government guidelines in force from time to time if they or household members develop symptoms or test positive
to notify captains if they become infected with Covid 19 or any other infectious illness