Junior Hockey Policy 2024 - 25

The policy states:

1. Neston HC abide by the mission, values and code of ethics and behaviour of England Hockey.

2. Age Groups eligibility:

Badgers – for children in school years 9 and 10 or below playing in local friendly matches. Year 11 children can play if it assists their personal development.

Beavers – for children in school years 7 and 8 playing in local friendly matches. Children in year 6 can play if they are strong and need a challenge and children in year 9 can play if it assists their personal development.

Otters – for children in school year 6 who are new to 11 a side hockey.

U16s – for children in school years 10 and 11 or below playing England Hockey League and Cup Matches

U14s – for children in school years 8 and 9 or below playing England Hockey League and Cup Matches

U12s – for children in school years 6 and 7 playing local tournaments and the IN2Hockey tournament

U10s – for children in school years 4 and 5 playing local tournaments and the IN2Hockey tournament

U8s – for children in school years 2 and 3 playing local hockey festivals

3. Otters, Beavers and Badgers teams can be mixed gender. Within these guidelines there is a degree of flexibility to include overage players who are new to hockey and not yet ready for the next level. Ultimately the manager/coach will exercise their discretion over selection and communicate with the opposition manager/coach in advance of a fixture to explain the makeup of the team.

4. Children playing in U14 and U16 sides are single gender. Children playing in U12, U10 and U8 sides are mixed gender.

5. Children progress at different rates and the club will not allow a child to play out of their depth, nor hold them back if it is felt they were technically and physically capable of

playing at a higher level. The club undertakes ongoing assessments of all children to enable us to make the best decision for each player.

6. Selection will be made by each Manager/Coach based on ability, experience, attitude, effort and attendance at training, willingness to learn, fitness and availability. Only players who are fully paid-up members of Neston HC are eligible to represent Neston in any friendly or competitive match or tournament.

7. All junior players must recognise that selection is made with the aim of improving the overall level of club junior hockey and providing development opportunities for all.

8. Children under the age of 13 are ineligible to be selected to play competitive adult league hockey. The club will abide by the England Hockey centralised calendar which ensures that all young players are given the opportunity to develop in the right time and play at the right level. Playing in more than one age group is prohibited.

9. Young eligible players will not be called upon to play in adult leagues until it is in the best interest of the player.

10. The club will abide by England Hockey recommendations regarding player eligibility and competition rules.

11. All selection will be made in line with the principles outlined in the England Hockey Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy.

12. At the end of the season, all junior players between the ages of 13-15 will be assessed by their manager/coach and consideration given as to whether they have the mentality, physicality and capability to move to adult hockey or benefit from a further season at junior level to continue development of their game.

13. When a young player moves into adult hockey, the captain of their team will closely monitor them to ensure their successful integration into the team. Constant feedback will be given to ensure the young player is playing at the right level and the player will be moved to a different adult team if necessary.

14. Should it be in the best interest of the young player to move back into Badgers, the captain will explain the reasons why and set out the areas of their game that need further development.

15. All junior players are expected to conduct themselves on and off the pitch as ambassadors for Neston HC showing discipline and respect for teammates, the opposition and umpires.

16. All junior players must wear shin pads and a mouthguard for matches and training sessions. Any player that arrives without both will not be allowed access to the pitch.

Neston Hockey Club with the support of England Hockey believe all young people have the right to enjoy their hockey in a safe and secure environment.

Complaints Procedure