Junior Hockey Policy 2024 - 25
The policy’s aim is to ensure that our young members are given every opportunity to reach their full potential whatever level that may be (international, regional, county, social or otherwise).
We accept a responsibility and ensure it is the number one priority to promote the welfare of young people and protect them from harm, in partnership with The Hockey Family.
This policy states:
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
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. 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 make up 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 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 players have the
right to enjoy their hockey in a safe and secure environment.
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
If any player or parent has reason for concern they can contact the Safeguarding Officer at the club:
Andy Crick – 07960 267662
Alternatively, please contact the Junior Coordinator:
Dawn Cowderoy – 07979 082562
Or if necessary, contact the Hockey Section Chairperson:
Laura Paul – 07711 523456
