Return to Play: Hockey

Following on from the government update for sport issued on the evening of 1 December, England Hockey can now confirm details for clubs, players, officials and associations.

In general terms the news is positive that clubs will be able to train and play matches, however there are now significant challenges related to travel that are likely to interrupt adult league activity.

The revised Tiers set out by government are more restrictive than the ones introduced in October. A key change announced relates to travel arrangements in Tier 2, where car sharing is now not allowed outside of your household or bubble and will apply to adult teams travelling for hockey.

For clubs in Tier 3, training and matches can take place but only for players and teams within the same Tier 3 Area. The same restrictions on car sharing apply as in Tier 2. Clubs are encouraged to welcome players that cannot access their usual club due to the restrictions.

The key changes are as follows:

Junior (under 18) and disability hockey has exemption and can continue across all Tiers. Cars can be shared if necessary as long as safer travel guidance is followed. Volunteers supporting junior hockey can travel.Adult hockey is more restricted, as below:

Adult hockey in Tier 3:

• Players can only travel within their Tier 3 area to reach their club or to play matches within the same Tier 3 Area.
• Players that are members of Tier 1 or 2 clubs cannot leave the Tier 3 area to get to their club.

Adult hockey in Tier 2:

• Training and matches can take place.
• Car sharing is not permitted, meaning that teams must travel individually or in households/bubbles to matches.

For more detail on what is allowed in each of the different Local Restriction Tier areas please click on the updated infographic below. Our Step 4 & 5 guidance in full is being updated to reflect the latest government guidance and will be published shortly.

For more information on National Governing Body of Sport (NGB) announcements please visit Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport - NGB Guidance for Restarting Activity (lrsport.org)