Indoor Hockey UK can confirm that spectator tickets for larger events will now be subject to a charge, replacing the previous system where tickets were available free of charge.

While spectator tickets have been required for several years to help manage venue capacity and event attendance, the increasing costs and responsibilities associated with hosting major events mean that a paid ticketing model is now necessary to ensure events remain safe, sustainable and enjoyable for all attendees.

One of the most significant changes affecting event organisers across the UK is the introduction of new requirements under Martyn's Law, alongside wider expectations around event safety and security. Event organisers are increasingly required to assess risks, implement appropriate security measures and ensure robust plans are in place to protect participants, volunteers and spectators.

As a result, Indoor Hockey UK must invest in enhanced event safety measures, including professional security provision, stewarding, spectator management and additional operational support. These requirements create costs that can no longer be absorbed solely through competition entry fees and volunteer support.

During the review process, Indoor Hockey UK considered a number of options to fund these additional requirements, including increasing competition entry fees for participating teams. However, this approach would require clubs to bear the cost of security and stewarding based on projected attendance figures, regardless of the actual number of spectators who attend. It would also mean that we would have to cap the number of attendees at the estimated number.

By introducing a spectator charge, event costs can be aligned more closely with actual attendance levels. Security and stewarding requirements are directly linked to the number of spectators present. If attendance is lower than anticipated, fewer resources may be required. Equally, if attendance exceeds expectations, additional measures can be put in place to ensure the event remains safe and compliant.

This approach provides greater flexibility and ensures that costs are shared more fairly between those attending the event and those competing in it.

Supporting our volunteers

Our events depend heavily on volunteers who generously give their time to support the sport. Unlike many major event organisers, nobody at Indoor Hockey UK is paid to organise or deliver these competitions. From competition management and event operations through to stewarding and spectator support, our events rely entirely on volunteers working for the benefit of the hockey community.

However, a number of volunteers have expressed concerns about undertaking stewarding and spectator management roles following their experiences at recent events. While the overwhelming majority of spectators attend to support the sport positively, there have been instances where volunteers, officials and event staff have been subjected to behaviour that falls below the standards expected within the hockey family.

This has made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain the volunteers needed to operate events safely and effectively.

The introduction of a paid ticketing system will help Indoor Hockey UK provide the resources required to meet its event safety obligations, support volunteers, improve spectator management and continue delivering high-quality championship events.

Commenting on the change, William Davey, Indoor Hockey UK's Operations Director, said:

"Spectator tickets have long been part of our events, but until now we have been able to offer them free of charge. As the requirements around event safety and security continue to evolve, we have had to review how these additional costs are funded.

"We considered increasing team entry fees, but charging spectators directly is a more flexible and equitable solution. It allows us to scale security and stewarding provision according to actual attendance while helping to ensure the long-term sustainability of our events.



"Most importantly, our events are delivered entirely by volunteers. These individuals give up their time because they care about the sport and want to create a great experience for players, coaches and supporters. It is only right that we provide them with the support, resources and environment they need to do that safely and confidently."

A non-profit charge

For the 2026 Championships taking place in December, spectator tickets will be priced at £4 per person, per day. Indoor Hockey UK has worked hard to keep the cost as low as possible while ensuring that the additional requirements around safety, security and event management can be met.

Indoor Hockey UK also remains committed to operating as a not-for-profit organisation. Any surplus generated through its events is reinvested directly into the sport, helping to improve facilities, equipment and the long-term sustainability of indoor hockey.

Recent investments have included the purchase of new rebound boards, helping secure Indoor Hockey UK's ability to host national events for at least the next decade and ensuring that future generations of players can continue to enjoy the sport at the highest level.

By introducing a modest spectator charge, which is roughly the cost of a cup of coffee, Indoor Hockey UK can continue to deliver safe, high-quality national championships while supporting the volunteers, facilities and infrastructure that make the sport possible.