Indoor Hockey UK Ltd. (“Indoor Hockey UK”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, particularly children and adults at risk.
We recognise our duty of care to safeguard the welfare of everyone involved in our events, competitions, courses, and activities.
This policy applies to all individuals involved in or attending Indoor Hockey UK activities, including:
- players
- officials
- coaches
- volunteers
- staff
- spectators
- contractors and partners
This policy is informed by and aligned with England Hockey safeguarding guidance. Where concerns arise that may affect the wider sport, Indoor Hockey UK may share relevant safeguarding information with England Hockey’s safeguarding team or other appropriate governing bodies.

All participants are expected to support a safe sporting environment.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
We will:
- prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of participants
- create environments where everyone feels safe and respected
- recognise and respond to poor practice, misconduct, and risks of harm
- take all safeguarding concerns seriously
- respond promptly and appropriately to reports
- work with governing bodies and statutory authorities where necessary
Roles & Responsibilities
Indoor Hockey UK will:
- appoint a Safeguarding Lead or designated contact
- ensure event staff understand safeguarding expectations
- provide clear reporting routes for concerns
- take action where risks are identified
- cooperate with National Governing Bodies, venues, and statutory agencies where required
Clubs and teams must:
- ensure appropriate supervision of their participants
- comply with safeguarding laws and governing body standards
- inform Indoor Hockey UK of any safeguarding concerns relating to their participants, including any suspension, ban, safeguarding restriction, disciplinary sanction, or investigation imposed by a National Governing Body
- report safeguarding concerns to Indoor Hockey UK promptly where appropriate
Individuals must:
- behave respectfully toward others
- follow venue and event rules
- report any concerns about safety or welfare
Disclosure of Sanctions & Restrictions
Clubs, organisations and team managers must notify Indoor Hockey UK promptly of any:
- suspension
- ban
- safeguarding restriction
- disciplinary sanction
- ongoing safeguarding or disciplinary investigation
imposed by a National Governing Body or relevant authority on any individual attending, or intending to attend, an Indoor Hockey UK event in any capacity.
This requirement applies to players, coaches, officials, volunteers, workforce members, spectators or any other person connected with the organisation.
Indoor Hockey UK reserves the right to:
- refuse entry
- remove individuals from events
- impose participation conditions
where reasonably necessary to protect participants and uphold safeguarding standards.
Failure to disclose relevant information may itself be treated as a safeguarding matter and may result in exclusion from participation.
Behaviour Expectations
All participants, officials, spectators, and workforce members are expected to behave in a respectful and responsible manner at Indoor Hockey UK events. Unacceptable behaviour includes:
- bullying, harassment or discrimination
- abusive or threatening language
- inappropriate physical contact
- sexualised comments or conduct
- intimidation or behaviour that may cause harm
Indoor Hockey UK reserves the right to remove individuals or teams where behaviour raises safeguarding or welfare concerns. Such action may be taken as a precautionary measure where safeguarding risks are reasonably suspected.
Photography, filming, and livestreaming at events are governed by our Media Policy. Participants and spectators must respect any restrictions on photography or filming imposed by the venue or event organisers. Media must not be used in a way that causes harm, distress, or safeguarding concern.
Online Conduct & Social Media
Participants, clubs, officials, and spectators must use social media responsibly in connection with Indoor Hockey UK events.
Online behaviour must not:
- harass, intimidate, or target individuals
- share inappropriate images or personal information
- identify children without appropriate permission
- bring the event or participants into disrepute
Indoor Hockey UK may take action where online behaviour connected to its events raises safeguarding or welfare concerns.
Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to clubs, governing bodies, or safeguarding authorities.
Children & Young People
For the purposes of this policy, a child or young person is anyone under the age of 18.
Where children participate:
- teams remain responsible for supervision of their players
- children should not be left unsupervised at events
- event staff will intervene where safety concerns arise
Parents, guardians, or team managers remain responsible for supervision unless specific arrangements are agreed in writing.
Indoor Hockey UK staff and volunteers should avoid situations where they are alone with a child unless unavoidable for safeguarding reasons.
Adults at Risk
We recognise that some participants may be adults at risk due to disability, illness, or other circumstances.
We will:
- make reasonable adjustments where needed
- respond sensitively to welfare concerns
- work with carers or responsible persons where appropriate
Workforce Conduct & Suitability âž”
Indoor Hockey UK expects all staff, volunteers, and workforce members to behave in a professional and appropriate manner at events.
Where individuals work directly with children or adults at risk, Indoor Hockey UK will seek reasonable assurance of their suitability, which may include confirmation of appropriate safeguarding training, experience, or disclosure checks where relevant.

Any concerns about the behaviour or suitability of workforce members will be taken seriously and may result in removal from duties or referral to relevant authorities.
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a participant, you should report it as soon as possible.
Concerns may include poor practice, misconduct, or behaviour posing a risk of harm.
Reports can be made to:
- the Indoor Hockey UK Safeguarding Contact
- an event organiser or official
- venue staff
Where appropriate, Indoor Hockey UK may refer safeguarding concerns to:
- England Hockey’s safeguarding team or the safeguarding team of another relevant National Governing Body England Hockey’s safeguarding team or the safeguarding team of another relevant National Governing Body, particularly where issues may impact the wider sport
- statutory safeguarding authorities
- the police
Information may be shared with England Hockey where it is reasonably believed that there are safeguarding implications beyond a single event or organisation, or where cooperation is necessary to protect participants. If the participant or team is not a member of England Hockey, we may notify their Governing Body.
If a person is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Indoor Hockey UK will record concerns appropriately and take proportionate action.
Indoor Hockey UK may take precautionary safeguarding action before any investigation is concluded where reasonably necessary to protect participants.
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Information will be shared only where necessary to protect individuals, prevent harm, or meet legal and safeguarding obligations.
Where allegations of harm or misconduct arise, Indoor Hockey UK may:
- suspend individuals from participation
- restrict access to events
- inform clubs, venues, or governing bodies
- refer matters to safeguarding authorities or police
These actions may be taken on a precautionary basis.
Where allegations of harm or misconduct arise, Indoor Hockey UK may:
- suspend individuals from participation
- restrict access to events
- inform clubs, venues, or governing bodies
- refer matters to safeguarding authorities or police
These actions may be taken on a precautionary basis.
