England Hockey Statement COVID-19 Virus
Posted by Martyn Webb on 13 March 2020
Community hockey
Community hockey will continue to take place unless we are advised otherwise by government, and we will continue to update the Hockey Family on the situation. Please check with your local league if you are unsure if the game is going to take place. We would encourage all players to follow the widely available guidance of public health with regards to people maintaining good hygiene to avoid spreading of the Covid-19 virus.
In a hockey context, we would advise clubs and other hockey venues to ensure washing facilities have appropriate provision of hygiene products and urge players to follow the public health guidance in environments where they are in close proximity to others. If any players, officials or coaches are feeling unwell, please follow the government’s advice to self-isolate and therefore do not take part in hockey-related activities. We also recommend our more elderly players and officials consider whether they should take part in hockey activity.
All players and officials are responsible for their own safety equipment (goalkeeping kit, facemasks, mouth guards, whistles, shin pads etc) and we would encourage everyone to ensure they are clean and not shared amongst team-mates.
Instead of the traditional handshake at the start and end of the game, we are encouraging players to tap sticks: https://twitter.com/Xenioshockey/status/1235819830562832384. A warm smile and thanks of appreciation to officials may be more appropriate at this current time.
