Trans and Non-Binary Policy

Stokesley Hockey Club – Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy

1. Introduction

1.1
Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to ensuring that hockey is welcoming, respectful, inclusive and accessible to everyone.
1.2
The club supports the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion promoted by England Hockey and aims to create an environment where all participants feel:
•    Valued
•    Supported
•    Safe
•    Included
•    Respected
1.3
This policy has been adopted to clarify participation within Stokesley Hockey Club for:
•    Male players
•    Female players
•    Transgender players
•    Non-binary participants
1.4
The club recognises that gender identity is personal and sensitive, and all members are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect.
1.5
This policy reflects current England Hockey guidance and relevant legislation and may be updated in response to:
•    Changes in legislation
•    England Hockey policy updates
•    New research or guidance
•    Changes within the sport of hockey

 

2. Legal Framework

2.1
Stokesley Hockey Club recognises its responsibilities under:
•    Equality Act 2010
•    Gender Recognition Act 2004
•    Data Protection Act 2018
•    UK GDPR
•    Relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance
2.2
The club recognises that hockey is considered a gender-affected sport under the Equality Act 2010.
2.3
The club supports the lawful participation categories established by England Hockey for competitions affected by its Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy.

 

3. Principles of Inclusion

3.1
Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to:
•    Providing inclusive participation opportunities
•    Promoting respect for all gender identities
•    Preventing discrimination, bullying and harassment
•    Supporting psychological safety within hockey
•    Encouraging participation in hockey at all levels
3.2
The club will not tolerate:
•    Transphobia
•    Harassment
•    Bullying
•    Discrimination
•    Abuse relating to gender identity or expression
3.3
All participants are expected to uphold:
•    Respect
•    Inclusion
•    Fairness
•    Confidentiality
•    The Spirit of Hockey

 

4. Participation Categories

4.1
Where competitions fall under England Hockey’s Trans and Non-Binary Participation Policy, participation categories may include:
•    Female category
•    Open category
4.2 Female Category
The Female category is open to:
•    Participants recorded female at birth
•    Trans men who have not commenced or completed gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT)
4.3
Once a trans man or non-binary participant recorded female at birth has commenced or completed gender-affirming hormone therapy, they will no longer be eligible for the Female category in competitions governed by England Hockey policy.
4.4 Open Category
The Open category is open to all participants including:
•    Participants recorded male at birth
•    Participants recorded female at birth
•    Trans participants
•    Non-binary participants
4.5
Participants must comply with eligibility requirements set by England Hockey, league organisers or competition regulations where applicable.

 

5. Competitions and Club Activity

5.1
Stokesley Hockey Club will follow England Hockey eligibility requirements for:
•    England Hockey leagues
•    England Hockey competitions
•    Junior competitions
•    Indoor competitions
•    County or Area competitions
•    Talent pathway activity
•    Other competitions governed by England Hockey regulations
5.2
For club hockey activity not specifically governed by England Hockey participation categories, the club aims to support inclusive participation wherever reasonably possible.
5.3
Participants must not be challenged publicly regarding their eligibility during hockey activity.
5.4
Any concerns relating to eligibility or behaviour must be raised confidentially through the appropriate club or England Hockey processes.

 

6. Under 12 Participation

6.1
The club recognises the England Hockey position regarding Under 12 participation.
6.2
Trans participants aged 11 or under may participate in the gender with which they identify, subject to England Hockey competition regulations.

 

7. Mixed Hockey

7.1
The club supports inclusive mixed hockey participation in accordance with England Hockey competition rules.
7.2
Where mixed hockey competitions have eligibility requirements relating to participation categories, those requirements must be followed.

 

8. Privacy and Confidentiality

8.1
Information relating to a person’s gender identity or gender history is highly sensitive personal information.
8.2
All information will be handled in accordance with:
•    Data Protection legislation
•    Club Privacy Policy
•    England Hockey guidance
•    Safeguarding requirements
8.3
Information will only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis.
8.4
The club will respect an individual’s right to privacy and confidentiality at all times.

 

9. Anti-Doping and Medical Considerations

9.1
All participants remain subject to applicable anti-doping regulations.
9.2
Participants undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy are encouraged to seek guidance regarding any anti-doping or Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) requirements where appropriate.

​

10. Reporting Concerns

10.1
Any participant experiencing:
•    Discrimination
•    Harassment
•    Bullying
•    Transphobia
•    Exclusionary behaviour
should report concerns to:
•    The Club Welfare Officer
•    A member of the Club Committee
•    England Hockey where appropriate
10.2
All concerns will be treated seriously and handled sensitively and confidentially wherever possible.
10.3
Participants must not be subjected to inappropriate questioning, challenges or public scrutiny regarding their gender identity.

 

11. Complaints and Disciplinary Action

11.1
Behaviour that breaches this policy may result in:
•    Informal action
•    Formal disciplinary action
•    Suspension from club activity
•    Removal from club roles or membership
•    Referral to England Hockey
11.2
Transphobic or discriminatory behaviour may also constitute misconduct under:
•    Club disciplinary procedures
•    England Hockey regulations
•    Safeguarding procedures where applicable

 

12. Education and Awareness

12.1
The club will seek to promote awareness and understanding regarding:
•    Equality
•    Diversity
•    Inclusion
•    Respectful behaviour
•    Gender identity awareness
12.2
The club encourages all members to contribute to a welcoming and respectful hockey environment.

 

13. Policy Review

13.1
This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if:
•    England Hockey guidance changes
•    Legislation changes
•    Relevant research or policy developments occur
13.2
Policy Owner: Stokesley Hockey Club Committee
13.3
Next Review Date: 2028