Introduction
England Hockey (EH) believes that all players should be provided with opportunities to improve their hockey. Young individuals playing club hockey are often introduced to senior teams and development sides, allowing them to gain experience playing with and against older players. This step up can be pivotal to their hockey playing career however decisions can be made hastily without proper consideration for the young person involved.

Regulations
‘As agreed by the England Hockey Board in March 2011, the policy will remain as it is, with U13s restricted from participating in adult hockey leagues until they reach their 13th birthday, until further notice.’ (Juniors playing in adult leagues, 2016)
Whilst we understand that young people develop physically at different rates, we can be certain that their emotional and psychological state prior to the age of 13 is unlikely to be mature enough to support them adequately in adult competition. Furthermore, it seems sensible to have a concrete age to regulate participation and avoid subjective decisions.

A number of Non league and friendly oppotunites are available for those approaching their 13th birthday to support their development and bridge the step up from Junior Hockey to full Adult League Hockey. The Club has a duty of care to these individuals and will discuss with the Parents of identified suitable Juniors.

Click Here for Further Information - EH Young People In Senior Teams, updated March 2021