Safeguarding

At Holcombe, the safety and wellbeing of every member of our club community comes first. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone who takes part in hockey at Holcombe Park, whether as a player, parent, coach, umpire, volunteer or spectator. We take particular care to protect the children and young people in our junior programme and Talent Academy.

We follow England Hockey’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and our approach is built on a simple principle: everyone at the club has a role to play in keeping hockey safe. All of our coaches, team managers and volunteers who work with young people are subject to appropriate vetting checks (DBS) and undertake safeguarding training. Our Welfare Officers are on hand to support members, parents and volunteers with any questions or concerns.

Our junior training sessions on a Sunday morning and Tuesday evening currently attract over 200 participants aged five to 18-years-old, and we expect every adult at the club to help make those sessions a positive experience. Our codes of conduct set out what we ask of players, parents, coaches and spectators alike, and they apply just as much on the sidelines and in the clubhouse as they do on the pitch.

If something doesn’t feel right, please speak up. No concern is too small, and you will always be listened to and taken seriously. You can raise a concern in confidence with our Welfare Officers using the contact details on this page, or directly with England Hockey’s Safeguarding Team. If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the police on 999 or your local children’s social care team without delay.

Below you will find our safeguarding policy, codes of conduct and supporting guidance, along with details of who to contact if you need help or advice.