This page contains important information for all members regarding COVID-19 restrictions and will be updated from time to time. Please check regularly for updates.

Change Log:

19th August, 2020 – Original version
31st August, 2020 – Data Privacy Notice relating to data collected on attendance registers
26th September, 2020 – QR codes installed at facilities and move to Step 5 of EH’s Return to Play plan.
2nd December, 2020 – One-way entry/exit system to Chelmer Park playing surface and updated travel guidance.
28th March, 2021 – Return to Play from 29th March.
19th May, 2021 – Step 5 of Return to Play from 17th May.

INTRODUCTION

With effect from Monday, 17th May, Chelmsford HC is at Step 5 of England Hockey’s Return to Play plan.  This means that full competitive match play, leagues and competitions resume.

  • Competitive training with a maximum of 30 people allowed in one group but more than one group can use a pitch as long as social distancing can be maintained outside of training.
  • Competitive matches (both 11-a-side and small sided).  Multiple matches can take place at the same venue as long as social distancing can be maintained between groups outside of matches.
  • Before and after the session/match, during team talks and, in any breaks, all participants should continue to practise social distancing.
  • Spectators are permitted in all outdoor and indoor settings. Social distancing rules and social gathering limits for each setting must be followed at all times – discrete groups of 30 outdoors and groups of six or two households indoors. There is an additional measure for indoors, where the total number of people is limited by the indoor facility capacity restrictions (100 sq. ft per person). This number includes all participants, coaches, officials and spectators.
  • Changing/showering facilities are permitted but the advice is that their use should be avoided wherever possible and players should arrive changed and shower at home. We have no plans to reopen our changing facilities yet due to redecoration work.

Your management committee has been working hard to make our hockey environment as safe as possible for all participants and will continue to review the risk assessment, adjust restrictions and update this guidance as necessary.  However, it is incumbent upon all members to read and fully understand their obligations during this period, as documented below.

We are aware that the vast majority of club members are responsible individuals and conduct themselves in accordance with the safety restrictions.  However, any individuals who may be tempted to breach the conditions of play should be aware of the potential consequences of doing so.  While prosecution may be the result for serious breaches, both England Hockey and Chelmsford HC have disciplinary processes at their disposal.  Any breaches of these conditions may also invalidate the club’s and/or coach’s insurance cover.

Most importantly, please consider the impact of your actions on the safety of your friends, teammates, officials, opponents and family.

INDIVIDUALS

Every participant has a responsibility for reducing the risks of COVID-19 and must agree to opt in to participate in hockey activity.  It is our expectation that all individuals recognise the importance of observing restrictions that have been designed to help ensure everybody’s safety, but persistent breaches, on and off the field of play, may be addressed using existing disciplinary frameworks.  It is your responsibility to:

  • Before commencing any hockey activity
    • Ensure you know who the Chelmsford HC COVID-19 Officer is and how to contact them:
      • Contact your COVID-19 Officer immediately if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case.
    • Sign the Participation Agreement and keep a copy of your confirmation email.  This agreement is signed only once and it indicates the individual’s agreement to the terms and conditions and Code of Ethics and Behaviours. Only individuals who have signed this agreement will be permitted to participate in Step 5 hockey activities.  There will be NO exceptions.
    • Abide by the Code of Ethics and Behaviours at all times.
  • Prior to each session/match
    • Complete a Self-Assessment Check prior to any hockey activity.  You should not leave home if you, or someone you live with, has any of the following symptoms:
      • A high temperature (above 37.8 oC),
      • A new, continuous cough, or
      • A loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.
    • Wear your playing/training kit.
    • Pack hand sanitiser in your kit/stick bag.
    • Travel:
      • Follow the government travel advice.
      • For adult matches, travel to the game independently or within your household/support bubble group. DO NOT share a car outside these groups.
      • For junior matches, including adult helpers, car sharing is permitted as long as safer travel advice is followed.
  • Upon arrival at your session/match
    • All visitors (players, officials and spectators) should scan the QR Code displayed at the pitch using the NHS COVID-19 App. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). There are different codes displayed on each pitch and in the changing block. Please use them if you move between facilities.
    • Enter the playing surface only through the ENTRY gate (near the spectator seating).
    • Show a copy of your Participation Agreement confirmation email to the session/match organiser.  Failure to provide this evidence will mean you cannot participate.
    • Ensure you register your attendance with the session/match organiser for Track and Trace purposes.
    • Use the cleaning products provided to sanitise dugouts and/or spectator seating.
    • Avoid touching or moving equipment i.e. goals.
    • Follow the guidance advice on all posters/notices.
  • Outside of play
    • Socially distance at 2m distancing in maximum sized groups of 6
    • Clean your hands during breaks
  • During play
    • Respect your opposition and umpires
    • Take Penalty Corners and Free-hits around the D promptly
    • Touch the ball with your stick/GK equipment and not your hands
    • Use your own protective equipment or disinfect before use (e.g. facemasks)
    • Socially distance when play stops
    • Avoid shouting excessively and DO NOT spit
    • No handshakes with other players or close contact during goal celebrations
    • Avoid running training exercises that involve overly repetitive close contact between players.
  • After play
    • Exit the playing surface only through the EXIT gate (near the main gates).
    • Clean your kit or leave for 72 hours.
    • If you display any symptoms of COVID-19 after playing hockey, contact our COVID-19 Officer, Wendy Tombs, for further information, including contacting NHS Test & Trace.

England Hockey’s full guidance has been simplified and can be viewed here.  Please also view the supporting infographics and FAQs. This is all available on the Covid Support page of the EH website, which will be regularly updated.

SUPPORT

If you have any concerns or are feeling anxious above hockey activity under COVID-19 restrictions, please discuss your concerns with a friend, teammate, captain, coach, our COVID-19 Officer, Wendy Tombs, or James Stock.

PITCH BOOKINGS

Pitch bookings may be made through our Fixture Secretary and bookings manager, James Stock.  There are some important points to note:

  • For the time being, pitch bookings may only be made by team captains/coaches/managers, all of whom have received a specific COVID-19 briefing.  This restriction is for the health and safety of everyone but we hope to relax it shortly.
  • Team captains/coaches/managers may book the pitch by emailing pitchbookings@chelmsfordhc.org.uk, and accepted bookings will be recorded on the club pitch bookings sheet visible to all members here.
  • Any ad hoc pitch bookings will be covered by the club’s Pitch Use Policy.

DATA PRIVACY

Data Privacy Notice relating to data collected on attendance registers.

Data-Privacy-Notice:Download