Clubmark

Running a club takes vision and drive and having the right people in decision-making positions is fundamental to the future success of your club.

Plan for the future of the club, for example; development plan (needs analysis, SWOT analysis, action plan, etc)

The club has a transparent constitution with a dissolution clause and clear purpose in line with England Hockey recommendations (for example constitution document, website link to constitution etc)

The club has an appropriate level of insurance.

AWAITING Insurance certificates x 3 - including EH Membership

The club is governed by a committee who face regular election, following which they meet regularly, with decision making recorded and communicated to members (for example committee meetings, minutes of meetings, AGMs, etc). The club committee is structured based on the requirements, skills and diversity of the club, with at least 3 members unrelated or non-cohabiting. Conflicts of interests are recognised & managed by the chair and recorded (for example open election at AGMs, website links, meeting minutes, Chairperson agreement etc). Please add AGM minutes showing election of officers and AGM Notice showing committee positions are advertised

The club has a specific bank account with two independent signatories or suitable online banking requirements. Accounts are independently reviewed annually and made available to members (for example online banking, Treasurers reports, website links, etc)

AWAITING: Independent Review statement

The club has adopted England Hockey Safeguard, Equality Policy and Spirit of Hockey. As a minimum a copy of the committee minutes adopting all 3 policies must be provided.

AWAITING: MInutes of adoption

The club delivers sessions in a safe environment that complies with legal requirements (for example completed paperwork – site and session assessments, etc) Please provide completed risk assessment for the facility (or all facilities if more than one venue used) and a completed session risk assessment, including for a junior session if relevant. Evidence of clubs injury procedures and reporting .

AWAITING: Example completed risk assessment

The club has an inclusive, accessible, clear and varied membership offer and evidence of who the clubs members and volunteers are. (for example membership form, website link etc) Evidence that your data is GDPR compliant

The volunteering landscape and behaviour have changed, with many people having less time and willingness to commit. Therefore, creating a culture within your club which supports, appreciates and values volunteers is vital. 

Many players do not want to play every week but are happy to play at any time of the year. They want opportunities that provide good experiences but are also local enough to allow room for other interests and commitments.

The friendly, welcoming and social culture of the sport should not be taken for granted and needs to be worked on so that it is reflected in all aspects of club life. It is fundamental for making new members feel welcome and for keeping existing members actively involved and happy.

Feedback from our research strongly shows that members want their club to be an integral part of the local community. For many, membership of their hockey club was a key way to connect with their local community and feel part of the place in which they live.

Providing the opportunity for people in your club to have the chance to develop their skills not only benefits the club but can also benefit the individual and make their experience with the club more rewarding. To do this effectively clubs need to understand people at an individual level and understand what opportunities are available for them, both within the club and externally, through wider hockey structures such as the Talent System or England Hockey training and development opportunities.