Cork Harlequins Hockey Club has a strict ethos in relation to Underage hockey training for both boys and girls. We strive to create equality and fairness for all and our members safety and welfare is of utmost importance to us.

Our Club Policy is as follows:-

Fairness & Equality in Sport until 16 years

All teams to be evenly divided in ability and strength and all children to be given equal pitch time as much as possible. This is recommended by our National Governing body Hockey Ireland and Munster Hockey too, but not all clubs follow the guidelines.

This will strive to ensure all children are brought on at the same level together. Coach’s and parents must be aware that children progress at totally different stages in their lives and can
‘catch up’ at any age..

Mixed Gender Training

It is acceptable that children can be allowed to mix until the age of 10 as developmentally they are alike up to this age.

At this stage boys become much stronger and it’s not an even playing field anymore. It has been found that there is quite a difference in physicality and it becomes too dangerous and unsafe to continue mixing genders.

Regardless of their ability – children also need to train with their own age group and peers.