Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey have committed to protect players, support clubs and strengthen the Department of Player Safety, as part of the proposed merger of the organisations.
Together as one, the organisations are committed to delivering a member-centric approach, investing in people, systems, processes and governance.
Nowhere is that more important in DOPS so that discipline is consistent, fair and focused on learning, not just punishment.
Why player safety is central to our future
DOPS carries one of the most challenging roles in UK ice hockey.
A small group of incredible, tireless volunteers spend countless hours reviewing incidents, handing down suspensions and trying to balance player safety, the integrity of competition and the real-world impact on clubs and individuals.
Under the new unified structure, the organisations have committed to properly resourcing DOPS, professionalising it and clearly embedding it in governance and welfare frameworks. This will move DOPS beyond disciplinary and lead on education, prevention and support for clubs and players.
What the merged entity will deliver for player safety
By bringing all three organisations together, aligning regulations and pooling resources where it makes sense, the new governing body will be able to:
- Invest in people: Introduce accountable roles within DOPS (for example, a head of player safety and dedicated case management support), reducing the load on volunteers.
- Strengthen systems and processes: Implement joined-up case management systems across the UK, so that incidents are logged, tracked and reviewed in a consistent way, regardless of league or location.
- Enhance the experience for members: Provide faster, clearer resolutions to discipline cases wherever possible, with better communication on decisions and reasoning.
- Put education and support at the centre: Create a structured education programme for clubs, coaches and players on player safety, contact, respect and duty of care.
- Embed robust, transparent governance: Make sure decisions are made with the game, not at the game – partnering with leagues, clubs and officials to continually raise standards.
How this reflects our principles
This approach brings two of the core principles of the merger to life:
- Member-centricity: A DOPS structure that listens, explains and educates, not just issues suspensions as well as greater investment in welfare, safety and assurance programmes that protect our players and give clubs confidence in the system.
- Professionalise to Perform: A single, best-in-class operating model for player safety across the UK and new roles and better tools to support our volunteers and ensure DOPS can function at the level the sport demands.
A safer, smarter game – together
Our volunteers in DOPS have carried the weight of player safety for years, often unseen and under pressure.
The merger is our opportunity to back them properly – with professional support, better systems and stronger governance – and to set a higher, clearer bar for discipline and education across the whole UK game.
This is what Together As One means for player safety: not simply doing more of the same, but building a modern, consistent, fair and supportive system that protects players, helps clubs, and strengthens the sport for generations to come.
About the Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey Merger
The merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will transform the positioning of ice hockey across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Bringing all the resources of the organisations together under a single governing body will enable nationwide growth and development. Five core principles will underpin the work of the organisation, including professionalise to perform, enhance the experience, member-centricity, sustainability for generations to come and fully recognise potential.
Through months of consultation, engagement with other IIHF members and a driven, newly appointed executive team, the boards of the IHUK, EIH and SIH all unanimously approved the merging of the three bodies to bring everyone Together As One.
Ahead of a general meeting on 17 December, where IHUK, EIH and SIH will encourage its members to vote in favour of the vote, a number of meetings with key stakeholders and groups across the sport are being held, to ensure the merger delivers improvement and certainty in relation to their requirements.
Members are welcome to submit any questions or comments about the merger in advance of the general meeting via memberservices@englandicehockey.com for England and media@scottishicehockey.co.uk for Scotland. England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey staff will ensure all queries are addressed during the sessions of in the follow-up materials.
Voting process explained
A general meeting of members will be held for both England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey on 17 December.
In the formal notice sent to members, directors and auditors, a proposed special resolution will be set out, asking members to agree that they wish to proceed with creating a merged entity.
If approved, this will be followed by an extensive period of detailed consultation, funded by UK Sport, with all sections using the five guiding principles to reshape the operations and delivery of the sport.
England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will each invite their members entered on the register of members (their affiliated clubs and teams), any honorary members, together with their respective boards, to attend the general meeting.
In line with their Articles of Association, each member is entitled to receive notice of, attend and cast one vote at the meeting (subject to being duly registered and all fees being paid).
To pass the special resolution, at least 75% of votes cast on the day must be in favour. Members will have the right to appoint a proxy (or proxies), up to 48 hours before the meeting.
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