Get Involved

Rules of the game

Are you returning to ice hockey or interested in giving it go for the first time?

Find out the benefits and inclusions of membership with England Ice Hockey, the types of memberships we offer and where you can play here!

Individual registration is open to players, coaches, managers, off-ice officials and club volunteers.

We offer insurance only options, along with senior (men’s and women’s), junior, recreational, Para, SEND and University registration.

Member benefits include:

  • Insurance
  • Access to England Ice Hockey leagues and competitions
  • Access to England Ice Hockey development and coaching and education pathways
  • Dedicated member support
  • Access to a wealth of resources for clubs and individuals
  • Option to purchase discounted travel insurance
  • Enforcement of the England Ice Hockey Rules, Code of Conduct and Discipline Procedure

Our 2023/2024 membership prices can be found below:
membership tariffs inserted

Members registered as a player will receive a 50% reduction on any additional coach, manager or volunteer membership purchased. This reduction will decrease to 25% in 2024-2025, with an increase of 15% across all membership fees to accommodate the rising costs to the Association.

All individuals must register directly with the England Ice Hockey and follow their affiliated club’s membership process. Registration will be accepted following the submission of any required documents, such as ID, and approval from England Ice Hockey and its affiliated club.

Clubs are accessible and friendly environments providing a range of ice hockey opportunities to meet your needs, from junior and senior hockey, to recreational (casual) opportunities and clubs dedicated to meeting the needs of Para and SEND participants.

Whether you’re interested in pursuing ice hockey semi-professionally, want to play for fun, or want to volunteer as a coach or off-ice official, our opportunities and variety of clubs aim to make sure ice hockey is accessible to all.

As every club is unique and has its own fees, rules and regulations, we recommend contacting them directly to see how they can meet your needs.

CLUB FINDER???

Coaches

Coaches are key to the success of the sport. From introducing new players to the game, to nurturing the next big talents, coaches determine the quality of a player’s experience and their development both on and off the ice.

England Ice Hockey work closely with UK Coaching to deliver a comprehensive coaching pathway and help support and develop coaches to provide the best possible experience in ice hockey.

‘Great coaching is all about putting people first. Whether the participant or the person coaching them, being able to understand and connect with them is essential to creating an environment in which they can thrive.’ UK Coaching

Coaching pathway

England Ice Hockey currently offers the following coaching qualifications:

  • Foundation Coach
  • Level 1 (L1) Assistant Coach
  • Level 2 (L2) Team Coach
  • Level 3 (L3) Advanced Coach (IHUK)

All coaches must register directly with England Ice Hockey using the online portal. Registrations must be approved by England Ice Hockey before the coach’s license and insurance are confirmed. For more on registration, including terms and conditions of registration, please see section 1 of England Ice Hockey Rule Book.

It is mandatory for all coaches to:

  • be registered with England Ice Hockey
  • have paid all required fees and dues to England Ice Hockey
  • understand the rules and regulations for the sport
  • understand the rules for the age group and competition they will be coaching
  • follow England Ice Hockey Code of Conduct and follow all England Ice Hockey rules, regulations and policies
  • comply with WADA’s Anti-Doping Code and UKAD’s Anti-Doping Policy
  • have a DBS clearance if working with U18s
  • be a competent skater
  • have undertaken an England Ice Hockey qualification in coaching
  • have undertaken an accepted first aid qualification
  • be able to communicate effectively in English

Pathway in detail

Register with club > Register with England Ice Hockey > Access coaching courses and complete CPD > Become a fully qualified and licensed England Ice Hockey coach

Infographic / graphics needed on coaching pathway

Managers

Managers in ice hockey play a key role in the smooth running of the sport, dealing with the logistical and interpersonal workings of the team. From organising schedules, to communicating with coaches, players, parents and the opposition, a manager helps ensure a positive and seamless experience for team and club participants.

England Ice Hockey work closely with UK Coaching to deliver a comprehensive pathway and help support and develop managers to provide the best possible experience in ice hockey.

Manager pathway

England Ice Hockey currently offers the following manager qualifications:

  • Assistant Manager
  • Team Manager
  • Advanced Manager (invitation only)

All managers must register directly with England Ice Hockey using the online portal. Registrations must be approved by England Ice Hockey before the manager’s license and insurance are confirmed. For more on registration, including terms and conditions of registration, please see section 1 of England Ice Hockey Rule Book.

It is mandatory for all managers to:

  • be registered with England Ice Hockey
  • have paid all required fees and dues to England Ice Hockey
  • understand the rules and regulations for the sport
  • understand the rules for the age group and competition they will be coaching
  • follow England Ice Hockey Code of Conduct and follow all England Ice Hockey rules, regulations and policies
  • comply with WADA’s Anti-Doping Code and UKAD’s Anti-Doping Policy
  • have a DBS clearance if working with U18s
  • have undertaken an England Ice Hockey manager qualification
  • be able to communicate effectively in English

Manager pathway in detail

Register with club > Register with England Ice Hockey > Access manager courses and complete CPD > Become a fully qualified and licensed England Ice Hockey manager

Infographic / graphics needed on manager pathway

Volunteering is a fantastic way to be involved in the sport, even if you don’t fancy picking up a stick. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the sport and help keep clubs and England Ice Hockey running.

From treasurers to timekeepers, off-ice officials and club volunteers are integral to the smooth running of clubs and match days. All volunteers must register with their club and England Ice Hockey and complete any requisite training as per the England Ice Hockey Rule Book.

If you’re working with U18s, you may also be required to undertake a DBS check (free of charge) and additional safeguarding training.

For a full list of club opportunities, please see section 1 of England Ice Hockey Rule Book.

England Ice Hockey also offer a number of ways to get involved directly with the governing body, including roles in Event Management, our various committees or even as part of the England National Team Programme. Register your interest with England Ice Hockey directly here.

Becoming an on-ice official (referee) is an exciting way to be involved in the sport.

Referees in ice hockey in England and Wales are managed by Ice Hockey UK (IHUK) Referee section. IHUK Referee’s section supply officials across all leagues, from grassroots to elite ice hockey and offer opportunities to be involved from Level 1 to Elite officials.

For more information about the benefits of becoming a referee, IHUK membership policies and referee courses, please visit the IHUK Referee’s website.

Club registration

All ice hockey clubs and teams in England and Wales need to be affiliated with England Ice Hockey. Affiliation is free of charge and clubs and teams need to renew their affiliation each year to maintain membership.

Benefits of affiliating with England Ice Hockey include:

  • Insurance
  • Access to England Ice Hockey leagues and competitions
  • Access to England Ice Hockey development and coaching and education pathways
  • Dedicated club support
  • Access to a wealth of resources for clubs and individuals
  • Option to purchase discounted travel insurance
  • Access to apply to host and attend tournaments and hockey camps
  • Enforcement of the England Ice Hockey Code of Conduct and Discipline Procedure

All clubs must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Recognised as any of the following:
    • Recognised by England Ice Hockey as entering an England Ice Hockey sanctioned league or competition
    • Officially affiliated with a university sporting section (BUIHA only)
    • Officially affiliated with the England Ice Hockey Recreational section
  • Have an effective club committee consisting of a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer
  • Have a Head Coach who is an EIHA licenced Level 2 Team Coach
  • Have a Child Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Lead if there are players aged under 18 in the Club
  • Have a bank account with appropriate signatories
  • Have a suitable venue for playing ice hockey which appears on the England Ice Hockey approved venue list
  • Ensure your Club members are also registered as England Ice Hockey members. Clubs must submit an initial membership database of a minimum of 14 persons.
  • Acknowledge and adhere to England Ice Hockey policies, including but not limited to the England Ice Hockey Code of Conduct and Ethics, England Ice Hockey Safeguarding Policies, England Ice Hockey Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, England Ice Hockey Anti-Corruption Policy and the UKAD Anti-Doping Policy

In the event of insolvency of England Ice Hockey, affiliated Clubs must acknowledge that they can be called upon to guarantee the debts of the association to the sum of £50.00 (Fifty Pounds).

All clubs must register directly with England Ice Hockey and submit the required information.

To start your England Ice Hockey club affiliation, please click here. CLUB PORTAL

Clubs must also:

  • Publish its legal name, form (e.g. unincorporated association, company limited by shares or guarantee etc) and any identifier (e.g. company number). In addition, for those clubs that are owned, the club shall also publish the identities of the owner.
  • Submit a digital copy of the club/team logo, to be approved by the England Ice Hockey
  • Submit a digital copy of the team strip, to be approved by the England Ice Hockey
  • Submit a copy of the public liability insurance from the club’s ice rink
  • Be committed to maintain and develop the spirit of the game
  • Promote England Ice Hockey at all times

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