While thousands of hockey clubs and sporting facilities around the world are fortunate enough to have synthetic turf surfaces dedicated almost solely to the purpose of playing hockey, there are many places where that simply isn’t possible. This is a challenge frequently faced by schools and community sports centres, where the necessity to cater for numerous different sports and leisure activities is very much at the centre of any decision-making process regarding the potential creation or renewal of a synthetic surface. Often, the attraction of long pile 3G pitches – which have proven very popular with football – is too great to resist. However, these surfaces are generally considered to be not entirely suitable for various sports, including hockey, and the installation of a 3G surface often results in teams and clubs being forced to look elsewhere for a place to play. Thankfully, a game-changing development means that there is a versatile, hockey-friendly alternative available. A pioneering joint initiative between the sports of hockey, tennis and netball has led to the creation of an innovative new multi-sport concept known as ‘Gen 2’. Utilising the proven technology of short-pile synthetic turf preferred by hockey, and incorporating the latest innovations in shockpads, this surface has been specially designed to become a great all-round solution, not just for the three sports previously mentioned, but also others like lacrosse, futsal, softball, korfball and so much more.   “The development of the Gen 2 surface is a real collaborative effort, with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and England Netball working closely with the FIH, England Hockey and the European Hockey Federation towards a goal that is mutually beneficial”, said FIH Facilities & Quality Programme Manager Alastair Cox. “Huge efforts have been made by all parties to ensure that the surface meets the performance and durability levels required and expected by all three sports, enabling the creation of a high quality, versatile solution that is a great choice for multi-sport use.” In terms of both sustainability and the long-term success of what is a significant financial investment, the attractiveness of multi-sport fields and courts for community and school sports facilities is clear for all to see. Quite often, the need to cater for as many people within their local area as possible is a pre-requisite when it comes to securing investment from local or national authorities. Therefore, increasing the number of sports that can be played on the field directly increases the number of people who will benefit from its installation. Whilst the Gen 2 surface allows for the sporting opportunities to be maximised, there has been little compromise in terms of performance, being given the seal of approval by governing bodies representing the sports of hockey, tennis and netball. Gen 2 surfaces comply with the FIH Hockey Turf and Field Standards, while the testing of elements such as bounce, slip, rotational resistance and pace ensure that the performance and quality standards required for community tennis and netball are attained; allowing the three sports to work together to create the opportunity to have additional community and school playing areas. In partnership with England Hockey, England Netball and the Lawn Tennis Association, and endorsed by the European Hockey Federation, the International Tennis Federation and Sport England, the FIH has produced a guide that shares the Gen 2 design concepts, promotes good practice and encourages the development of facilities that all of the sports can benefit from. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Gen 2 fields and courts and this exciting collaboration between Hockey, Tennis and Netball, you can download the guide by clicking here. To learn more about the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf, which includes a list of all FIH approved hockey surface manufacturers, please click here.

May 19, 2020 As National Associations start to make plans for a safe return to hockey activities after the necessary restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the FIH has produced a document to help and support Continental Federations, National Associations and clubs through the process. The guidelines, which are aligned to those issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), cover the entire hockey workforce – athletes, coaches, officials, staff, administrators and volunteers. Along with a risk assessment chart to which all hockey organisations are advised to adhere, there are also guidelines for organisers of international events once there is a return to international competition. With the progression of the virus at different stages across the globe, the guidelines should be used by Continental Federations, National Associations and clubs, alongside local laws and policies, providing their own bespoke guidelines for hockey providers within their area. A speedy return to playing sports such as hockey is seen as a crucial measure to help in the promotion of mental and physical health but, with the virus still claiming hundreds of lives across the world every day, any return to training and playing has to be carefully implemented to prevent any resurgence in infection. Three “PST” measures have been put in place by governments across the world – Public gathering restrictions (P), Social distancing (S) and Travel restrictions (T). While sports and recreational activities are gradually being reintroduced, this is subject to strict controls and regular review, taking these three measures into consideration. Hockey, as a team sport, with contact, is seen as a higher risk activity and so is subject to higher levels of control and restriction. Within its Health and Safety guidelines, FIH has included a risk assessment – produced by Dr Sean Carmody, a doctor of sports medicine at Manchester Metropolitan University. Prior to resuming any activity, all hockey organisations should carry out an assessment based on Carmody’s risk assessment chart. Even before any return to activity can be considered, facilities must be assessed. To ensure a safe environment, the venue or facility is likely to require a deep clean; watering systems may need to be flushed; and, through accessible information and signage, social distancing restrictions must be made clear to anyone visiting or using the facility. Detailed guidance on ensuring a safe environment can be found here. These are very early days when it comes to a return to action but, within its guidance FIH has produced a five stage process showing the route back to something resembling normality. This starts, as has been seen in the Netherlands and Belgium, with a return to carefully managed training, still with social distancing measures in place. The next stage will be a resumption of regional competition, followed by local travel between neighbouring nations. Trans-Continental competition will follow and, finally, once a vaccine is in place, it is hoped there will be a return to normal competition. There is no time scale for these stages to be reached and it will vary from country to country. What is in no doubt is that future events will look very different for the foreseeable future. When competition does resume, organisers will need to be hugely conscious of safety measures that will need to be implemented, in order to keep the hockey workforce and the fans safe. These measures are highlighted in the document. Encapsulating a sentiment that has been expressed across the international hockey community, Australia’s Stephanie Kershaw, urged people to “Stay safe and train responsibly.” As the Hockeyroos says, while everyone is excited about a return to action, this is tempered with the knowledge and understanding that global health and wellness is a much bigger priority and one that transcends all else. #StayHealthy