What is ClubsFirst?

ClubsFirst is an accreditation scheme being promoted by England Hockey as part of the wider Sport England Clubmark Programme and is intended to help Clubs provide a safe, effective and child friendly hockey environment.It aims to take best practice already in use in many Clubs, including our own, and set it down formally so that all can have the same standards and, importantly, be seen to be applying them.
A major part of the scheme is to ensure safety and security for children taking part in Club hockey training or matches. Clubs need to show that they have appropriate levels of training in order to be able to conduct safe instruction, that there are defined training programmes and that there are recognised First Aiders who can deal with any minor injuries that might arise from training or matches. To ensure this happens, a Child Welfare / Protection Officer is appointed.
However, the scheme goes much wider, setting out clear conduct guidelines not just for the coaches but also for the players, umpires, parents and even spectators. These emphasise that sport should be fun even when competitive, that due respect should be given to all involved and that everybody is responsible for their own conduct.  These guidelines are available to read below.

Who is Responsible?
Ian Hodnett is the ClubFirst Representative for the club.

Why have ClubsFirst?
Gore Court Hockey Club already has a strong and successful Junior Section, so why do we need to get on board with ClubsFirst?
This could be a major help in gaining us access to funds for training, which could extend what we are already achieving.  Not to pursue accreditation could, at some stage in the future, lead to the Club not being allowed to run training and matches for children.

When do we get the ClubsFirst?
We were awarded our ClubsFirst accreditation on 23rd March 2009. Certificate here.

How did we get ClubsFirst?
Firstly we had to present our conduct documents and action plan proposals to England Hockey for approval in principle. We were helped by having them checked locally before submission, to make sure that they are adequate. Once approved, we were be audited by someone on England Hockey’s behalf whose brief will be to check that the proposals are understood, accepted and being applied by those involved in the Club – officials, participants, parents etc. This took place at a Junior training session on 8th March 2009.
This is why it was important for everybody to have read the relevant documents, as it enabled anybody present to confirm knowledge of the scheme. The auditor’s aim is not to catch Clubs out, but to assist in their progress to full achievement.
Approval by the auditor lead to England Hockey granting the club the ClubsFirst status, which permits Gore Court Hockey Club to display this on our website and any documentation, and to use it in any approaches made for funds.  This accreditation move is vital for the Club’s future.

More info is available in this document - EH Guide to ClubsFirst