Transgender and Non-Binary
Frequently Asked Questions
Can trans and non-binary people compete in hockey? Trans and non-binary hockey players are very welcome to play hockey at every level of the sport. Only trans and non-binary players who were assigned female at birth and are not using masculinising hormone treatment will be eligible to participate in the Female category. Trans women who were assigned male at birth will be able to compete in hockey in the mixed hockey competitions and the Open category. For hockey that falls outside of the policy trans women can participate in the gender they identify as. Trans men can compete in hockey in mixed hockey, and the open or female category dependent on their use of testosterone hormones.
Does this policy apply to those 11 or under? Policy does not apply to anyone aged 11 or under, who does not reach their 12th birthday in the current season. Therefore they should be 10 or under on 31 August of the preceding season. They can then participate in any form of hockey in the gender they identify as.
How does the policy impact a junior player who is Transgender? Based on NHS information, children playing in teams and formats of hockey for U11s and below would not be considered to have reached puberty and so are outside of the application of the criteria of the policy. A junior player in U12s teams and above (Year 7 in school) would be within the scope of the policy and must follow the eligibility requirements of the policy.
How does this policy relate to talent/performance/national team selection? The policy is applicable to all levels of the game under the jurisdiction of Hoci Cymru which includes talent, performance and national teams selection.
How is a mixed hockey team made up? Current Hoci Cymru regulations restrict the number of male outfield players. The wording in this regulation will be revised slightly to align with the policy and for next season 2025/26 it will be: At any time during a match a team shall consist of no more than five outfield players assigned male at birth.
How will you address transphobic behaviour? Hoci Cymru is committed to ensuring that any transgender or non-binary participant should be able to access and enjoy hockey without fear of discrimination, prejudice, or harassment. Such behaviours are wholly unacceptable and may be subject to disciplinary action under the Hoci Cymru Disciplinary Regulations . It is important that any unacceptable behaviour is dealt with, and we would ask that any such incidences are reported in line with this process. For any concerns or questions on reporting a potential disciplinary action, please contact governance@hockeywales.org.uk for support and guidance.
Is Hoci Cymru committed to wider trans inclusion across the sport? At Hoci Cymru, we pride ourselves on the open and welcoming community for people from different backgrounds in our sport, ensuring anyone wanting to experience hockey has the right to do so. It is our responsibility to make sure everyone - no matter what their identity or background - feels supported and involved in hockey.
What are the opportunities to play mixed hockey? Mixed hockey is a growing format of the game which enables all genders to play together. There are some opportunities organised throughout the summer.
What did the consultation and engagement process find? The consultation confirmed that hockey is a gender affected sport. The complete player qualities of the player (as identified in the Talent Framework) are impacted by the differences between the sexes post puberty, such as the speed, strength and skeletal size of players and this is applicable to all levels of the game.
What does this mean for differences in sex development (DSD) players? DSD players were not within the scope of this review. We recognise that DSD is a complex area and that people may only be made aware of this at a much later age in life. Anyone who is DSD will be considered on a case by case basis to assist that person to participate in hockey.
What happens if someone breaks the policy? If someone breaks the policy this would fall under the disciplinary regulations.
What is the FIH’s policy? The FIH is conducting their own transgender policy review at the moment and so for their competitions it is a case by case assessment of any elite trans player.
What is the scientific research for Hockey? The research information is available in the reference section of the policy.
When will Hoci Cymru review this policy again? Every two years we will review the evidence base of the policy see if there are any significant developments that should mean Hoci Cymru should review the policy in greater detail. This could include new data in hockey, new scientific information, revised legislation, revised professional advice, wider policy development elsewhere in sport.
Who has been involved in the policy review? Hoci Cymru has undertaken a review of its policy, supported by the EDI Working Group and aligned with England Hockey’s policy to ensure consistency across the sport. The process included a survey conducted in March 2025, which gathered valuable feedback from across the hockey community. In addition, there was direct consultation with affected athletes and clubs to ensure that lived experiences and diverse perspectives were reflected in the final policy. The Hoci Cymru Board has fully supported the review process, which was informed by legal, insurance, and safeguarding considerations, as well as insights from other sports and national governing bodies.
Why does this policy only apply to those aged 12 and over? s195(4) of the Equality Act 2010 requires sports to consider the age and stage of development of the children competing. This policy review has considered when the differences between the sexes manifests itself in order to consider fairness of competition. According to the NHS, the average age for girls to start puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12. This means that aged 12+ fairness needs to be considered for participation. This means the policy applies to teams of children and young people in Year 7 at school or in U12 teams at clubs. It applies to all children and young people playing in senior hockey.
Why is a transgender woman not allowed to play in the Female category? The review of the available science showed that hockey is a gender affected sport. The complete player qualities of the player (as identified in the Talent Framework) are impacted by the differences between the sexes post puberty, such as the speed, strength and skeletal size of players and this is applicable to all levels of the game.
Why is hockey considered a gender affected sport? Current available evidence shows that hockey is considered a gender-affected sport, in that the physical strength, stamina or physique of average people of one sex would put them at a disadvantage compared to the average people of the other sex. This is the definition from s195(3) of the Equality Act 2010.
When does the new policy/rules come into effect? The new policy will come into effect midway through the 2025/26 season on 1 January 2026.