Below are answers to the questions parents most frequently ask us.
If you have any questions / concerns that aren't covered here, you can ask us direct via the contacts section of the website.
Where are we based, and when are we there ?
What are our Child Protection Policies ?
What do we expect from our Juniors ?
What do we expect from Parents ?
What can Juniors and Parents expect from us ?
Where are we based, and when are we there ?
The training base for our junior section is the Astroturf pitch at Windsor High School in Halesowen. Training restarted on Sunday 4th September.
Junior training takes place on Sunday mornings between 10.00 and 12.00. Sessions start each year early in September and run right through into July, our main summer break coinciding with the school summer holidays. We generally have a short break at Christmas as well.
Training sessions take place in most weathers, and we now have an agreement with Windsor High School that allows us to use the Gym for training if the weather makes the astroturf unusable.
If you are in doubt about whether a training session or match will take place then please contact the Junior Section Coordinator.
What do we offer ?
Our coaching sessions are split into groups by a mixture of ability and age. A good player is a good player at whatever age and should be given the chance to exercise their skills against players of equal standard. Talented players are currently given the opportunity to enhance their skills by referral to County Trials and specialist coaching sessions held within the Black Country.
Throughout the playing season, September to April, we enter friendly tournaments and competitions at many ages from U-10 to U-16. Some of these are based within Worcestershire, some in the Black Country and some are the early rounds of National competitions.
Whilst recognising that most children who join us want to play hockey, some want to further their knowledge of the rules of hockey by becoming officials. We have a number of qualified Junior Umpires within the club and will continue to run training courses for the Preliminary Umpires Award when we have suitable numbers of candidates. We have also started to train children who have passed through our juniors section to become coaches themselves.
Who works with the Children ?
The club currently has more than 10 qualified and active coaches. All are members of the club and coach on a voluntary basis. Not all coaches are at each session but they are supplemented at times by willing parents who support the section.
The majority of our coaches hold the English Hockey Association Level 1 award, but we also have more qualified coaches at level 2 and 3 and are actively increasing the number of coaches and the extent of their qualifications. Funding for this coach education has come from a mixture of club funds, National Lottery Funding and the coaches themselves.
In addition, most of our coaches are members of SEAL. This means that they are recognised by Dudley Borough, have Police Clearance and basic Emergency Aid skills on top of their coaching qualifications.
You can see more details on our qualified coaches in the coaching section of the website.
What are our Child Protection Policies ?
We believe that coaching sessions should take place in an atmosphere of fun and friendship, however there are certain standards that must be upheld to ensure that the safety of the participants is maintained.
Old Halesonians HC accepts that its main responsibility is for the well being and safety of those young players who are members of the club. This is done in the belief that by placing their welfare at the centre of our concerns we are providing a solid foundation for the development of our players for the future and for effective Child Protection practice.
Old Halesonians HC adopts the Child Protection Guidelines for Good Practice issued by the English Hockey Association together with the guidance given by the National Coaching Foundation. In line with these practices the club have a Child Welfare Officer who will
be involved in all cases should any concern arise. All coaches are expected to adhere to the principles outlined by the above documents.
You can view / download ' A Parents Guide to Child Protection in Hockey', which is published by Hockey England Limited, via this link.
What do we expect from our Juniors ?
Good timekeeping
A positive attitude
Suitable footwear – Trainers on Astroturf,
Small-pimpled soles are recommended
Clothing appropriate to the weather. Although we have the opportunity to halt a session and go under cover in the worst of the British weather, we normally continue in the rain.
Shinpads – Compulsory
Mouth Guard (Gum Shield) – Recommended. Even a cheap mouth guard offers protection and with the changing shape of young mouths can easily be replaced.
Liquid – Although we provide drinks at training sessions they are not always to everyone's taste. On hot days the children can rarely drink too much.
Sticks, balls and specialist equipment such as goalkeeping equipment are provided by the club but it is recognised that children will want to own their own stick. Please talk to us about what is suitable before being persuaded to part with your money.
What do we expect from Parents ?
“ Remember that your child takes part for their enjoyment, not yours”
Get to know your children's coaches as they will play an important role in your child's development
Respect the coach's opinion as they are likely to be more knowledgeable than you
Establish clear lines of communication and find out when it is convenient and appropriate to contact the coach
Encourage your child to improve their skills through coaching sessions
Teach your child that winning is not everything and it is important to recognise and reward effort
Encourage your child to play by the rules
Set a good example and applaud players from both teams
Offer to help with transport for away games, provide lifts to others to training if required
Don't....
Yell at your child or other children for making mistakes as they are all trying their hardest
Ignore bad behaviour, cheating or bad manners by your child. Reasonable prompt action is appropriate
Coach from the sidelines. If you want to get involved, talk to the coach after the competition or training session. More helpers are always welcome.
Abuse the officials as they are volunteers and your child cannot play without them
Forget that your child is still growing so training which may be appropriate for an adult can have adverse effects on the development of a young child
Force your child to participate if they do not want to
If advised by a coach, please don't attend throughout every session and every match as it is important for your child's development in sport that they are trusted to make the correct decisions during training or competition
What can Parents & Juniors expect from us ?
Coaches will...
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally within the context of the game or training session
Encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance
Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance
Never physically or verbally abuse or neglect players and actively stop such behaviour between players
Do not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward
When travelling, Coaches will...
Provide parents and players with precise details of the trip
Have parents written permission for the child's involvement through a Consent Form
Ensure in advance that there is sufficient transport and that there is a suitable ratio of adults to children
Always endeavour to be the first at the meeting place and the last to leave
Going Home...
Parents or a nominated responsible adult must collect players (under 12) from the pitch and not allow them to walk to where cars are parked. If a child (under 12) wishes to make their own way home this must be confirmed in writing from a parent and arrangements must be safe and satisfactory to the club.
In the event of a child not being picked up after a match or training session the coach will make contact with the parents.
At the end of each session no child under the age of 14 will be left at the venue unattended
What does it cost ?
Club Annual Membership Fees vary....
Seniors (over 16) in Full-Time Education or Unwaged
Annual Subs - £25 if paid before 30/11/06, £35 if paid after
Match Fees - £5 per game
Juniors (under 16) and Sunday Trainees
Annual Subs - £5 Sunday Training - £2 per Session
Tournament Fees - Charged on the basis of tournament cost
Please note, a proportion of Annual Subs goes to Old Halesonians Association for Social Membership of the Club. This gives all members access to the grounds and social facilities of the Club.
Any changes to costs take place from September