In order to ensure the safety of hockey players and influence rule changes for the betterment of the sport, England Hockey has implemented a mandatory requirement for all affiliated clubs and organizations to report any injuries sustained during hockey activities. This is a critical measure in identifying injury trends and implementing necessary measures to improve the overall safety of the sport.
To facilitate the reporting of injuries, England Hockey has established a partnership with Podium Analytics, a non-governmental organization and charity dedicated to reducing sports-related injuries. Through this collaboration, England Hockey has become a part of Podium’s Clubs Programme, SportSmart, which provides a new injury and insight platform along with valuable content and tools for clubs.
England Hockey strongly encourages all affiliated clubs to take advantage of the SportSmart programme, which offers a personalized organization profile for clubs to add coaches, volunteers, and players with access to the various tools offered as part of the initiative. This platform is provided free of charge to all clubs, showcasing England Hockey’s dedication to the safety and well-being of all players.
For clubs interested in participating in the SportSmart programme, the first step is to create an account with Podium. The SportSmart team at Podium will then guide the club through the onboarding process, assisting with setting up the club, onboarding players and staff, and addressing any inquiries that may arise.
Players who wish to use the platform but find their club is not yet involved can speak to their club safeguarding officer, who can then coordinate with Podium to set up the club on the platform.
To effectively collect injury data, England Hockey mandates that clubs and associations complete the England Hockey online ‘Injury Monitoring Form’ for injuries that require treatment from a first aid specialist, hospital treatment, or subsequent visits to a GP. By accurately reporting such injuries, England Hockey can extract valuable information to influence policy changes and enhance player safety.
This new initiative underscores the importance of injury reporting in sports and highlights England Hockey’s dedication to the well-being of its players. By partnering with Podium Analytics and introducing the SportSmart programme, England Hockey is taking proactive steps to address sports-related injuries, particularly among young athletes.
In conclusion, the launch of SportSmart by England Hockey represents a significant step forward in the reporting and monitoring of injuries sustained during hockey activities. This initiative not only demonstrates a commitment to safety and well-being but also sets a standard for other sports organizations to follow. With the introduction of SportSmart, England Hockey is positioned to lead the way in injury reporting and data collection for the betterment of the sport.