Last week, the FIH made it mandatory to wear face masks at penalty corners in elite performance matches such as FIH Hockey Olympic Qualification Events, the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualification Events, the FIH Nations Cup and the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. One of the reasons given is that elite drag flicking speeds can now reach up to 150mph. This is part of a general increasing awareness of the dangers associated with penalty corners.

In club level hockey, there are more low hits than drag flicks, but there is always the risk of unexpected upward deflections which can cause serious injury. Although it is not currently mandatory to wear a face mask in lower level competitions, the club strongly recommends that adult players acquire their own if they might be defending penalty corners.

Parents, please be aware that, at our club, U18s are not permitted to defend penalty corners without a face mask. If your child might find themselves in this position, please acquire a face mask for them.