Pregnancy Policy
Supporting safe participation and informed choices for players who are pregnant or recently postpartum.
Redditch Hockey Club welcomes and supports members who are pregnant or returning after pregnancy.
Our policy is based on England Hockey and medical guidance. Participation is always a personal choice, and safety and wellbeing are our priority.
This page outlines our approach—please read the full policy document for detail.
Key principles
- Participation is the individual’s choice, with medical advice strongly recommended
- No player should feel pressured to train, play, or return before ready
- Coaches and captains must offer adjustments and alternatives where possible
- Privacy and confidentiality are respected at all times
- The club promotes supportive environments for pregnancy and parenthood
During & After Pregnancy
During pregnancy:
- Consult healthcare professional before playing
- Be mindful of balance, fatigue, and injury risk
- Avoid high-impact or contact-heavy drills as advised
- Inform a coach if you wish to step back at any stage
After pregnancy/birth:
- Graduated return to activity
- Consider pelvic floor recovery and core stability
- Breastfeeding parents may need breaks/support
- Return-to-play is at the individual’s pace, supported by the club
Roles and responsibilitie
Seek medical guidance, communicate needs, decide what feels safe
Respect decisions, adapt sessions, avoid assumptions
Provide support and signposting, ensure privacy
Ensure policy is followed, update in line with EH guidance
