Together as one, principle in action: improving player safety
Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey have committed to protecting players, supporting clubs and strengthening the Department of Player Safety, as part of the proposed merger of the organisations.
Together, the organizations strive for a member-oriented approach, investing in people, systems, processes and governance. Nowhere is that more important at DOPS, so that discipline is consistent, fair and focused on learning, not just punishment.
Why player safety is central to our future
DOPS fills one of the most challenging roles in British ice hockey. A small group of incredible, tireless volunteers spend countless hours reviewing incidents, imposing suspensions and trying to balance player safety, the integrity of the competition and the real-world impact on clubs and individuals.
Under the new, uniform structure, the organizations have committed to properly financing, professionalizing and clearly anchoring DOPS in governance and welfare frameworks. This will take DOPS beyond disciplinary and leading in education, prevention and support for clubs and players.
What the merged entity will bring to player safety
By bringing all three organizations together, aligning regulations and pooling resources where it makes sense, the new governing body will be able to:
- Invest in people: Introduce responsible roles within DOPS (e.g. a Head of Player Safety and dedicated case management support), reducing the burden on volunteers.
- Strengthen systems and processes: Implement unified case management systems across the UK so that incidents are recorded, tracked and assessed in a consistent manner, regardless of competition or location.
- Improve the member experience: Where possible, provide faster, clearer solutions to discipline matters, with better communication about decisions and reasoning.
- Put education and support first: Create a structured education program for clubs, coaches and players on player safety, contact, respect and duty of care.
- Embedding robust, transparent governance: Make sure decisions are made during the game and not during the game. Work with leagues, clubs and officials to continually raise standards.
How this reflects our principles
This approach brings to life two of the core principles of the merger:
- Member focus: A DOPS structure that listens, explains and educates, and not only issues suspensions, but also greater investment in welfare, safety and security programs that protect our players and give clubs confidence in the system.
- Professionalize to perform: A single, best-in-class business model for player safety in the UK and new roles and better tools to support our volunteers and ensure DOPS can operate at the level the sport requires.
A safer and smarter game – together
Our volunteers at DOPS have been carrying the weight of player safety for years, often unseen and under pressure. The merger is our chance to support them in the right way – with professional support, better systems and stronger governance – and to set a higher, clearer bar for discipline and education across the British game.
This is what Together As One means for player safety: not simply doing more of the same, but building a modern, consistent, fair and supportive system that protects players, helps clubs and strengthens the sport for generations to come.
About the ice hockey merger between Great Britain, England and Scotland
The merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will change the positioning of ice hockey in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Bringing together all the organizations’ resources under one governing body will enable national growth and development. Five core principles will underpin the organization’s work, including professionalizing performance, improving experience, member-centric, sustainability for generations to come and fully recognizing potential.
After months of consultation, collaboration with other IIHF members and a passionate, newly appointed Executive Team, the boards of the IHUK, EIH and SIH have all unanimously approved the merger of the three bodies to bring everyone together as one.
Ahead of a general meeting on December 17, where IHUK, EIH and SIH will encourage their members to vote in favor of the vote, a number of meetings will be held with key stakeholders and groups from the sport to ensure the merger delivers improvement and certainty in relation to their requirements.
Members can submit questions or comments about the merger before the AGM to memberservices@englandicehockey.com for England and media@scottishicehockey.co.uk for Scotland. The England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey staff will ensure that all questions are answered during the sessions or in follow-up material.
Voting process explained
A General Members’ Meeting will be held on December 17 for both English and Scottish ice hockey.
The formal notice sent to the members, directors and auditors will set out a proposed special resolution asking the members to agree to the formation of a merged entity.
If approved, this will be followed by an extensive period of detailed consultation, funded by UK Sport, with all sections using the five guiding principles to reshape the sport’s operations and delivery.
England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will each invite their registered members (their affiliated clubs and teams), any honorary members, together with their respective boards, to attend the General Meeting.
In accordance with their articles of association, each member has the right to convene, attend and cast one vote at the meeting (provided he is duly registered and all fees have been paid).
To adopt the special resolution, at least 75% of the votes cast on that day must be in favor. Members have the right to appoint a proxy (or proxies) up to 48 hours before the meeting.
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