HOCKEy AUSTRALIA National Championships Participation Agreement

1.             INTRODUCTION

Hockey Australia (HA) organises annual National Hockey Events (Events). This agreement outlines the conditions of participation for Athletes, Athlete and Team Support Personnel, Administrators and Officials (collectively referred to as Participants).

Event information is available at: www.hockey.org.au/events and www.hockey.org.au/australian-championships

For questions about this agreement, please contact the relevant section's nominated person or contact the HA Chief Events Officer at simon.butterly@hockey.org.au.

2.             PARTICIPANT HEALTH AND SAFETY

2.1          General Commitment

HA and its state and territory Member Associations are committed to protecting Participants' health and safety by taking all reasonable steps to ensure safe participation at Events.

2.2          Concussion Management

When a suspected or diagnosed concussion occurs, Participants agree to adhere to HA Concussion Policy and its management and treatment guidelines for a return to play. The policy is available at www.hockey.org.au/integrity.

2.3          Injury Reporting

All injuries at Events must be reported to Event First Aiders, who will record them using the designated tool. This standardised reporting helps us develop injury reduction strategies and manage return to play and insurance requirements.

3.             RISK AND INDEMNITY

Participants acknowledge and agree to accept all risks inherently associated with their participation in the Event. Additionally, Participants indemnify HA and their state/territory MA against any claims, losses, expenses, injuries, illnesses, or other detriments arising from their participation in the Event, including any impacts related to Event postponement, cancellation, or team withdrawal.

4.             INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1          National Integrity Framework (NIF)

As part of HA's commitment to protecting its participants by creating safe environments and maintaining the integrity of the sport, Participants must comply with the HA NIF and understand their rights and obligations under its policies. The NIF, subject to amendment from time to time, is available from www.hockey.org.au/integrity.

4.2          Code of Conduct

HA is committed to promoting and strengthening the positive image of hockey and ensuring everyone involved is treated with respect and dignity. Participants must adhere to the HA Code of Conduct, which sets standards for conduct and behaviour. The HA Code of Conduct, subject to amendment from time to time, is available from www.hockey.org.au/integrity.

4.3          Safeguarding

HA has zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect in any form. All children and young people have the right to feel safe and protected from all forms of abuse, harm, and neglect. Children and young people have the right to take part in hockey in a safe, positive, and enjoyable environment. Participants must comply with the NIF Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and related Safe Hockey resources subject to amendment from time to time, available from www.hockey.org.au/integrity and www.hockey.org.au/safe-hockey

4.4          Education

As a Participant in an Event, you are required to undertake mandatory integrity education before participating in the Event. Education topics include clean sport and anti-doping; competition manipulation; illicit drugs and substances of abuse; ethical decision-making, and safe hockey expected behaviours.

Education requirements vary by Event and will be provided to Participants beforehand. Failure to complete these requirements will impact your participation eligibility.

If you require further information, please contact the HA Integrity & Governance Manager at integrity@hockey.org.au.

5.             PHOTO, MEDIA USE & LIVE STREAMING

Promoting Events through media (both traditional and digital) or live streaming allows HA to celebrate and promote Participants, teams, and the sport of hockey. To fulfill deliverables to partners and showcase these Events and achievements, HA may capture images, video, and audio that could identify individuals. If you do not wish to provide consent, please notify the HA Privacy Officer at ha@hockey.org.au.

6.             EVENT COMMUNICATIONS & SURVEYS

As part of HA’s commitment to continuous Event improvement and reporting requirements for Event partners, all Participants will receive the following communications:

·     One (1) pre-event email containing essential event details, such as the Event program, fixtures, venue information, and relevant partner content.

·     One (1) post-event survey request that may include a link to a survey hosted externally by an Event partner.

·     One (1) post-event survey reminder to encourage survey completion.

These communications are an essential part of event participation and help us maintain and improve our Events while meeting our obligations to funding partners. Survey responses may be submitted anonymously. Where incentives are offered for survey completion, email addresses will only be used for prize distribution in accordance with the competition terms and conditions.

For more information about how we handle your personal information, please refer to the HA Privacy Policy available at www.hockey.org.au/integirty.