Following updated FIH regulations mandating the use of facemasks in all official international competitions, England Hockey strongly recommends that all players - at every level and age - wear facemasks when defending penalty corners.

The safety of players is a priority, and the use of facemasks during penalty corners - where ball speed and proximity present increased risk - can significantly reduce the chance of facial injury.

After careful consideration, the England Hockey Board has decided not to make the use of facemasks mandatory for domestic hockey in England at this time. The current body of research into the use and impact of facemasks across all levels of the game remains limited, and further evidence is required before a compulsory rule can be applied.

In line with our approach to other protective equipment - such as mouthguards and shin pads - we are strongly recommending their use.

As a Club, we will endeavour to ensure that masks are available for junior competitions and teams. For seniors, the mask should be treated as any other protective equipment such as mouthguards and should be the individual player's responsibility.

In addition, we continue to strongly recommend the use of shin, ankle and mouth protection for all players during training and matches. These items are essential for reducing the likelihood of preventable injuries in the sport.