Martyn's Law

Not every hockey club, venue or event will fall within scope. This depends on the premises, how they are used, the number of people reasonably expected to be present at the same time, and any relevant exclusions. Attendance numbers alone do not determine whether the Act applies.

Premises will generally fall within scope where all the following conditions apply:

• They consist of a building, or a building and other land.
• They are wholly or mainly used for one or more purposes listed in Schedule 1 of the Act, which includes certain sports grounds, leisure facilities and food and drink premises.
• At least 200 people could reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, from time to time, in connection with those uses.
• They are not excluded under Schedule 2.

Qualifying premises expecting 200 to 799 people will generally fall within the standard tier. Those expecting 800 or more people will generally fall within the enhanced tier, although special rules apply to some premises, including certain education settings.

For hockey, outdoor pitches and sports grounds require particular consideration. Some open-air premises are excluded where public access is not controlled. Charging teams to hire a pitch does not, by itself, mean that access to the wider premises is controlled. Clubs should therefore check the guidance rather than assume that all hockey facilities are covered, or that outdoor facilities are automatically excluded.

An event will generally be a qualifying event where:

• It takes place in a building, on land, or across a building and other land.
• At least 800 people could reasonably be expected to be present at the same time.
• Members of the public can access it, including a section of the public.
• Entry checks confirm payment, a ticket or pass, or membership or guest status.
• It is not already covered as enhanced-tier premises or otherwise excluded.

Paying to participate in a tournament is not necessarily the same as controlling entry to the event site. The relevant question is whether checks are in place to control access to the premises where the event takes place.

Standard-tier premises will need appropriate, reasonably practicable procedures for evacuation, moving people to a safer place inside, lockdown and communication.

Enhanced-tier premises and qualifying events will have additional requirements, including proportionate measures to reduce vulnerability to terrorism and documented arrangements.

Those responsible will also need to notify the regulator, the Security Industry Authority, once the relevant requirements commence.

As a starting point, we encourage clubs and event organisers to:

• Review the official guidance to understand whether their premises or events may fall within scope.
• Consider peak attendance, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and spectators present at the same time, rather than total attendance across a day.
• Speak with their venue provider to clarify who controls the premises and how responsibilities and emergency arrangements will be coordinated.
• Review existing emergency procedures, including how people would be alerted, given instructions and supported to reach safety.
• Brief relevant staff and volunteers so they understand their roles and how to report security concerns safely.

These are preparatory steps, not a statement that the Act’s duties already apply.

Further information

• Government guidance and supporting resources
• ProtectUK: Martyn’s Law information

Guidance and support

England Hockey is working with external stakeholders to develop clear, practical guidance to help clubs understand Martyn’s Law and prepare for its introduction.

For questions or support, please contact Health.safety@englandhockey.co.uk.