Faith and fixtures | england hockey

Respecting religious festivals is one part of being inclusive and welcoming for people of all faiths. Another is to be respectful of the decision people make in relation to the clothing that

they wear. The regulations for league matches and kit were revised several seasons ago. The changes clarified some existing practices and help players to freely wear kit that makes them

more comfortable to take part in the game. Hijabs, turbans, patkas and other headcoverings can be worn. They should be plain in colour or match the shirt in line with the listed club

colours. THERE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT THAT THEY MUST MATCH KIT COLOURS. Headcoverings must not be fixed in place with metal fastenings or pins and should not have the potential to unravel. If

players wish to have kit that covers their arms and legs in full, then this is allowed by hockey’s competition regulations. The regulations allow for leggings, under shirts or cycling shorts

under the main kit to be any colour or style as long as it doesn’t clash with the opposition’s colours. Please also note that for Sikhs, the Kara is a steel/iron/metal bangle. It is one of

five items which are articles of faith and so not considered to be jewellery. It is worn on the dominant wrist at all times and is not removed during play. The player may decide to wear a

sweatband over it during play if they so wish. However, the choice is the player’s and should be respected by match officials and opposition players. Some Sikhs may also wear a kirpan

(ceremonial dagger), another of the five articles of faith, but this would usually be kept securely under the kit and would not interfere with play. Buddhism is a religion that focuses on

personal spiritual development and the attainment of deep insight into the true nature and purpose of life. Buddhists can worship both at home and at a temple. * In the 2021 Census, there

were 273,000 Buddhists in England and Wales. * Globally, there are estimated to be 488-535 million Buddhists. Buddhists seek to reach a state of Nirvana, following the path of the Buddha,

Siddhartha Gautama, who went on a quest for Enlightenment around 6th Century BC. There is no belief in a personal God. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Many Buddhists are vegetarians or vegans.

Also, some do not consume alcohol or other intoxicants, therefore these factors should be considered when organising social gatherings. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR NEW YEAR – Often celebrated

from the first full moon in January. VESAK – often known as Buddha Day, a major festival incorporating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is celebrated on the first day of the

full moon in May. Christianity centres on the faith and belief regarding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians worship in Churches and their spiritual leaders

are called priests or ministers. * In the 2021 Census, there were 27.5 million Christians in England and Wales. * Globally, there are estimated to be over 2 billion Christians. Christians

believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament and that he is the Son of God. Christians believe that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of

its sins. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR CHRISTMAS – the second of the 6 seasons in the Christian calendar, lasting 12 days. The birth of Jesus as the entry of God is the central theme. It is an

important milestone in the Western secular calendar, so it is usual for holidays to be taken during Christmas. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY While Christmas is a traditional holiday and

celebration time in the UK, it can be a difficult time for others, both emotionally and financially. If you are holding any celebrations, please consider the impact on all members and

respect that some may not wish to participate. EASTER  - the fourth season in the Christian calendar, celebrating Jesus rising from the dead. The date of Easter varies from year to year,

with it being celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, on or after 21 March. The week leading up to Easter is known as the Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday,

Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Easter Sunday families will spend time together and give a gift of an egg (usually chocolate) which is used as a symbol of new life. CONSIDERATIONS FOR

HOCKEY In the UK, Easter weekend is a 4-day bank holiday, during which time many people will travel to see others, it usually coincides with school holidays. Hinduism could be the oldest

religion in the world, and it is documented not to be a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies. Hinduism has no single founder, scripture, and no

majority-agreed set of teachings. There have been several key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books. * In the 2021 Census, there were 1 million Hindus in

England and Wales. * Globally, there are estimated to be over 1 billion Hindus. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma. Hinduism originated

around the Indus Valley near the River Indus in modern day Pakistan and is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Food purity - Some Hindus may

consider certain kinds of food and drink, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and alcohol, to be ‘impure’. Vegetarian food is considered ‘purer’ than non-vegetarian food,

therefore some castes and communities may follow a strictly vegetarian diet. Most Hindus also consider the consumption of beef taboo, following from the Hindu belief that cows are sacred

animals. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR The Hindu calendar is lunar and is divided into 12 months based on the phases of the moon and therefore key dates fall on slightly different dates in the

secular calendar each year. DIWALI – The Festival of Lights is a 5 day festival with the main celebration on the 3rd day. It is usual to celebrate by lighting candles and oil lamps and

exchanging sweets as gifts. There may be firework displays. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Depending on family customs, players may not be available for the duration of Diwali. Whilst for some it

is a vibrant and bright festival, it can also be a time for reflection and private worship. HOLI – A spring festival which is known for being celebrated with bright colours and the throwing

of coloured powder. It marks the arrival of spring, celebrates love and the triumph of good over evil. There are several Hindu teachings connected with the festival. The word ‘Islam’ means

‘submission to the will of God’ and followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia. Muslims believe that there is only

one God and the Arabic word for God is ‘Allah’. * In the 2021 Census, there were 3.9 million Muslims in England and Wales. * Globally, Islam is the second largest religion with nearly 2

billion Muslims. According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to his law. Jesus, Moses, and Abraham are respected as prophets of God.

They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Muslims are not permitted to consume alcohol or other intoxicants that interfere with the clear functioning of the

mind. Some Muslims will prefer to avoid gatherings that involve the consumption of alcohol. Many Muslims follow a strict dietary law, which means that pork is prohibited in any form or food

that has come into contact with pork products. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR RAMAḌĀN - It is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the most spiritual times of the year

and is a month of fasting, prayer, community and reflection. The start date of Ramaḍān is dependent on phases of the moon. During the month of Ramaḍān people celebrating will fast (including

liquid) from dawn to sunset. Some Muslims will have an exemption from fasting and these include, but are not limited to, children, people with long term health conditions or illness, older

people, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Please take the time to ask Muslim members if there is anything that they would appreciate your

club doing to accommodate them during this time. If you are playing at sunset, agree the time that sunset will occur and wherever possible, enable a short break in playing for players and

officials to be able to take a drink of water and consume dates or other energy giving food before resuming. If possible it may be better to play earlier in the day when energy levels for

people fasting are higher. More detailed tips and considerations for clubs can be found here. EID AL-FITR -  It marks the breaking of the fast on the first day after the month of Ramaḍān and

continues for three days in a similar manner to Eid al-Adha. Many Muslims are likely to take the last few days of Ramaḍān as holiday, to spend time in reflection with their families and

prepare for the Eid celebrations. EID AL-ADHA – the Festival of sacrifice and celebrates the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, starting on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al Hijja. There are

formal prayers and celebration meals and the celebrations may last for several days. Judaism is the oldest of the three Abrahamic faiths, which also includes Christianity and Islam.

Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis and most Jews worship in Synagogues. * In the 2021 Census, there were 271,000 Jews in England and Wales. * Globally, there is an estimated 15.7 million

Jews. Jews believe that there is only one God with whom they have a covenant. People can be Jewish ethnically and culturally without necessarily believing in, or observing, any Jewish law.

People can either be born Jewish or convert to Judaism. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY For many Jews Kashrut laws mean that food needs to be Kosher and this includes not eating birds of prey,

shellfish, and animals such as hares and pigs. Additionally, meat-based products must not be mixed with milk based foods. When Jewish Festivals forbid Jews from working, observant Jews may

include driving within the definition of work. The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset, and ends on Saturday evening when dark, observant Jews will not work on the Sabbath

including driving cars. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR ROSH HASHANAH - The Jewish New Year is one of the holiest days in Judaism. The day begins on the first of Tishrei, the seventh month of the

Hebrew calendar, and means “head of the year”. It is traditional to eat sweet foods on Rosh Hashanah to encourage a sweet new year. YOM KIPPUR – It is the Day of Atonement, 10 days after

Rosh Hashanah and many Jews fast for 25 hours to atone for past wrongdoing. HANUKKAH – It is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah

lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Sikh faith was founded in the 15th century in the Punjab, a district which is in both India and Pakistan. It was founded by Guru Nanak and is

based on his teachings, and those of the nine Sikh gurus who followed him. The Sikh place of worship is called a Gurdwara.  * In the 2021 Census, there were 524,000 Sikhs in England and

Wales. * Globally, there are an estimated 25-30 million Sikhs, most of whom live in the Punjab state of India. Sikhs believe in one God and the religion stresses the importance of carrying

out sound moral deeds, rather than merely conforming to ritualistic norms and values. CONSIDERATIONS FOR HOCKEY Some Sikhs will strictly abstain from both alcohol and smoking/shisha (seen as

intoxicants). They may also be uncomfortable in social situations where these are prominent. Many Sikhs are vegetarian, and whilst some may eat dairy products, they may also strictly avoid

all egg products. Sikhs are prohibited from eating halal or kosher meat, The kara or bangle is usually worn on the dominant wrist as a reminder to perform good deeds, and it is kept on the

person at all times. A kirpan or ceremonial dagger may also be worn, sheathed and held in strap over the body, as a reminder to support justice for the oppressed. KEY DATES IN THE CALENDAR

DIWALI / BANDI CHHOR DIVAS – The festival of lights is also celebrated by Sikhs and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is a time for giving and receiving gifts, usually sweets

and dried fruit. The Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations are when the Sikhs remember the release from prison of the 6th Guru and so they celebrate freedom and human rights.  CONSIDERATIONS FOR

HOCKEY Depending on family customs, players may not be available for the duration of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Whilst for some it is a vibrant and bright festival, it can also be a time

for reflection. GURU NANAK AND GURU GOBIND SINGH’S BIRTHDAYS – Sikhs will focus on the teachings of the respective Gurus on their birthdays. They may also have events at the gurdwara or

street processions in the run up to or just after the birth anniversary dates. VAISAKHI – The spring festival is a celebration of the birth of the Khalsa and a time for Sikhs to reflect on

their commitment to Waheguru (the almighty). It will involve significant celebratory meals and street processions, either on or around the actual date of Vaisakhi, and some celebrations may

take place over the course of April or into early May. More detailed guidance on Vaisakhi can be found here.