Tess Howard, England hockey player, has expressed her appreciation of the big shift in the rules around women and girls in hockey after a big change was made to the sport’s clothing. The new regulation will give women more options and flexibility on the field, as they could now opt for either the short pants or the skirts.
Howard has been a major advocate for the change to more inclusive kit in hockey. She said that there was no reason for players to wear a uniform set of sorts and that having options is all important to confidence, performance and participation. Thanks to a number of years’ advocacy, the change has now spread throughout sport.
Howard on the decision: “It means a lot to me because it’s a goodwill message for all current and future players.” For girls that are not only concerned with dress code behind the glass, she believe you are more likely to see them on the ice playing hockey. Understands preferences of different players, their body types and how comfort might apply to their performance and enjoyment.
Howard made the point that the campaign wasn’t simply about the clothes. It’s about, she said, “providing an opportunity for the athletes to make a choice for themselves and about a more welcoming world in hockey. The decision comes amid a larger movement in the world of women’s sports to consider the welfare and inclusion of athletes.
It is hoped that the change to clothing will be of benefit to everyone, from grassroots clubs right through to the highest level of competition at the internationals. Now national federations and leagues are encouraged to adopt the new guidelines for their competitions.
Howard says the result is a culmination of years of hard work across the board with people who helped the campaign. The choice will give her hope and highlights that more can be done to advance women’s sports, moving forward to more athletes dictating their cause of play.
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