Hockey in the UK: Fan etiquette, do’s and don’ts and how to make friends without crossing the line
Hockey fans in the UK are passionate but also known for being family-friendly. Whether you’re cheering for the Elite Hockey League (EIHL), NIHL, or college games, the atmosphere is loud, witty, and welcoming to first-time hockey players most nights. That said, arenas have strict standards to keep the sport safe and inclusive. Here’s a helpful guide on what’s generally allowed, what’s not, and how to enjoy the night without breaking house rules or social norms. Always check your specific venue’s code of conduct; procedures vary slightly from venue to venue but the ethos is consistent across the UK.
Quick rules sheet (what you can and can’t do)
| topic | Generally allowed | not allowed | notes |
| Admission and tickets | Arrive early; have your tickets/QR codes ready; obey baggage checks. | Use other people’s discount tickets; force entry after cutting off. | Many venues use digital tickets and random bag searches. |
| Bags and items | Small bags, soft cases, medical/child care items. | Large backpacks, hard cases, weapons, fireworks, flares, glass. | Some venues prohibit outside food; medical exceptions are usually honored. |
| Sitting and standing | A standing celebration, a short chant, a quick photo from the seat. | Continuously standing in a seated position; blocking pathways/steps. | Some venues have standing areas; follow flight attendant instructions. |
| Alcohol | Purchase/consume legal quantities of beer, cider, wine. | BYOB; serving drunken fans; underage drinking. | You may have been identified. Fans who are visibly intoxicated may be denied service or ejected. |
| Smoking and e-cigarettes | Use designated outdoor areas. | Smoking/vaping indoors, in restrooms, and halls. | Many venues are completely smoke-free indoors. |
| Noise and Instruments | Applause, goal horn (field operations), coordinated applause, pre-approved drum. | Air horns, sirens, and whistles brought from home can disrupt the game. | Check supporter groups have drum permits and where to stand. |
| Language and chant | Loud, smart, non-abusive Chant; positive team song. | Racist, homophobic, sexist or xenophobic language; physical abuse; threats. | UK venues have zero tolerance; you may be removed and banned. |
| throwing objects | Towel/scarf on shoulders, foam fingers, confetti if allowed. | Throw coins, drinks or any object onto the ice or into the stands. | Throwing objects is considered a safety event – except for being ejected. |
| Photos and videos | Casual photos for personal use; watch short videos from your seat. | Professional equipment, no media pass required; live stream the full game. | Broadcasting rights are protected; repeated filming may provoke action from flight attendants. |
| food and drink | Purchase Offer; Sealed Soft Drinks If venue permits. | Hot food outside; glass bottles; high strength spirits. | Policies vary; check the Arena FAQ ahead of time. |
| apparel and banners | Team jerseys, scarves, fun logos that don’t block the view. | Signs containing hate speech/advertising; flags on poles; clothing that hides identity. | Face coverings are great for health; masks that hide identity often are not. |
| children and families | Children’s ear protection; strollers stored where permitted; family block. | Leaving children unattended; blocking stroller routes/exits. | Ask administrators about family seating and quiet areas. |
| Housekeeping Instructions | Ask for help; follow seat movements during congestion. | Argued with housekeeper; ignored safety announcements. | The administrator’s decision is final that evening. |
| post-match behavior | Calmly line up, congratulate your opponent, and throw the trash in the trash can. | Confrontation with players/officials; attempts to enter restricted areas. | Trespassing near a bench/tunnel is a quick way to get a ban. |
Deeper Etiquette: How to Be a Great British Hockey Fan
1) Be familiar with the rhythm of the drama.
The puck punishes lapses in concentration—the puck leaves the ice quickly. Keep your head up, especially if you’re near the end or glass. Many venues require you to wait while the game is going on and then move down the aisle when the next whistle blows so your view isn’t blocked.
2) Make an effort to celebrate, not be harmful.
Yes, high-five, shout, celebrate a big hit or breakthrough. Don’t gloat in other people’s faces or bait opposing fans. Most UK venues allow families to sit together; if your song isn’t suitable for a 10-year-old to overhear, don’t start.
3) Respect your opponents and officials.
Boo if necessary, but avoid personal insults to referees, linesmen or players. Abuse – especially any identity-based behavior – can result in removal and possibly even a ban or lifetime ban. Clubs are increasingly sharing information to enforce bans across venues.
4) Drinking alcohol is a privilege, not a right.
UK venues take a ‘one warning’ view. If staff think you’ve crossed a line, they’ll stop service or ask you to calm down. Don’t argue; use water and reset.
5) Keep channels open.
Aisles and stairwells are safe passages. Stay there and you’ll keep moving forward. If you need to stretch or comfort your child, please use the lobby or designated space.
6) Supporter groups and drums.
If your department has an organized group, follow their drumbeats and songs. If you bring a drum without permission, be prepared to store it – many venues require prior approval and restrict drums to standing areas.
7) Merchandising and body language.
Wear your colors with pride, but don’t use them as permission to make an argument for your choice. Smiles, quick jokes, and self-deprecating humor are more effective than chest-pounding.
8) Clear the exits and be nice.
Keep rows tidy and be patient with bottlenecks. For family members and elderly supporters, a little courtesy going up the stairs can go a long way.
Safety, Inclusion and Zero Tolerance Areas
- Hate speech and harassment: UK Stage has zero tolerance for racist, homophobic, sexist or otherwise discriminatory behaviour. Abuse, slander or targeted taunts = immediate eviction and possible police involvement.
- Physical contact and threats: Any pushing, throwing of objects or threats directed at fans, staff, officials or players is considered a security incident. Expect to be banned and, in serious cases, arrested.
- Ice/Bench Invasion: Entering restricted areas (ice, tunnel, benches) is not just rude; This is dangerous. Never try.
- Continued violation of rules: Administrators usually issue a warning. Keep pushing and you’ll be escorted out. If you feel you have been treated unfairly please contact the club later and do not upgrade during the match.
Meeting people at the skating rink: flirt friendly, never harass
The hockey crowd can socialize, and game nights are a natural icebreaker (pun intended). If you’d like to meet someone (maybe you spot another fan in your team’s third jersey or you’ve been standing around the same crowd all season), follow this joey.com script:
- Background first, romance second.
Open with a hockey stick, not a pick-up line. “First time here and a season ticket holder?” “What did you think of that penalty kill?” The shared environment keeps things relaxed and non-threatening.
- Read the room (and body language).
If the person turns away, gives a one-word answer, or keeps their eyes on the ice, take the hint and disengage. Consent is an ongoing signal, not a one-time checkbox.
- Keep it open and brief.
Have a quick chat in the lobby, laugh at the mascot, say “good luck with the third one” – and then return to your group. If both parties are interested, they can reconnect during halftime.
- Compliments: Specific, sport-related, optional.
“Love that retro jersey” is more valid than a comment about someone’s body. If you’re not sure, skip the compliment and move on to game talk.
- No means no—immediately and permanently.
If they say they’re not interested, thank them for the chat and walk away. Don’t come back later, don’t follow them to different sections, and don’t rush social events.
- Be aware of age gaps and power dynamics.
The rink is attended by teens, families and youth teams. If you’re not sure whether someone is over 18, don’t flirt. once.
- Treat employees as resources, not targets.
Waiters and waiters are at work. Be polite, tip when appropriate, and don’t view employee interactions as opportunities to flirt.
- Have conversations online respectfully.
If the vibe is good, you could say, “If you’d like to keep chatting after the game, I’m @___ on Instagram.” Keep it optional and non-pressure-y. Prefer to meet people digitally first? You can always connect through an online platform built for safe, consensual conversations, with services like Joi.com focusing on friendly, opt-in chats where boundaries are clear and you control the pace. Be respectful in the follow-up, and remember that consent online is just as important as consent in person.
Final whistle: The spirit of British hockey fans
Hockey in the UK thrives on loud support, good humor and warm hospitality. The best fans promote their teams and Atmosphere: They chant slogans, don’t cross boundaries, debate calls, take things impersonally, and make room for family, newcomers, and competitors. If you adhere to three principles –Safety, respectand agree– You will blend in. Celebrate great saves, sing at the top of your lungs, sort out the ranks, and treat every stranger like a potential future seatmate rather than an opponent. That’s how you help the sport grow, one good night at the rink at a time.
