Terms & Conditions
1.1 About SandStorms
The SandStorms Youth Ice Hockey Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization based in Dubai, UAE. The club is governed by an elected volunteer board of parents and operates on the basis of community service and a shared love of the sport.
The club serves about 130+ players annually, both boys and girls, from a wide range of nationalities, across four divisions spanning ages 4 to 18.
1.2 Eligibility & Divisions
Players must be between the ages of 4 and 18 to participate. Placement is determined by age and skill assessment, not by preference. The current divisions for the 2025–26 season are:
Under 7 (U7)
Under 9 (U9)
Under 13 (U13)
Under 16 (U16)
Under 18 (U18)
1.3 Registration & Assessment
Completion of the Interested New Player Form does not guarantee a place in the league. All new players are required to attend an on-ice assessment conducted by qualified coaches before placement in any division.
All children must arrive at assessments in their own full hockey gear. The club does not lend equipment.
Children new to hockey who are over the age of 8 will only be considered if they have some ice skating experience.
Division placement following assessment is at the sole discretion of the coaching staff, subject to available spaces.
1.4 Equipment Requirements
All players are personally responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own equipment. SandStorms does not provide or lend equipment of any kind. Ice hockey equipment is not widely stocked by UAE retailers; new families are advised to source gear from their home country or purchase online before the season begins. Second-hand equipment can be found via the Facebook group "Dubai Hockey Used Gear."
The following items are mandatory on ice at all times:
A hockey stick
Neck guard
Jock / Jill protective cup
Full-face cage helmet
Shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, shin guards, hockey pants and skates
Mouth guards are optional but strongly recommended.
1.5 Code of Conduct for Players & Parents
Participation in SandStorms activities requires a commitment to the club's values of respect, fairness, teamwork, and fun. By registering, both the player and parent/guardian agree to:
Encourage fair play and resolution of conflict without hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at any child for making a mistake or losing a game.
Show respect to all coaches, referees, and officials; not question their judgment publicly.
Show appreciation for SandStorms volunteers who give their time freely.
Applaud good play by all teams, including opponents.
Serious or repeated breaches of the Code of Conduct by a player or parent may result in suspension from activities or permanent removal from the club, at the discretion of the executive board.
1.6 Coach & Staff Standards
All coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers are required to sign the SandStorms Coaches' Clinic Agreement prior to the start of each season. By signing, they confirm they have reviewed the club's coaching philosophy and agree to:
Follow the SandStorms philosophy and the fair play code.
Keep the sport free of abuse, harassment, and bullying.
Demonstrate and promote respect, fairness, and fun in the game of hockey.
This agreement is administered by the Director of Coaches and Referees and kept on record by the club.
1.7 Practices, Games & Schedules
Practices and games are held across our Dubai rinks: Dubai Mall Ice Rink and Sports Society Rink in Mirdif. For tournament play, the club also uses rinks in Al Ain (Hili Fun City) and Abu Dhabi (Zayed Sports City Ice Rink).
Session schedules are published at the start of each season and are subject to change due to rink availability or public holidays.
Players are expected to attend sessions regularly. Punctuality is required. Late arrivals may be denied ice access for safety reasons.
The club reserves the right to modify ice timings, coaches, or venues at its discretion.
1.8 Tournaments
Sandstorms participates in local tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Players have represented the club internationally in Singapore, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hong Kong, Bangkok, France, and Canada. In 2008, SandStorms became the first team from the Middle East to compete in the Quebec City PeeWee Hockey Tournament.
Tournament selection is at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Tournament participation may require additional fees, valid travel documentation, and medical clearance.
The club is not liable for travel disruptions, visa issues, or tournament cancellations beyond its control.
1.9 Photography, Media & Consent
During practices, games, and events, SandStorms may capture photographs and video footage of players. These may be used for:
Social media platforms (Instagram: @sandstorms_hockey, Facebook: /dubaisandstorms)
The official club website: www.sandstormshockey.com
Flyers, posters, and promotional materials
Newsletters and hockey publications
A Photo/Video Consent Form is completed by every parent/guardian at registration. Parents may indicate YES or NO to image use. Only players whose parents have provided written consent will appear in club promotional materials. Consent forms are retained on file by the General Secretary.
Parents who have not provided consent will not have their child's images published. To change a consent decision at any time, the parent/guardian must submit a written request to sandstormshockey@gmail.com.
1.10 Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk
Ice hockey is a contact sport that carries inherent physical risks. By registering a player with SandStorms, parents and guardians acknowledge and accept that their child may be at risk of injury, including but not limited to:
Injuries from strenuous cardiovascular activity and rapid movements on ice.
Collision with rink boards, hockey nets, or the ice surface.
Being struck by hockey sticks or pucks.
Physical contact with other players.
Injuries to eyes, teeth, face, head, and other parts of the body including bruises, cuts, breaks, dislocations, and in rare cases spinal cord injuries.
