Hockey Belgium has launched a mandatory identity check on all registered match sheet players for its club game.
The move came into force last month after the governing body noticed irregularities and reports from some teams that opponents had not completed the match forms correctly.
The edict has seen the match umpire oversee the checks before the start of each game.
The umpires now check the identity of the players listed on the score sheet, 15 minutes before the start of the match.
They base their checks on the profile pictures on the Hockey Belgium website and compare it with the players present for the match.
Hockey Belgium said: “If the check proves impossible (for example because there is no or insufficient photo in the app), the referee will request an alternative identity document (identity card or a driver’s license).
“If this proof of identity cannot be presented, the player/player concerned will not be allowed to start the match.”
