A former senior teacher is calling for greater transparency around sports injury insurance after a hockey accident left her with a long-term brain injury – and no payout.
Welsh amateur player Claerwen Render recounted to The Hockey Paper this week to when she was playing for Clwb Hoci Rhuthun in November 2019 and was struck on the temple by a ball during a match.
She suffered a significant head injury, was taken to hospital by ambulance and has since endured daily migraines, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms consistent with post-concussion syndrome.
Despite being an affiliated member of Hoci Cymru for more than 15 years, Render’s insurance claim was rejected. Her symptoms forced her to step down from a leadership role at a secondary school and she now works only part-time.
Render said she was asked how long she wanted off work and not given early intervention for serious head injury. It is only now that she says this wasn’t a decision someone with a brain injury can make for themselves and that she needed a combination of medical, family and work to make that decision.
Nine months after the injury, Render submitted a claim under the sport’s governing body insurance scheme but said it yielded no support or benefits.
The Hockey Paper put a number of questions to Hockey Wales, including any procedures put in place given the full context of the case involving Claerwen, who also said insurance “should cover accidents – why do we have to prove liability?”
Other questions included Hockey Wales’ stance on concussion injuries given that Claerwen was playing a match under its membership and had over three years of headaches and was still in pain.
Hockey Wales said it could not comment on individual cases but acknowledged the club player’s concerns.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Claerwen Render and her family. We acknowledge the very real impact her injury has had on her life and livelihood,” said Hockey Wales.
“Hoci Cymru is an organisation built on the wellbeing of our players, volunteers and staff. The safety and health of those within our hockey community is always and will be our highest priority.
“While we are unable to comment on individual insurance cases or providers, this situation highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency around insurance coverage and support. We take seriously the concerns raised by Claerwen, as well as those of legal and medical experts who are advocating for greater awareness of brain injuries in sport.”
The organisation said it introduced a formal concussion policy in 2021, after Render’s injury.
Despite her experience, Render continues to support amateur sport but insists more must be done to protect players when serious injuries occur.
“I want others to play, but I want them to know the risks, and to be supported when the worst happens,” she said.
Hockey Wales added: “Over recent years, we have taken steps to develop our approach to head injury protocols, player education, and safeguarding processes. There is always more that can be done, in particular, in ensuring players understand the extent and limitations of cover provided through affiliation.
“We are committed to working with our insurers, our clubs, and wider governing body partners to ensure that policies are clear, fair and supportive of our players’ wellbeing.”
Read the full interview here
Have you experienced concussion, have insurance concerns or have a view on the subject? Email us in confidence
Why didn’t Welsh Hockey have cover for this injury? Surely it is the cover that everyone thinks should be in place. Does Hockey England cover this?