Policies

SENIOR CODE OF CONDUCT 

The Whitchurch Hockey Club (WHC) wishes to match its high standards of performance with high standards of behaviour. All members of the WHC are expected to adhere to the following Code of Conduct.

PLAYERS

1. Role of the Captain

Captains are responsible for the behaviour of all players on their team, including those on the bench. The importance of this rule cannot be underestimated. Umpires will expect, and must receive, the assistance of both captains at all times to assist their management of the game. A personal penalty will be awarded to a captain who does not exercise his/her responsibilities.

2. Swearing

Swearing is unacceptable on a hockey field. All instances of audible swearing will be dealt with by the umpires with a personal and/or team penalty being applied where appropriate. The personal penalties may include a verbal warning, a green card or a yellow card.

A team penalty will result in the upgrading or reversal of a decision as appropriate.
Swearing directed at an umpire, about the decision of an umpire, at an opponent or at any other official or a spectator will be punished with a yellow card. The duration of the yellow card will reflect the seriousness of the offence. A second yellow card issued to the same player for swearing will result in at least a doubling of the suspension (i.e. at least 10 minutes).

Swearing which is audible only within a short distance or which is genuinely borne out of frustration (but not in reaction to a decision of the umpires) will generally be dealt with by a verbal caution in the first instance, perhaps even without the game stopping. Subsequent, or repeated, occurrences will see more severe penalties applied.

3. Dissent/Verbal Abuse

Dissent or verbal abuse directed towards an umpire, about the decision of an umpire, at an opponent or at any other official or a spectator should be punished with a yellow card. The duration of the yellow card will reflect the seriousness of the offence. A second yellow card issued to the same player for dissent will result in at least a doubling of the suspension (i.e. at least 10 minutes). Team penalties may also be applied. Ordinarily a captain will be invited to deal with the first instance of verbal abuse between members of his/her own team unless it is particularly serious. Thereafter, the umpires will apply such penalties as they see fit.

4. Persistent Questioning/Indirect Dissent

Persistent questioning of, or complaining about, umpires' decisions undermines their authority and is unacceptable. Whilst there will always be individual instances of questioning the umpires' decisions during a match, this should ordinarily be undertaken by the captain and always in an appropriate manner. Any explanation offered by an umpire will be the end of the matter and not be subject to further discussion during the match.

Persistent questioning, indirect comments about umpires, their decisions, non-verbal dissent (e.g. throwing away the stick) and generally petulant behaviour will be dealt with in the same manner as swearing in section 2 above.

5. Surrounding Umpires

Surrounding an umpire means more than 2 players approaching an umpire to contest a decision. Surrounding umpires is unacceptable and should be punished by the umpires in every instance. On the first occasion the team captain will be awarded a green card and warned to control his/her players. On subsequent occasions, the captain and/or offending players may be awarded a yellow card.

6. Appealing

Encouraging umpires to award cards to members of the opposing team is unacceptable. Players doing this (either verbally or by waving imaginary cards) will receive a minimum penalty of a green card.

SPECTATORS

1.  Should be on their best behaviour and should not use bad language, shout at or harass players, coaches or umpires.
   2.    Should not ridicule a player for making a mistake during the game.
   3.    Must condemn the use of violence in all forms.
   4.    Should respect the umpires’ decisions.
   5.    Should encourage all players to play according to the rules and spirit of the game of hockey, and condemn deliberate breaches.
   6.    Should recognise and appreciate the value and importance of volunteer coaches and umpires.

YOUTH PLAYERS and PARENTS

Youth Players

1. Players should show respect towards team members, opponents, teachers, coaches, officials and umpires.
2. Players should be well-behaved when attending hockey sessions and should follow the instructions of their coach/es.
3. Swearing is unacceptable at hockey sessions
4. Umpires should be respected and their decisions accepted
5. Players must not use a camera or a mobile phone in any changing room
6. Players should wear appropriate protective gear – mouth guards and shin pads are very important.

Parents

1. Should encourage their child/ren to play according to the rules and spirit of the game.
2. Should not force an unwilling player to play
3. Should support their child/ren in a positive way. Swearing, harassment of opponents or officials and verbal abuse are all unacceptable modes of behaviour.
4. Should show respect towards team members, opponents, teachers, coaches, officials and umpires.
5. Should support the club’s efforts to provide hockey for your child/ren and if you can, please volunteer your help – transport to matches, administration, coaching, sponsorship.
6. Should make sure that your child is properly dressed/equipped to take part in hockey sessions, including having a protective mouth guard and a pair of shin pads.
7. Should inform the youth officials at Whitchurch Hockey Club of any issues of concern about your child/ren. For example, the coaches would need to know about any health issues that could affect a player during hockey sessions, like asthma.

Child Protection Officer

You should all be aware that the Club has a Child Protection Officer who is responsible for all boys and girls in our Club. Any issues that you have concerning your child’s welfare at Whitchurch Hockey Club should be raised with this officer.

DISCIPLINE

As a Club we expect levels of discipline to be maintained whilst representing Whitchurch Hockey Club. Any player bringing the Club into disrepute, either on or off the field, may be subject to disciplinary action by the Club Disciplinary Committee.

9th January 2013