Why have a Code of Conduct?

The Association takes the view that it is not simply on the field of play that the behaviour of its members is important. Members are expected to show respect for team mates, opponents, coaches and umpires and anyone they meet whilst participating in any activities of the Association.

The majority of members are keen to participate, to compete and to learn. The Association will not allow the behaviour of a few individuals to spoil their experience.

Hockey can be dangerous. All players have a right to expect their peers to behave in a responsible manner.

The Association cannot accommodate all of the youngsters wishing to join. If a member persistently fails to abide by the rules and ethos of the Association then it is only fair that their place be offered to someone else.

It is also important that members of the Association know what is expected of them.

What role do parents have to play?

Parents are expected to fully support the Association in maintaining the highest standards of behaviour. By working together it is hoped that situations can be dealt with quickly, fairly and effectively. Exclusion from the activities of the Association is seen as a last resort.

What sort of behaviour is unacceptable?

Any behaviour on or off the pitch that :-

• deliberately or persistently endangers other players, coaches or spectators
• prevents players from enjoying to the full the competition and coaching that the Association offers
• prevents coaches and their assistants from running effective coaching sessions
• may be considered to be bullying
• deliberately results in damage to or theft of property

How does the Code of Conduct relate to green/yellow/red cards issued in a match situation?

The Code of Conduct is aimed at the conduct of members in the wider context of the sport (e.g. during the club coaching sessions). In a match situation the umpires are responsible for regulating the conduct of players. Umpires may issue:

• a green card (a warning)
• a yellow card (temporary exclusion from the field of play)
• a red card (permanent exclusion from the field of play)

If an umpire disciplines a player it is up to the coach and/or manager to decide whether further action is necessary. The action could include invoking the Association’s Code of Conduct. If a red card is issued the Association is required to discipline the offending player in compliance with the rules of the game's governing body.

The Code of Conduct

In the event of misconduct by a member the following three stage procedure will be followed:

• A warning
• In the event of continuing misconduct, a temporary exclusion
• In the event of continuing misconduct, exclusion for the season

At each stage of the procedure parents/guardians will be advised in writing of:

• the date and circumstances
• the name of the coach/manager reporting the behaviour
• the consequences of any further misbehaviour
• contact details should the parent/guardian wish to discuss the matter with the Association

In the event of serious misbehaviour a later stage of the procedure may be invoked without being preceeded by the earlier stages.

The stages are as follows:

STAGE 1 - If the behaviour of any member is deemed to be unacceptable the Association will inform parents/guardians in writing, asking for their help in resolving the problem. If there are no further instances of unacceptable behaviour within four weeks the matter will be considered closed.

STAGE 2 - If there are further instances of unacceptable behaviour within four weeks of the first warning the member will be excluded from the activities of the Association for a period of two weeks. Parents/guardians will be informed of this in writing. After the two weeks have elapsed the member may again participate in the activities of the Association. If there are no further instances of unacceptable behaviour within eight weeks the matter will be considered closed.

STAGE 3 - If there are further instances of unacceptable behaviour within eight weeks the member will be excluded from the activities of the Association for the rest of the season. Again the parents/guardians will be informed of this in writing. The Association reserves the right to refuse membership to the player in any subsequent season.

Any fees paid by or on behalf of the member are not refundable if the member is excluded because of their behaviour.