Code of Conduct

Cumbria Hockey Association

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CODE OF CONDUCT

The following, represents a summary of key points from the Code of Conduct prepared by Lancs. and Cheshire CHA (and endorsed by the NW League) and the HA Guidance Notes for Pitch Side Conduct.

Notification

-At least one month before the commencement of the official playing season, the club fixture secretary will send a copy of the club's fixture list to the Umpires Association Appointments Secretary. Failure to comply may mean that the club does not receive umpire appointments. -Changes of umpire or the withdrawal of umpires will be notified to the home club by the Umpires Association Appointments Secretary or the newly appointed umpire involved.

-Clubs will confirm venues/start times with both umpires at least three days prior to the game. -Any changes/postponements should be notified as soon as possible. Clubs who propose to significantly change start time or venue, should not assume that umpires will be able to change personal arrangements.

-A named representative of each club should be available for contact on the morning prior to a game, in case visiting clubs or umpires need to make urgent contact.

-Appointed umpires should arrive at the ground, at least 30 minutes prior to the notified start time.

Condition of pitches, team colours, travelling and changing facilities

-The home team is responsible for ensuring the availability of the pitch at the requisite time, for ensuring the pitch is in a fit condition, correctly marked out and that the pitch equipment (goals, nets, backboards, flags) is provided and in position.

-Sub-standard/dangerous pitches may be reported by umpires via the match card.

-All teams must play in correctly numbered shirts. Failure to comply will also be reported.

-The home team is responsible for offering transport facilities for umpires from the club house to the playing area and return. Where the umpire travels directly to the playing area, he/she will be advised of the availability/location of changing/shower facilities.

Discipline

-Clubs will monitor closely the discipline of their own players, amongst themselves, to the opposing team and to the umpires and take such actions as they consider suitable. Such action will be additional to that taken by any official controlling bodies.

-Clubs must deal firmly with players who make a habit of getting spoken to by umpires or who collect more than the odd Green or Yellow card. This is important if a club is to show that it takes player discipline seriously.

-A discipline monitoring system covering Yellow and Red card offences has been set up by the NW league. This monitoring system will be initiated by a match card signed by the two team captains and the two umpires. The match card showing players names and numbers for both teams must be handed to the umpires at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the game. It is the home club's responsibility to send the completed match card to the appropriate divisional co-ordinator. The card must arrive by first post Tuesday following the match. Use first class post. The match card should confirm the result of the game, and the names of players involved in Red and Yellow card offences. Umpires will add a short comment on card offences, the general conduct of the game, the state of the pitch and equipment should they feel necessary. After the umpires have signed the card, both captains, if they wish, should add a short comment on umpiring performance. Such comments will be routed back to the Secretary of the Umpires Association for consideration.

Pitch-side conduct - H A Guidance Notes

n It is the responsibility of the clubs to ensure that good manners & courtesy prevail towards the opposition, umpires & other officials before, during & after the game.

n Once the pitch is available, the Match Delegate (if appointed) or home Captain shall assume authority for the pitch & its surrounding area.

Captains, Umpires and Match Delegates (if appointed) should:

a. Agree a location of managers, coaches, substitutes & suspended players during their suspension & from where substitutions will take place.

b. Satisfy themselves as to the quality and safety of the pitch and its facilities & ensure that other pitch side furniture is removed to the safest location.

c. Check the availability & location of an emergency telephone & first aid.

d. Agree with home officials the location & allowed proximity of spectators.

e. Substitutes should warm up in clothing in a colour other than the participating teams in the agreed area of the pitch side.

f. Coaches and managers must remain in their designated area.

g. Vocal communication by team officials & players on the bench must not, in any way, be directed at the umpires or players of the opposing team.

h. Players not taking part in the game, or those in subsequent or previous matches, must not knock up or cool down on or near the pitch whilst the match is in progress.

i. Post match inquests should be held away from the pitch.

j. Spectators should be advised, if necessary, of matters relating to their conduct & particularly in so far as this affects the game in hand.

k. Small children should not be allowed to wander freely around the perimeter of the pitch whilst games are in progress. Children should remain under control of the parent/guardian at all times.

l. Babies in push chairs should not be left parked on the side of the pitch.

m. Captains, coaches, & managers should be responsible for their own conduct & the conduct of their players at all times.

n Contravention of the Guidance Notes of Pitch Side Conduct should be included in any report.

n Umpires should advise County League/Tournament Officials of any abuse of these Notes.

n Penalties: Breaches of this code will be reported to the League and will be subject to fines as set down by the League, or other actions in line with the HA Disciplinary Code.

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