CONSTANTIABERG HOCKEY – CODE OF CONDUCT
The following Code of Conduct is applicable for all Players, Coaches, Umpires, Technical Officials, Conberg
Parents/Guardians and Spectators participating in or attending Conberg matches or practices. By joining
the Club you are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct allows for all involved
to learn, improve and enjoy participation in the game and hence assist in fostering the sport of hockey at
Conberg.
1. Junior Players
Play by the FIH rules as amended from time to time.
Play for enjoyment, not just to win or please your parents/guardians or coach.
Never argue with umpires’ decisions. Let your coach ask any necessary questions.
Control your temper. No swearing, abuse, or sledging.
Remember, hockey is a team game. Encourage your teammates.
Be a good sport. Recognise your opponents’ good play, as well as your own teams.
Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury by ensuring that you play within the rules. Accept
responsibility for all actions taken.
Co-operate with your coach, teammates and respect your opponents.
Understand that when you join the club, you commit to the team and are expected to play as
many matches and attend as many practices as reasonably possible. Team and club
commitment is essential.
2. Senior Players
Play by the FIH rules as amended from time to time.
Play for enjoyment, not just to win.
Never argue with umpires’ decisions either during or after the game. Let your coach or captain
ask any necessary questions.
Never abuse, harass or swear at coaches, umpires, officials, parents/guardians, spectators, or
other players.
Remember, hockey is a team game. Encourage your teammates.
Act as a positive role model to younger players at all times.
Be a good sport. Recognise your opponents’ good play, as well as your own teams.
Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury by ensuring that you play within the rules. Accept
responsibility for all actions taken.
Co-operate with your coach, teammates and respect your opponents.
Understand that when you join the club, you commit to the team and are expected to play as
many matches and attend as many practices as reasonably possible. Team and club
commitment is essential.
3. Coaches
Teach your players to play by the FIH rules as amended from time to time.
Be reasonable in your demands on players’ time and enthusiasm.
Don’t put winning above all else.
Never ridicule or scold a player for making a mistake. Provide constructive feedback and
encouragement where appropriate.
Develop team respect for opponents, umpires and opposing coaches.
Never abuse, harass or criticize umpires or your own or opposition players, coaches or officials.
Be generous with your praise and set a good example so players can respect their coach.
Keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and new rules.
Show concern and caution toward sick and injured player.
Deal with bad behavior and unsporting conduct swiftly. If relating to juniors, involve the
offending child’s parents/guardians in resolving the problem.
4. Umpires
Always attempt to be unbiased in game decisions and look to utilize the other umpire when in
doubt.
Never initiate or return abuse or harassment from a player, coach, parent/guardian or
spectator.
Always check for the appropriate wearing of protective equipment.
Keep yourself informed on the laws of hockey and sound umpiring principles. Deal with bad
behavior and unsporting conduct during the game swiftly before it escalates.
5. Technical Officials
Never initiate or return abuse or harassment from a player, coach, parent/guardian or
spectator.
Deal with bad behavior and unsporting conduct in game dugouts swiftly before it escalates.
Keep yourself informed on the laws of hockey and always attempt to be unbiased in decisions.
Remain neutral at all times.
6. Club Committee
Teach your players to play by the FIH rules as amended from time to time.
Remember children are involved in hockey for their enjoyment, not the clubs.
Encourage your teams to be on their best behaviour as they are representing your club.
Encourage teams to act as responsive hosts when playing a home game. This could include
welcoming opposition to the Club on arrival, pointing out facilities and warm up areas, and
providing refreshments after the game.
Never abuse, harass or criticize their own or opposition players, coaches or umpires.
Don’t put winning above all else.
Deal with bad behavior and unsporting conduct swiftly. For juniors, involve the offending child’s
parents/guardians in resolving the problem.
Keep yourself informed on their performance and behavior of your teams, coaches, players,
parents/guardians and spectators.
Show club respect for opposition clubs, players, umpires, coaches and opposing spectators.
7. Parents/Guardians and Spectators
Remember that children play sport for their fun. They are not there to entertain you.
Never abuse, harass or criticize players, coaches, umpires or officials. Be on your best behavior.
Do not enter the playing field at any time whilst a game is in progress, unless requested by the
umpire.
Applaud good play by both teams and show respect for your opponents.
Encourage players to play according to the rules.
Teach children that making the effort is as important as winning.
Help children improve their skills by the lessons of defeat as well as victory.
Support all volunteers assisting to run the game including the umpires, officials, coaches and
team managers. They give up their own time to provide the recreational activities for the
enjoyment of all players and without them, there would be no hockey.
8. Expectation of the Club
The club expects all those to whom this Code applies to treat one another with respect, to
recognise, appreciate and actively promote diversity and inclusion in the club, to listen to one
another, and to treat one another as human beings of equal value.
The Club strongly rejects discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind and will take
decisive action against any form of racism, sexism, homophobia or xenophobia. Sexual
harassment will not be tolerated.
All players, coaches, umpires, and officials should at all times respect an individual’s gender,
race, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, beliefs, religious or political affiliation and
culture.
Incidents contravening this code of conduct will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary
action.
9. Treatment of Equipment and Facilities
Maltreatment of equipment or facilities, either the club’s or individuals (including indiscriminate
throwing of a hockey stick) is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary action
will be undertaken if this occurs.
10. Code of Conduct Disciplinary Actions
Conberg will not tolerate serious breaches of the Code of Conduct and any person found to have
seriously breached the Code may be subject to disciplinary action. Such action may take the form of
suspensions, banning from attending games, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate.
11. Resolution of Disputes
Players and parents/guardians are requested to raise and attempt to resolve any game matters of
concern with their relevant coach or captain on the day or as soon as possible after the incident. If the
matter is not resolved amicably, or to the satisfaction of those concerned, then the matter should first
be referred to the Chairperson of Conberg for consideration and if determined necessary, referred to
the disciplinary committee for review.
12. Disciplinary Committee
The Disciplinary Committee shall be a sub-committee of the main committee and will be convened as
and when necessary. It shall consist of the Chairperson, Head of Coaching and umpire representative as
a minimum.
13. Right of Appeal
All parties have a right to appeal a decision. This would be an opportunity to present extenuating
circumstances. The Club Chairperson shall appoint the review committee if an appeal is made. This
committee will consist of a Club Committee member and a coach. Members of the Appeal Committee
may not be associated with the player’s team. The request for an appeal hearing must be made in
writing to the Club Chairperson within three days following the initial decision.
14. Opposition
Should the Disciplinary Committee deem it necessary to lodge a formal complaint against an opposition
player, coach, or umpire, then this complaint shall first be directed to the Chairperson of the club
concerned. Only if the matter cannot be resolved amicably shall the complaint be referred to the
Western Province Hockey Union.
Policy Amendment
This policy will be reviewed annually and can only be amended on the approval of the Constantiaberg
Hockey Committee.
This policy will be distributed to all players at the start of the winter season and to new members joining,
during the season. It will also be made available on the Conberg website.
NOVEMBER 2022
