Wotton under Edge Hockey Club has enjoyed an excellent disciplinary record over a long period of time. Despite ever-increasing pressures in hockey, the Club is fully committed to maintaining that record.

It is a condition of club membership that members maintain an acceptable standard of sportsmanlike conduct and appropriate behaviour both on and off the playing field. The following code is intended to be used alongside existing regulations and guidance from England Hockey and Gloucestershire HA

OFF the playing field:

  • When representing the Club, attending training, attending Club functions OR wearing clothing that identifies them as a member of the Club, members are to behave in a manner consistent with acceptable behaviour.
  • Unacceptable behaviour shall be reported by any person to any Committee member who shall then refer the matter to a member of the Disciplinary sub-committee

ON the field of play:

  • Conduct on the field of play is the responsibility of the individual player and the team captain. Team captains are responsible for players, substitutes and coaching staff.

Members will be asked to appear before the Disciplinary sub-committee (hereafter referred to as the Disciplinary Committee) under the following circumstances:

  • The award of a red card or;
  • being the subject of an Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO); or
  • four yellow cards in any one season (three if for dissent or foul language);or
  • at the committee’s discretion; any other behavior whether at training, club events/functions, times when representing the club or when wearing clothing which identifies them as a member of the club, which could be deemed to have:
  • compromised safety of players and/or spectators
  • risked bringing the club into disrepute

The Disciplinary Committee which comprises: The Club Chairman, The Club Secretary, and the Men’s and Women’s club captains (1st XI Captains), and an independent person or their nominated substitutes.

The Disciplinary Committee meeting will be convened as soon as is practical (or within 7 days of the red card or final yellow being awarded) In the case of a red card the procedures and sanctions laid down by the England Hockey, and approved by Gloucestershire HA, will apply.

Captains are reminded that they are responsible for the behaviour of all their team players. Captains are required to record the awarding of cards and brief details of the offence committed. These details will be reported to the Chairman, who will forward the information to the Disciplinary Committee on a weekly basis.

The procedures of the Disciplinary Committee are:

  • The member concerned will be advised of the matters or allegations in writing prior to the meeting.
  • If a player is asked to appear they may bring along another paid up member of the club to speak on their behalf or as an observer or to put any facts before the Disciplinary Committee.
  • Both the player and the disciplinary committee may call witnesses as appropriate to attend the disciplinary hearing, any witnesses called may be cross examined by either party.
  • The hearing will be adjourned to enable a decision to be reached; this will include consideration of the players’ previous disciplinary record. On the same date, wherever possible, the player will be informed verbally of the decision and reasons given on how the decision has been reached. If any disciplinary action is to be taken, the player will be informed in writing within 5 days of the hearing. This will include details of the players’ right to appeal which will be heard by remaining members of the management committee.
  • Minutes of meetings held will be recorded and these will be available for inspection by the member, on written request, where these relate to decisions concerning the member.
  • The decisions of the Disciplinary Committee will be final, subject to the right of appeal laid out in the England Hockey Disciplinary Code.

Penalties for off field unacceptable behaviour and on field conduct (in addition to match bans for red cards/MMOs) may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Verbal warning (formal or informal)
  • Written warning
  • Suspension from playing
  • Suspension of membership of the Club for a period to be defined
  • Recommendation to the Management Committee of expulsion from the Club
  • No further action.
  • Penalty Fines Imposed

All penalties may have conditions attached at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee.

Match fee refunds will be processed for any matches missed while under a suspension imposed by the committee or external body. There will be no pro-rata refund for annual subscriptions while serving any suspension.

The Club will keep general behavior under review as necessary. All players, when representing the Club on and off the pitch shall act and dress accordingly. Hockey is a social sport to be enjoyed by all so please use your common sense.