Chatham Hockey Club Policies

COACHES

• Demonstrate responsible ‘duty of care’ of players by ensuring they are aware of the dangers associated with playing the sport, and that they wear the appropriate safety equipment i.e. shin pads and mouth guards, or correct goal keeping equipment (in the case of goal keepers) at all games and training sessions

• Be reasonable in your demands on your players’ time, energy and enthusiasm

• Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.

• Whenever possible, place junior players into groups according to age, height, skills and physical maturity. Avoid over-playing the talented players, the ‘just average’ players need and deserve equal time. Remember people play for fun and enjoyment, winning is only part of their motivation

• Never ridicule or yell at players for making mistakes or losing a competition.

• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of players.

• The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of players

• Develop team respect for ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.

• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles, principles of working with children and legal issues and ramifications.

PLAYERS

• Play for the fun of the game, not to just please parents and coaches.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment at games and training to prevent risks associated with playing the game i.e. shin pads and mouth guard or in the case of goal keepers – correct goal keeping equipment.

• Play by the rules. Never argue with an Official, if you disagree have your captain or coach approach the Official during a break or after the game.

• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of Officials or other players, deliberately fouling or provoking an opponent and the throwing of equipment is not acceptable or permitted.

• Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your teams’ performance will benefit and so will you.

• Be a good sport. Cheer all good plays whether they be by your team or the opposition. Treat all players as you would like to be treated.

• Do not take unfair advantage of another player or interfere with a bully.

• Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Without them there would be no game.

PARENTS

• If children are interested encourage them to play sport, however if a child is not willing to play, do not force him or her.

• Ensure your child wears the appropriate safety equipment i.e. shin pads and mouth guards, or correct goal keeping equipment (in the case of goal keepers) at all games and training sessions.

• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals to his/her ability by reducing emphasis on winning.

• Teach children that an honest effort is as important as a victory so that the result of each game is not met with undue disappointment.

• Encourage children to always play by the rules.

• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game. Remember that children learn best from example.

• Applaud good plays by both teams.

• If you disagree with an Official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the Officials’ judgement and honesty in public and teach your children to do likewise. Remember most Officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement

• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

• Recognise the value and importance of our Clubs volunteer coaches. They give their time and resources to provide recreational activities for the children. They deserve your support.

SPECTATORS

• People play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they professionals.

• Applaud good performance and efforts by your team and their opponents. Congratulate both teams upon their performance regardless of the games outcome.

• Respect the Officials decision. If you disagree with an Official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than questioning the Officials judgement and honesty in public.

• Never ridicule a player for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational.

• Condemn the use of violence in any form be it spectators, coaches, Officials or players.

• Demonstrate respect for your teams’ opponents. Without them there would be no game.

• Encourage players to play by the rules and the Officials decisions.

• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, coaches or Officials

Chatham Hockey Club Code of Conduct Breach Policy

Code of Conduct Breach Actions:

• Reported to Executives of Chatham
• Discreet investigation into the breach by executives
• Discussion made on appropriate action
• Individuals contacted to discuss matter and discipline action by the President
• MVHA notified on actions if required from reported breach

The following behaviours are considered breaches of the code:

• Violent or abusive behaviour towards another person
• Vilification of any kind towards another person.
• Discrimination against another person based on their age, gender or sexual orientation.
• Discrimination against another person based on their race, culture, religion or any other irrelevant personal characteristic.
• Sexual harassment or intimidation of another person.
• Victimisation of another person for exercising their rights through the code.
• Bullying towards another person.
• Failure to maintain a safe environment.

If any of these behaviours take place within the club, the Club or Manning Valley Hockey Association depending on the breach is able to impose penalties or sanctions. For this to occur, the breach must be confirmed through an appropriate assessment process at the appropriate level. The code states that every person has the right to participate in hockey that is safe, welcoming and inclusive.

If you have witnessed a breach, or have been subjected to behaviours that are not tolerated under the code please report this to: chathamwolves@hotmail.com preferably in 24 hours from the breach occurring the complaint/concern will be raised with the President in a confidential meeting and action plan will be established to investigate the claims in a professional manner.

Penalties for breaching the code will depend on a number of factors, such as: •

• Who breached the code?
• How and when did they breach the code?
• What were the effects of the breach?
• Whether this behaviour has taken place repeatedly or is a one-off.

Penalties may include:

• a person to change their behaviour
• issuing a formal warning
• asking a person to leave the hockey fields
• banning a person from the hockey fields
• imposing a game ban on a player, spectator, official
• In rare and serious cases, where a breach of the code constitutes unlawful behaviour, it may be necessary to involve the police.

Please note, breaches which are reported to Chatham Hockey Club officially from other clubs or Manning Valley Hockey Association require evidence to be presented on how Chatham Hockey Club has dealt with the matter to MVHA. This will remain confidential to the parties who are directly involved.