Disciplinary Code

Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club has established a good disciplinary record over a long period of time and is rightly proud of that fact. Despite ever-increasing pressures in hockey the Club is committed to maintaining that record.

The disciplinary code provides formal action to be taken for a failure to meet the standards expected in respect of etiquette, behaviour and conduct. This applies both during matches and at all other times when representing the Club, or being seen to represent the Club.

The award of a red card or three yellow cards (two for dissent) in a season will require a player to appear before the Disciplinary Committee which comprises: The Club Secretary, and the Men’s and Women’s club captains, or their nominated substitutes.

The Disciplinary Committee meeting will be convened 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 Yorkshire Hockey, 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 the details of the offence committed. These details will be reported to the relevant club captain, who will forward the information to the Disciplinary Committee as required.

The procedures of the Disciplinary Committee are:

1. The member concerned will be advised of the matters or allegations in writing prior to the meeting.
2. If a player is asked to appear they may bring along another member to speak on their behalf or as an observer or to put any facts before the Disciplinary Committee.
3. 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.
4. 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 layer 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 three remaining members of the executive committee.
5. 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.
6. The decisions of the Disciplinary Committee will be final, subject to the right of appeal laid out in the England Hockey Disciplinary Code.

The Disciplinary Committee can impose any penalty that it considers appropriate including a recommendation to the Executive Committee that the member be expelled from the Club. Such penalties may include:

• 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.

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

The Club will keep general behaviour 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.