Codes of Conduct

Stokesley Hockey Club – Codes of Conduct

Contents

1.    The Spirit of Hockey
2.    A Fully Inclusive and Respectful Club
3.    Code of Conduct for Club Representatives, Staff and Volunteers
4.    Code of Conduct for Players
5.    Code of Conduct for Spectators
6.    Code of Conduct for Coaches
7.    Expectations of Parents and Guardians
8.    Expectations Around the Club and Facilities
9.    Social Media and Online Behaviour
10.    Safeguarding and Welfare
11.    Policy Breaches and Disciplinary Action
12.    Review of Code of Conduct

1. The Spirit of Hockey

1.1 Stokesley Hockey Club fully supports and adopts the England Hockey Spirit of Hockey – Code of Conduct.
1.2 The Spirit of Hockey applies to everyone involved in hockey, including:
•    Players
•    Coaches
•    Umpires and officials
•    Volunteers
•    Committee members
•    Parents and guardians
•    Spectators
•    Club members and visitors
1.3 The club believes hockey should be:
•    Safe
•    Inclusive
•    Respectful
•    Enjoyable
•    Fair
•    Accessible to all
1.4 All members are expected to uphold:
•    The values of hockey
•    Good sportsmanship
•    Respect for others
•    Integrity within the game
1.5 The club recognises that England Hockey takes breaches of the Spirit of Hockey seriously and that misconduct may result in disciplinary action or sanctions.
1.6 Members should always seek to resolve issues respectfully and constructively wherever possible.
1.7 Behaviour that may bring Stokesley Hockey Club or the sport of hockey into disrepute will not be tolerated.

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2. A Fully Inclusive and Respectful Club

2.1 Stokesley Hockey Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all members, visitors and participants.
2.2 The club welcomes everyone regardless of:
•    Age
•    Gender
•    Disability
•    Race or ethnicity
•    Religion or belief
•    Sexual orientation
•    Socio-economic background
•    Any other protected characteristic
2.3 The club aims to create a positive environment where:
•    Hockey can be enjoyed safely
•    People feel respected and valued
•    Good sportsmanship is promoted
•    All participants can develop and enjoy the game
2.4 Everyone involved with Stokesley Hockey Club is expected to contribute positively to the club environment and uphold the reputation of the club and the sport of hockey.

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3. Code of Conduct for Club Representatives, Staff and Volunteers

3.1 All club representatives, committee members, staff and volunteers must:
•    Prioritise the welfare and safety of all participants
•    Develop appropriate relationships based on trust and respect
•    Promote fair play, inclusion and sportsmanship
•    Ensure activities are suitable for the age, ability and experience of participants
•    Follow England Hockey rules, regulations and safeguarding guidance
•    Maintain high standards of behaviour and professionalism
•    Hold appropriate qualifications and insurance where required
•    Act as positive role models at all times
3.2 Club representatives, staff and volunteers must not:
•    Abuse their position of trust
•    Encourage unsporting behaviour or rule breaking
•    Promote anti-social behaviour, excessive drinking or illegal substances
•    Use inappropriate, abusive or discriminatory language
•    Intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against others
3.3 All individuals must comply with:
•    Club safeguarding policies
•    England Hockey safeguarding guidance
•    Club codes of conduct
•    Equality and diversity principles

 

4. Code of Conduct for Players

4.1 All players are expected to:
•    Play fairly and within the rules of hockey
•    Show respect to teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and volunteers
•    Win with humility and lose with dignity
•    Arrive on time and prepared for training and matches
•    Wear appropriate kit and equipment
•    Support and encourage fellow players
•    Accept umpire and official decisions respectfully
•    Promote the reputation of Stokesley Hockey Club and hockey generally
4.2 Players must:
•    Avoid foul, abusive or discriminatory language
•    Never bully, intimidate or harass others
•    Not deliberately cheat or attempt to gain unfair advantage
•    Not misuse alcohol or illegal substances at club activities
•    Respect club facilities and equipment
4.3 Players are encouraged to:
•    Take responsibility for their behaviour and performance
•    Recognise effort and improvement, not only results
•    Help create a welcoming environment for all members

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5. Code of Conduct for Spectators

5.1 All spectators must:
•    Support players positively and respectfully
•    Respect officials and their decisions
•    Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
•    Encourage fair play and enjoyment of the game
5.2 Spectators must not:
•    Use abusive, aggressive or discriminatory language
•    Harass players, coaches, officials or other spectators
•    Encourage violence, cheating or unsporting behaviour
•    Ridicule players for mistakes or performance
5.3 Spectators should remember:
•    Junior players participate to learn, develop and enjoy hockey
•    Positive encouragement benefits all participants

 

6. Code of Conduct for Coaches

6.1 All coaches must:
•    Put the welfare of players first
•    Create a safe and positive environment
•    Promote fair play, respect and enjoyment
•    Ensure coaching activities are appropriate to participants’ age and ability
•    Hold appropriate qualifications and insurance
•    Keep coaching knowledge and safeguarding training up to date
•    Treat all players fairly and equally
6.2 Coaches must:
•    Never ridicule or humiliate players
•    Never use abusive or discriminatory behaviour
•    Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times
•    Recognise that effort and development are more important than winning
6.3 Coaches are responsible for:
•    Arriving in sufficient time to prepare safely
•    Managing sessions appropriately
•    Considering player welfare and injuries carefully
•    Ensuring young people are safely supervised until collected
6.4 Coaches must comply with:
•    England Hockey safeguarding guidance
•    Club safeguarding policies
•    Relevant codes of ethics and conduct

 

7. Expectations of Parents and Guardians

7.1 Parents and guardians are expected to:
•    Encourage enjoyment, effort and participation
•    Support coaches, officials and volunteers respectfully
•    Promote positive behaviour and sportsmanship
•    Help children understand the rules and values of hockey
•    Ensure children arrive prepared with suitable kit, clothing and hydration
7.2 Parents and guardians should:
•    Respect umpire and coach decisions
•    Avoid coaching from the sideline unless requested
•    Support all participants positively
7.3 Parents and guardians must not:
•    Abuse or intimidate players, coaches, officials or volunteers
•    Enter the pitch or training area unless invited
•    Leave young children unattended unless under official supervision arrangements

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8. Expectations Around the Club and Facilities

8.1 All members and visitors are expected to behave responsibly around club facilities.
8.2 Individuals must not:
•    Damage club property or equipment
•    Behave dangerously or recklessly
•    Disrupt training sessions or matches
•    Use equipment improperly
•    Leave litter or create unnecessary mess
8.3 Members should:
•    Respect shared facilities
•    Follow instructions from club officials
•    Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment

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9. Social Media and Online Behaviour

9.1 All members must behave responsibly online and on social media when representing or referring to Stokesley Hockey Club.
9.2 Members must not:
•    Post abusive, offensive or discriminatory content
•    Bully or harass others online
•    Share confidential or safeguarding information
•    Bring the club or hockey into disrepute
9.3 Photography and video involving children or young people must comply with safeguarding guidance and parental consent requirements where appropriate.

 

10. Safeguarding and Welfare

10.1 All members share responsibility for safeguarding children and young people.
10.2 Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to:
•    The Club Welfare Officer; or
•    A member of the Club Committee
10.3 All members must comply with:
•    Stokesley Hockey Club safeguarding policies
•    England Hockey safeguarding guidance
•    Relevant codes of ethics and behaviour

 

11. Policy Breaches and Disciplinary Action

11.1 Breaches of these Codes of Conduct or the England Hockey Spirit of Hockey may result in:
•    Informal warnings
•    Formal disciplinary action
•    Suspension from club activities
•    Removal from club roles or membership
•    Referral to England Hockey or statutory agencies where appropriate
11.2 The club reserves the right to take appropriate action where behaviour:
•    Risks the welfare of others
•    Damages the reputation of the club
•    Breaches safeguarding or equality requirements
•    Brings the sport of hockey into disrepute
11.3 All disciplinary matters will be handled fairly and in accordance with:
•    Club policies
•    England Hockey regulations
•    The Spirit of Hockey – Code of Conduct
11.4 Members are encouraged wherever possible to resolve concerns constructively and respectfully before escalation to formal disciplinary procedures.

 

12. Review of Code of Conduct

12.1 Policy Owner: Stokesley Hockey Club Committee
12.2 Next Review Date: 2029