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Devon Hockey News & Diary

Diary Items to Note

Latest News

2nd Jun 09	Devon Men Win
	Devon won the Men's C Division senior county championship final and promotion at Sheffield Hallam Hockey Club. Click on ...More for further details. ... More
19th May 09	England Hockey Awards Dinner 'The 2009 Big Night Out'
	Internationals, umpires, coaches, players, secretaries....in fact nearly 300 people from all sections of the Hockey family stood side by side as everyone from the elite to the grassroots were applauded at the Big Night Out, England Hockey’s inaugural National Awards Dinner. Awards were distributed across three categories – Performance, Club and Volunteer/Lifetime Achievement. Hazel Bound, from Devon, received recognition for her services to Club, County and Regional hockey in the Lifetime Achievement Award category, proudly standing alongside five other nominees who, between them, have put in approximately 260 years service to our game. We hope that our other short-listed nominees from the West enjoyed their evening and, although not winning an award, will remember their evening with happy memories: In the Club of the Year shortlist – Ashmoor HC (Devon) and Cirencester HC (Gloucestershire) In the Club Team of the Year shortlist – Ashmoor Ladies (Devon) In the Association or League shortlist – Rose Marie Parkin of Devon For a full report of the event, winners and an interview with Jean just follow the link ...More below Jane & Jenny Jane Cornelius – Regional Manager Jenny Mitchell - Regional Administrator England Hockey, West Office University of Exeter Sports Park Stocker Road EXETER EX4 4QN T: 01392 264031 F: 01392 251033 ... More
4th Apr 09	Umpire Promotion
	Congratulations to Graham Smith (pictured right) on being promoted to DHUA's Neutral Pool A. Graham was the DHUA Neutral Pool Umpire of the Year 2007/2008. Paddy President
12th Mar 09	New FIH Rules
	England Hockey has released a statement to announce that the new FIH rules will be mandatory for all domestic hockey from 1 September 2009. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introductory Date for FIH 2009 -10 Rules of Hockey in England On Wednesday 4 February 2009 the FIH published a statement re: the new Rules of Hockey to be introduced for international hockey on May 1st 2009. National Associations are permitted to introduce these rules for domestic hockey at a date of own choice and the England Hockey Board has agreed that the new rules will be mandatory for all domestic hockey from 1st September 2009 after a phased introduction. The new rules are printed below. The reasons we have chosen to implement the new rules in this way are: 1. To ensure all 2008/2009 domestic season competitions can be completed without changing the rules mid way through 2. To ensure the new rules can be introduced safely 3. To allow time to communicate and educate schools, clubs, representative teams and coaches, umpires and officials on the new rules 4. It is a natural time to introduce the rules to formal competition at the beginning of the English domestic season As part of the phased introduction and to ensure our international teams and officials are well prepared for this summer’s international programme the following events will pilot the new rules prior to their formal introduction: • Great Britain Super League (GBSL) • The U16/18 Girls International Tournament at Easter in Nottingham (4 Nations) • The U21 Women’s International Test Series at Easter in Nottingham We will begin dissemination and education of the new rules to all hockey providers and participants immediately. To allow schools, clubs, representative teams and coaches, umpires and officials the opportunity to become familiar with the new rules, England Hockey permits them to be used immediately in any non formal competition wherever all the participants and officials agree. Appendix 1 Statement from FIH Rules of Hockey 2009: free hit One of the objectives of the FIH and therefore of the Hockey Rules Board (HRB) is to decrease the number and duration of interruptions to the flow of play and to increase the length of time the ball is in active play. A “self-pass” from a free hit has therefore been introduced. It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball again after taking the free hit which will encourage free-flowing hockey. As with other actions on the hockey pitch, this must take place safely. Other aspects of the free hit rules have therefore been reviewed. The HRB is concerned that the ball is often played hard, indiscriminately and therefore potentially dangerously into the circle from free hits in the attacking 23M area. In future, these free hits must not be played directly into the circle. FIH believes these are indications of the way it wishes to see hockey develop. Exciting innovations will take place but there will also always be a concern that the game should be as safe as reasonably possible. These Rules changes above are referred to as Mandatory Experimental Rules. They are mandatory because they must be played throughout hockey; they are experimental to show that they will be reviewed after experience before deciding if they become permanent Rules. When the full set of the Rules of Hockey is published, small changes to some wording and various additional notes will also added to clarify certain current rules. It is anticipated that the full set of Rules will be published in the next month or so. The text of the relevant free hit Rules will be as follows: 13.1 Location of a free hit: a) a free hit is taken close to where the offence occurred ‘Close to’ means within playing distance of where the offence occurred and with no significant advantage gained. The location from which a free hit is taken must be more precise inside the 23m area. b) a free hit awarded within 5M of the circle to the attack is taken at the nearest point 5m from the circle c) a free hit awarded outside the circle to the defence within 15m of the back-line is taken up to 15m from the back-line in line with the location of the offence, parallel to the side-line d) a free hit awarded inside the circle to the defence is taken anywhere inside the circle or up to 15m from the back-line in line with the location of the offence, parallel to the side-line. 13.2 Procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field: a) the ball must be stationary b) opponents must be at least 5m from the ball If an opponent is within 5m of the ball, they must not interfere with the taking of the free hit or must not play or attempt to play the ball. If this player is not playing the ball, attempting to play the ball or influencing play, the free hit need not be delayed. c) when a free hit is awarded to the attack within the 23m area, all players other than the player taking the free hit must be at least 5m from the ball d) the ball is moved using a push or hit e) the ball must not be raised intentionally directly from the free hit f) if the player taking the free hit is the next player to play the ball, the actions of taking the free hit and of next playing the ball must be two separate actions g) before another player of the team which took the free hit is allowed to play the ball, the ball must move at least 1m The ball does not have to move 1m before the player taking the free hit may play the ball again. h) from a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23m area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5m or has been touched by a player of either team other than the player taking the free hit. England Hockey will order copies of the new FIH Hockey Rules 2009–10 book immediately they become available and an order form will be posted as a download to the website and emailed to all Regional and County Hockey Associations and Umpiring Associations. To download this statement this item click on ... More
2nd Mar 09	Long Pile and 3G Turf Update - February 2009
	Jane Nockolds, England Hockey's National Manager for Technical, Officiating & Volunteers, has recently released the following update on England Hockey's position regarding Long Pile and Third Generation turf. The update includes information on the progress of the research currently being undertaken by Labosports Ltd and a reiteration of England Hockey's position with regard to Long Pile and 3G turf and its possible knock-on effects for INSURANCE COVER. To read the full statement click on ... More
2nd Mar 09	Safeguarding and Protecting Young People
	England Hockey is the national governing body for the sport of hockey in England, with over 1050 affiliated clubs. As part of its commitment to ensuring that young people are able to enjoy the sport of hockey, England Hockey has developed this Policy on Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey. England Hockey believes that all young people involved in hockey have a fundamental right to be protected so that they can enjoy the sport free from all forms of abuse and exploitation. It therefore seeks to help protect and promote the welfare of all young people in hockey by having in place clear policies and guidance for its affiliated clubs and associations and all others involved in the sport. England Hockey views all those within hockey as part of the Hockey Family. This includes all clubs, associations, other organisations and individuals with any involvement at any level. England Hockey believes that all members of the Hockey Family have responsibilities to help protect young people and England Hockey has developed this Safeguarding and Protecting Young People policy to help ensure that this happens. Safeguarding means promoting the safety and welfare of young people. Safeguarding is a term used to incorporate good practice and is wider than “Child Protection”. Child protection is still an essential element of this policy and is about acting on concerns about a young person or individual. This policy has been formulated in accordance with guidance from the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and in line with Government guidance. We have set the policy out in four sections to make it as user friendly as possible. The four sections are: Section One: Policies Section Two: Recognising and Responding to Concerns and Reporting Procedures Section Three: Good Practice Section Four: Appendices and Templates You can find each section of the policy on the pages below this one. For your convenience they are also available as downloads. England Hockey’s Safeguarding Young People policy will be updated every three years or more frequently as required and in line with changes to legislation, government guidance and industry standard practice. We hope that the policy will assist your club/association as we all work towards a safer environment for the future of our sport. To go to the pages on the England Hockey Website click on ... More
5th Feb 09	Changes to Free Hit Rules
	Rules of Hockey 2009 – Free Hit As exclusively revealed by Roger Webb at the Devon Club/Umpire Forum at Bovey Tracey on 31 October 2009 - remember where you heard it first!!!! The text of the free hit rules which will apply in international hockey from 1 May 2009 is provided below. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the revised free hit rules because of the great interest in them. The next Rules of Hockey will take affect from 1 May 2009 and the full set of rules will be published as soon as possible. One of the objectives of the FIH and therefore of the Hockey Rules Board (HRB) is to decrease the number and duration of interruptions to the flow of play and to increase the length of time the ball is in active play. A “self-pass” from a free hit has therefore been introduced. It enables the player taking the free hit to play the ball again after taking the free hit which will encourage free-flowing hockey. As with other actions on the hockey pitch, this must take place safely. Other aspects of the free hit rules have therefore been reviewed. The HRB is concerned that the ball is often played hard, indiscriminately and therefore potentially dangerously into the circle from free hits in the attacking 23 metres area. In future, these free hits must not be played directly into the circle. FIH believes these are indications of the way it wishes to see hockey develop. Exciting innovations will take place but there will also always be a concern that the game should be as safe as reasonably possible. These Rules changes above are referred to as Mandatory Experimental Rules. They are mandatory because they must be played throughout hockey; they are experimental to show that they will be reviewed after experience before deciding if they become permanent Rules. When the full set of the Rules of Hockey is published, small changes to some wording and various additional notes will also added to clarify certain current rules. It is anticipated that the full set of Rules will be published in the next month or so. DHUA Note: England Hockey have yet to decide when these new Rules will be implemented. Once DHUA knows we will post a News Item. I understand that the primary issue is how to change the Rules (implement the changes) prior to the completion of some competitions. The text of the relevant free hit Rules will be as follows; to read them click ... More
7th Jan 09	Ivybridge CC Hockey Pitch
	Ivybridge Community College is relaying its current pitch with a new surface. This surface is NOT suitable to play competitive hockey on. The following is a statement from Sally Munday CEO at England Hockey to Ivybridge College regarding the type of surface being laid at Ivybridge. “In 2003 England Hockey commissioned some research by an FIH approved laboratory into Long Pile Turfs / 3Gs. The recommendation was that none of the long pile / 3G turfs over 35mm available on the market at that time were suitable for hockey play. At that point it is also pertinent to state that the FIH clearly stated that long pile turf was not suitable for hockey. The England Hockey Board made a ruling therefore that no competitive hockey should be played on Long pile / 3G turfs over 35mm. A statement and guidance to that effect has been on our website since 2003. Nearly all schools, clubs and local authorities who are installing or replacing artificial pitches for hockey contact us prior to embarking on their projects to ensure they have up to date information to help with their choice if surface. We have a number of examples of people who have contacted us who have been led to believe (mostly be the manufacturer) that certain turfs are suitable when they are not. It became clear to us that the Football Association (FA) and Football Foundation (FF) have been increasing their investment into artificial turfs and have stated policy on the number of these facilities they intend to invest in. We are also aware that they want longer turf than we do. As a result of this we sought a meeting with the FA and FF to see if there was some common ground. We did indeed meet with them. In summary of that meeting, as helpful as the FA were, the FF response to the turf not being suitable was a suggestion that we should simply play with a bigger ball. We continue dialogue with them and whilst they state they want other sports to use the facilities they invest in, they will not often compromise on their preferred surface. During the last five years, since we first commissioned the research into Long Pile Turf, there have been significant developments in the technology surrounding artificial turf. These developments may eventually bring us closer to a compromise position with football but at the moment hockey and football are heading in two different directions, football are seeking a surface which replicates the performance of grass and hockey is not. In addition it is relevant that there has been a 40mm turf that has been laid with a particular sub base that has (following on site testing) been approved by the FIH as meeting their performance standards. As a result the FIH have listed this particular facility as approved. This does not mean that all pitches laid with the same turf would automatically receive FIH approval – the sub base which the turf is laid on could have an impact on the performance standards of the pitch. As a result of the above, England Hockey commissioned further research by an FIH approved company which is mid way through. The results of this research will conclude in recommendations to the England Hockey Board in 2009. The research includes both laboratory turf testing and field testing with players. Until we have research from experts in this field telling us otherwise, the position of these pitches being unsuitable for hockey play has not changed. There are dozens and dozens of turfs on the market and they are all laid on very different sub bases, just because one such turf has now tested as meeting the FIH performance standards does not mean that others will (or in fact that the same turf would achieve the same test results on a different sub base) – hence why we have commissioned the research. We would be putting our clubs and hockey playing schools in an invidious position giving them permission to play on a surface which we had research that indicated was not suitable which I am sure would invalidate both a club / schools and our insurance if challenged. You may be in a position when your new surface is laid to have a full FIH performance test completed. If it the FIH approve that it has met their performance criteria we would sanction use of the pitch for hockey (like we did with the other pitch they have approved).” Statement from DHUA: Obviously, given the statement from England Hockey, any umpire (e.g. DHUA Appointed, Club, etc.) needs to be aware that this type of surface is not currently suitable for playing competitive hockey on. Should an umpire do so and a player is injured then it is possible that the Umpire's Insurance Policy may not cover you in the event of a claim. The advice of DHUA is that NO UMPIRE should umpire a game of competitive hockey on this type of surface, whether at Ivybridge or elsewhere.
27th Nov 08	UCP Marjon, Plymouth - Redevelopment
	Please also note that from January 2009 the Sports Centre at UCP Marjon in Plymouth will be redeveloped in a £12 million project with a significant section from the Reception, Lion and Lamb, Sports Hall 1, Fitness Suite and Squash Courts all being knocked down. A temporary reception will be built besides Sports Hall 2/3. This is anticipated to last for 18 months (until July 2010). UCP Marjon apologies for any inconvenience caused during this period. Once the new £12million Centre has been completed it will be one of the best in the region. As far as I am aware the ATP will be unaffected. Paddy For some more details click ... More
24th Nov 08	Message to Devon Hockey Umpires - Dealing with Misconduct
	This message has been issued following an incident in a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixture in early November. The incident has been dealt with and the message has been issued by Jane Nockolds of England Hockey. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “It’s not easy for umpires or referees to deal with misconduct. Sometimes it takes us by surprise, it comes as a shock. Sometimes it’s veiled in threat or sarcasm. All in all, it is usually a difficult and distasteful experience and, it erodes confidence. Umpires genuinely want to do well for the game, for the players, for themselves, so why is it that sometimes they feel that they give up their time only to have it spoiled or tainted or to be abused or threatened by a minority. They deserve better… Most of us who umpire will have felt or thought this way at some stage; it’s not a phenomenon or a myth. It happens. Two of Devon’s hockey umpires were recently involved in a match that presented a variety of challenges and sadly those challenges weren’t simply confined to the pitch. There were also difficulties immediately after the game and some very vociferous and drunken supporters to contend with too. It wasn’t easy… As a result of the incident and the subsequent correspondence, I on behalf of England Hockey wrote to the universities concerned and to their governing body. England Hockey will be meeting with the senior management of BUCS later this week. We have expressed extreme concern to the BUCS Hockey Management Group. Additionally we requested that they remind all of the universities and colleges to do all possible to advocate a spirit of goodwill, fair play and due respect to all umpires and officials in all competitions. But now we have to move on and the best way to do it is to recognise and perhaps remind ourselves where we are in today’s sports officiating world. All umpires should expect in today’s society to have to EARN respect from the players and their coaches and on occasions, to have to work hard to do so. Nothing is automatic or god-given in sport in 2008 and while courtesy and politeness should and usually does prevail in hockey, it should be understood that competition increasingly comes matched with a demand for high levels of competency and management. Sometimes the umpires can deliver in accordance with the expectation and sometimes they don’t or can’t. It’s not a case of failing in the task though, it’s about learning from it and moving on. At every level we can learn more and from every experience, positive or negative we have that opportunity. Umpires of all levels have the tools to punish or remove offenders and hockey has a clear pathway to support the process. Good communication, sound rules knowledge and understanding and management of the play is essential and while acknowledging that every situation is different, the principle remains and it is simple; when and if it goes wrong, start with a verbal warning, next time progress to a green card, then to yellow and ultimately to red. The latter so rarely happens because of the process that precedes it. Even at the Olympic Games we said “please use it umpires. It does work and if we impose a consistent and good level of control from the first whistle to the last whistle, there will be fewer control issues to deal with. Sometimes it requires courage and sometimes it means ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’ but if the game requires just that, please do it.” It worked there and it can work everywhere. Don’t compromise control for flow and don’t compromise fair play…ever. In England we have the Code of Ethics and Behaviour. It has been introduced to help us, to guide us (all of us) and to ensure that misconduct is reported and acted upon. The detail is on the England Hockey website (lick on ...More). Umpires and their Associations are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Code. We specifically draw your attention to the Match-Day Misconduct Reporting procedure and the Disrepute Report – two very different documents and processes to those of the Red Card Report Form. Going back to the incident…I do hope that this situation has not deterred the umpires from umpiring BUCS games and importantly that it hasn’t eroded their confidence in any way. Student hockey matches unlike a number of others have a wealth of intelligence on the pitch and ordinarily they respect and cooperate with officials. Let’s hope that out of this unfortunate incident will come some inspiration, some determination and fingers crossed some reward”. ENDS. JANE NOCKOLDS National Manager - Technical, Officiating & Volunteers ENGLAND HOCKEY Footnote: Devon HUA fully and unequivocally endorses this message from Jane Nockolds. Alan 'Paddy' Porter President DHUA ... More
13th Nov 08	England Hockey Introduces New Indoor Umpiring Awards
	Situation: Participation in indoor hockey in England is growing. The reintroduction of national teams in January 2008, plus the success and prominence of the indoor competitions held at the National Indoor Arena has seen a much welcomed resurgence of the indoor game. Regional and county leagues are played throughout the season in many areas, and entry to the national school and clubs competitions continue to rise. With these competitions changing in the near future to split clubs and schools, and the introduction of the England Indoor Trophy, there is a great need for more indoor umpires to support the game. Current Awards: Indoor umpiring currently only has an award at L3 (National) level. This represented the level of indoor hockey played some time ago, and does not represent the growth seen in today's indoor game. To achieve L3 Indoor status, candidates are nominated by their region, or by the NPUA for assessment. Whilst the L3 award is the only England Hockey formal accreditation currently available, it is also recognised, that many County and Regional HUAs have an indoor umpiring set-up, with grades and panels within their structures. Proposed New Awards: The EHUC propose to introduce new L1 and L2 Indoor Umpiring awards to formally recognise the need for a consistent structure for development and assessment of indoor umpiring in the country. The awards will commence in September 2008, and support resources have been developed to assist regions and counties with their introduction. In order to qualify for an indoor L1 award, the umpire must be registered as an accredited L1or L2 outdoor umpire. This will ensure that the umpire has undergone at least basic umpire training via a Level 1 course and have been assessed and passed whilst umpiring outdoors. Many of the techniques required as an outdoor umpire – game management, flow and advantage, positioning & presentation - are mirrored indoor, with only a few interpretations needed to be learnt to adapt to the game indoors. In order to be assessed for the award, the indoor candidate must then attend an Indoor Umpiring Course for entry level (L1 indoor) and then be assessed whilst umpiring at an event run by the county. A course presentation has been prepared by England Hockey and it is recommended that this is run at an indoor session, prior to candidates having a try at indoor umpiring. There are no minimum matches required in order to achieve the L1 Indoor award, rather indoor assessors judge the umpire to be fit for the purpose of umpiring indoor level matches at county level. For the L2 indoor award, counties may nominate candidates to the Regional L2 indoor award coordinator, who are performing at the peak of county level. The L2 indoor coordinator will then arrange for suitable assessment at a regional event. The cost of registering successful candidates for both L1 & L2 awards will be £10, payable on registration. England Hockey will send accreditation cards with EH registration numbers direct to the umpire following receipt of the fee and registration form. Transition: EHUC recognises that many counties and regions have indoor umpires as members, who have already been assessed as fit for purpose at that level. It is therefore proposed to introduce a Transfer to the L1 & L2 awards for those umpires currently active at that level and verified by their respective HUAs. This transfer period will run until 31st December, 2008, giving HUAs time to register their current indoor umpires to the appropriate level. The cost of the transfer will be £5 per umpire to cover the administration at England hockey. On receipt of the transfer list and appropriate fees, counties and regions will receive confirmation of the transfers and umpires will be sent accreditation cards. Summary: It is hoped, that by introducing new awards, that the profile of the indoor umpiring will increase allowing umpiring to support the growth in the game from grass roots all the way to national level. Liz Pelling On behalf of the EHUC Click on ...More for the full details. Picture: Nick White, ex Devon, West and EHL Indoor Umpire. Nick is also on the FIH Promising Umpires’ List (International Umpires for upgrading to Grade 1). ... More
12th Nov 08	CRB Checks
	CRB checks are NOT PORTABLE ACROSS SPORTS When Vetting and Barring is introduced in 2009 – I think it is October a coach only has to apply once to the ISA – The Independent Safeguarding Authority. However, it is still unknown if CRB checks will be portable across sports but nothing is confirmed and Barbara will keep you informed as the situation progresses. Anne Baker Development Coaching Manager 12 Nov 2008 From Jenny Mitchell - Regional Administrator England Hockey, West Office 13 Nov 2008 Having spoken to the Devon Cricket Development Officer, Matt Theedom, he has also confirmed that CRB checks for cricket cannot be transported from other sports.
30th Oct 08	England Hockey to move
	Since 2007, England Hockey has been renting office space from English Partnerships at the former National Hockey Stadium* for some of its headquarters team under a four-year lease which provided a nine month notice period for either side. In mid-2008, England Hockey’s executive team reviewed future office location options and made a recommendation to their Board which proposed moving these offices to Bisham Abbey in order to take advantage of Sport England’s proposed site redevelopment which they announced on 23rd August. Coincidentally English Partnerships had been reviewing its options for the Milton Keynes site and today (29 October) announced a major redevelopment of it. As a result, they have now served notice on England Hockey’s occupation of the offices. For the last few weeks, England Hockey has been working with Sport England’s architects to ensure that its Milton Keynes based staff and those already situated at Bisham Abbey – the South Regional Development staff and Performance team – can all be located in one modern and well-equipped facility. It is planned that the move from Milton Keynes to Bisham Abbey will take place sometime in the spring of 2009. The precise date will be determined by the progress made on the redevelopment of the Bisham Abbey site. Discussions with staff about relocation options are currently taking place. Philip Kimberley, Executive Chairman England Hockey said “Although we will be sad to leave Milton Keynes, we think the benefits of having the national team, development, performance, and administration staff all on one site - particularly in the run up to the 2012 Olympics - will be significant. We hope as many staff as feasible will stay with us, and for those that don’t choose to, we will work with them to find alternative work in their local area. “We are also pleased to report that discussions with the 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority and the London Development Agency about the shape and size of proposed legacy facilities are well advanced, but that no announcements about what those will comprise will take place until later in 2009.”
16th Oct 08	Mentoring Opportunity
	There is a possibility of Mentoring available on Sunday 26 October at Exeter University. This would suit those qualified umpires who are unable to umpire on a Saturday, perhaps due to playing commitments, or those Pool umpires who would like to be mentored but have not had the opportunity to do so recently. The day begins at 11:00 with an Isca Vintage v England LX Club 'A' game, followed at 12:30 by England LX Club v West Country Select, followed by a third game at 14:00 England LX Club 'A' v Tournament Select. Devon HUA are hoping to use these 3 games as a mentoring/coaching opportunity so if you want to take part then please email Paul Earnshaw (pdearnshaw@googlemail.com) with your availability (also update your availability in your Personal Area of the Devon Hockey Website using the ‘Change Availability’ button). ISCA HC extends an invitation to all Officials appointed to Lunch at 16:00 in the Isca Clubhouse after the games. Paddy, President DHUA
12th Oct 08	Amendment to the EHL Regulations 2008-09
	To: EHL Club Liaison Officers, Second Contacts; EH Match Officials; NPUA (for onward distribution) >>> THIS ONLY APPLIES TO ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE ONLY <<< Following guidance from the England Hockey Constitution & Regulations committee, the EHL committee agreed an amendment to the EHL regulations for season 2008-09. This has been approved by the Competitions Committee in line with EHL Regulation 1.5. and comes into force with effect from Saturday 11 October 2008. The amendment is to regulation 10.4. This currently reads – Umpires shall have the authority to temporarily suspend (yellow card) any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. The amended regulation reads: 10.4 Umpires shall have the authority to temporarily suspend (yellow card) any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. This will require the relevant team to withdraw a player from the pitch for the duration of the suspension. This means the regulation reverts to the wording in line with season 2007-08. In making this amendment the following should be noted: Within the current FIH Rules of Hockey Rule 14, the following rule is in place Rule 14. 1.c. For any offence the offending player may be …. temporarily suspended for a minimum of 5 minutes playing time (indicated by a yellow card). For the duration of each temporary suspension of a player on or off the field the offending team plays with one less player. Within the new England Hockey Red Card & Matchday Misconduct Regulations the following regulation is in place. ”4.3 A Red Card Offence is a breach of the rules of hockey or other misconduct for which any person is permanently suspended by an umpire from further participation in the match (whether or not, for whatever reason acceptable to the relevant Disciplinary Body, a Red Card is actually shown). In addition to the sanctions hereinafter provided for in these Regulations, where a Red Card is issued to a team official or a player who at the time the Red Card is issued is not playing in the match, the offending team is required to withdraw a player from the field of play and the offending team shall thereafter play for the remainder of the match with one fewer player.” The above confirm that teams must withdraw a player from the pitch temporarily when a bench player or official is yellow carded by an umpire and permanently when a bench player or official is red carded by an umpire. This ensures that there are consistent penalties for bench players and team officials in respect of in-discipline where punished by umpires. Please note that Regulation 6.3 has not been amended Match Officials may suspend players/officials but this will not require the relevant team to withdraw a player from the pitch for the duration of the suspension. 6.3 Match Officials have the authority to temporarily suspend any player or official from the team-bench for in-discipline. If you any queries please contact Stephen Barlow at England Hockey, 01908 544664, stephen.barlow@englandhockey.org. Nick Martin Assistant Competitions & Events Manager DDI: 01908 544605 Fax: 01908 241106 E-Mail: nick.martin@englandhockey.org Web: www.englandhockey.co.uk Address: England Hockey, The National Hockey Stadium, Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 1HA
12th Aug 08	The England Hockey Code of Ethics and Behaviour
	Approved as Regulations by the Board of England Hockey on 17th March 2008, and effective from 1st September 2008 The following refers ONLY to Umpires and Officials. The full code can be viewed by clicking the link ...More below. Terms of reference The content of this Code of Behaviour applies to all Umpires and Officials involved in hockey in England. In order to protect the reputation of hockey in England, the code also applies to all those associated with England Hockey who are involved in hockey whilst outside England. Expected Minimum Standards of Behaviour and Conduct All such individuals involved in hockey will, at all times: • Respect the spirit of fair play in hockey. This is more than playing within the rules. It also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit. o Encourage both teams to play within the Rules and the spirit of the game. o Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the Rules of the game. o Never request inappropriate hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered that could be considered to be excessive. o In completing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify or embellish any decisions. • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others. o Respect umpires, officials, coaches, players and spectators. o Show patience and understanding towards those who may be learning the game. o Never publicly express any criticism of umpires or officials such as match officials and technical officers. • Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others. o Have regard to protecting the players through the application of the Rules of the game. o Never participate when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. o Competency: Have a current England Hockey accreditation or registration appropriate to the nature of the activity. o Under 18 year olds: Should only work with or under the guidance of a suitably qualified and insured adult. • Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute. o Ensure that all participants are aware of their responsibilities under the Code of Ethics and Behaviour. • Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour. • Never use inappropriate language or gestures. o Never use foul, sexist, abusive, racist or any prejudicial language or tolerate it from players, team officials, spectators or parents. • Abide by the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures. • Abide by the England Hockey Equity Policy. • Abide by the England Hockey Anti-doping Rules. • Take personal responsibility to ensure that they are suitably insured for their activities. ... More
24th May 07	U13s Not Allowed to Play from 2007/2008
	The following is to apply from the 2007-8 hockey season onwards: U13s will not be allowed to play in open adult competitions. U13s defined as being under 13 years of age on 1 January 2008. For full details click on the link, or see the Web Handbook under 'England Hockey' . . . . ... More
1st Mar 07	Smoking!
	It may seem a little obvious but some facilities have a no smoking policy, especially Astroturf hockey pitches. So, if you still smoke, and will continue to do so even after 1st July, please resist the urge to light up before, or after, you umpire. Only smoke in designated areas and this will make my life a lot easier (yes, people do complain to me about things like this)! Paddy President Some Facts about Smoking > About 12 million adults in Great Britain smoke cigarettes - 26% of men and 23% of women. > Contrary to popular belief, adult smoking rates vary only slightly in different parts of the country: 24% in the East of England, 28% in the North West, 25% in Scotland and 23% in Wales. > Like most of life's other nasties, smoking is most prevalent among those aged 20-24: 36% of men and 29% women in this age group smoke. > The lowest smoking rate is among people aged 60 and over: 14% smoke in this age group. Why? Around one quarter of smokers die before reaching retirement age. > Every day 450 British children start smoking not yours we hope! > People do give up 20% of women and 28% of men are now ex-smokers. > Historically, we are far less smoky today than we were a quarter of a century ago: 26% of men and 23% of women smoke today, compared to 51% of men and 41% of women in 1974. > The Government is definitely not profiting from your habit revenue from tobacco duty in the financial year 2004-05 was a measly 8,103 million, compared to a spend of around 25m on anti-smoking education campaigns, 50m on measures to help people stop smoking and an ever-growing public health bill of nearly incalculable proportions. > Tobacco is the only legally available consumer product which kills people when it is used entirely as intended. > About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit.
6th Feb 07	Red Card/MMO Reports
	This form is to be completed following the issuing of a Red Card or to report a Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO). It is applicable to men’s, women’s, mixed, senior and junior hockey. Upon completion of the Report Form, it is to be posted / faxed / emailed to the appropriate County / Regional Disciplinary Administrator / National Disciplinary Officer within 72 HOURS of the offence. In the case of a red card, the Report Form is to be completed by the umpire issuing the Red Card or reporting the MMO. The other umpire may comment if they wish - in section 15. If involving a Devon Team it needs to be sent to the Devon County Disciplinary Officer, Andrew Ashenhurst, a.ashenhurst@eclipse.co.uk. Also, if a Devon Umpire appointed umpire, or a non appointed Level One Umpire issues a Red Card or MMO to ANY team, from inside Devon or beyond please send a copy to me for DCHUA records as a matter of courtesy. The form can be downloaded from the DCHUA Website Web Handbook. Paddy President ... More
15th Jan 07	Claiming Expenses for Non Appointed Games
	DCHUA will not pay expenses for any games they have not officially appointed Umpires to unless you complete the relevant form. It is always best to get appointed to the game BEFORE the game takes place than to umpire and then try and claim expenses. DCHUA reserves the right NOT to pay expenses for private umpiring arrangements. The relevant form can be found in the Web Handbook section of the website. Paddy President ... More

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