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Devon Hockey News & Diary

Diary Items to Note

Latest News

6th Feb 10	JAC FURTHER UPDATES PLEASE READ
	JAC ACADEMY DATES AND TIMES ANNOUNCEMENT: JAC selected player, Please see below for the latest times and dates. If you have any further questions, please contact your head coach. U14 Girls: Lead Coach Jane Cornelius, Mob: 07880 555 915 All Exeter University: Feb 12th: 1900 - 2030 Feb 15th: 1000 - 1600 Mar 7th: 1000 - 1400 U14 Boys: Lead Coach Sue Hutchings, Mob: 07590 775 329 Feb 15th: 1000 - 1600 - Exeter University Feb 22nd: 6-8 pm - Okehampton Community College Mar 1st: 6-8 pm - Okehampton Community College Mar 8th: 6 - 8 pm - Okehampton Community College U15 Girls: Lead Coach Anne Baker , Mob: 07801 067 593 All Exeter University: Feb 16th: 1000 - 1600 Mar 14th: 1600 - 1800 Mar 21st: 1000 - 1400 U15 Boys: Lead Coach John Aked, Mob: 07785900090 All Exeter University: Feb 7th: 1200 – 1400 – CANCELLED!!! Feb 16th: 1000 - 1530 Mar 12th: 1900 - 2100 Mar 19th: 1900 – 2100 Mar 26th: 1830 – 2100 - TBC U17 Girls: Lead Coach: Jackie Shute, Mob: 07813 127629 All at Exeter University: Feb 18th: 1000 – 1600 Mar 7th: 1000 -1600 U17 Boys: Lead Coach: Dr. Simon Tyson, Mob: 07969139689 All Exeter University: Feb 5th: 1900 - 2100 Feb 14th: 1600 – 2000 – CANCELLED!!! Feb 21st: 1500 - 1700 Feb 28th: 1500 - 1700 Mar 7th: 1400 – 1600 Mar 14th: 1800 – 2000 – RECENT ADDITION!!! Many thanks for your patience, Matt Woods
4th Feb 10	IMPORTANT JAC INFORMATION
	JAC selected player, Pitches now have been sorted following Exeter University's Virus last week. Please see below. If you have any further questions, please contact your head coach. U14 Girls: All Exeter University: Feb 12th: 1900 - 2100 Feb 15th: 1000 - 1600 Mar 7th: 1000 - 1400 U14 Boys: Feb 15th: 1000 - 1600 - Exeter University Feb 22nd: 6-8 pm - Okehampton Community College Mar 1st: 6-8 pm - Okehampton Community College Mar 8th: 6 - 8 pm - Okehampton Community College U15 Girls: All Exeter University: Feb 16th: 1000 - 1600 Mar 14th: 1600 - 1800 Mar 21st: 1000 - 1400 U15 Boys: All Exeter University: Feb 7th: 1200 - 1400 Feb 16th: 1000 - 1600 Mar 12th: 1900 - 2100 Mar 19th: 1900 - 2100 U17 Boys: All Exeter University: Feb 5th: 1900 - 2100 Feb 14th: 1600 - 2000 Feb 21st: 1500 - 1700 Feb 28th: 1500 - 1700 Mar 7th: 1400 - 1600 Many thanks for your patience, Matt Woods
3rd Feb 10	Umpire Availability Needed
	There has been some new games added to the Devon Hockey Website. Therefore, can you please go to your Personal Area and using the 'Change Availability' updated your availability. In particular, there have been several games added for Wednesday 10 February at the University of Exeter. Also, DHUA are in the process of preparing draft appointments for the first 2 weeks in March so accurate availability would be appreciated. Paddy President DHUA
29th Jan 10	3G Pitches (Ivybridge)
	3G Pitches In England That Have Been Certified As Meeting the FIH Performance Standards. This list is updated when the FIH advises England Hockey of 3G pitches that have been approved / certified as meeting their performance standards. Certification is issued by the FIH following on-site testing by an FIH Approved Test Laboratory and England Hockey therefore permits these pitches to be used for competitive hockey. It is important that clubs / schools / organisations recognise that the list certifies the named pitch ONLY. It does not certify any other pitch of the same model / made by the same manufacturer. To see the full list click on ...More below. Ivybridge Community College, Devon. Pitch Type: Polytan 2035, Certified as meeting the FIH Performance Standards in April 2009 ... More
22nd Jan 10	JAC Boys and Girls Academy Session Update!
	Dear Player As you have probably heard, the University of Exeter has been hit by a serious virus this week and therefore getting access to the pitch bookings has been impossible. However, I am due to meet with the pitch booking manager today so fingers crossed, this should be sorted! With regard to this weekend, the only squad to have training is the U17 girls. Many thanks for your patience on this matter. Kind Regards, Matt Woods Single System Administrator
19th Jan 10	U14 GIRLS JAC SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENTS
	U14 Girls JAC Squad Announcement: With 75 players at the assessment many will be disappointed not to have been selected. As was made clear, assessment was done on performance of the core skills: ball carrying position, pushing, hitting, passing, 1 v 1 skills, 2 v 1 skills and decision making in game play situations. Those not selected are encouraged to go back to their schools and clubs to work on the above skills and retry next season. If any girl wants more detailed feedback then you will need to refer her to Jane Cornelius. Mob: 07880555915. Those that have been selected (below) for the Academy Centre, you will be further assessed during your training, where some players will be selected to compete at the west JAC competition. Note: Coaches will be selecting a squad of 14 to 16 players from the JAC to represent Devon and compete in the West JAC competition. Selected players: Eleanor Jane Cranch Jodie Atkins Torsie Boylett Jade Broadhurst Georgie Bricknell Sally Crawford Isabella Gibber Lizzie Godwin Daisy Keen Grace Kislingbury Abby Pelling Maise Pritchard Bethan Reade Rebecca Richardson Shannon Robertson Alice Shoulder Charlotte Silver Alice Smith Jolene Spencer Charlotte Stacey Ellie Stroud Lucy Swiggs Georgina Taylor Nicole Thackray Ruth Tressider Molly Watson Nina Wheatley Emma Wilson Kate Whapples Leanne M Those selected: There is a financial commitment for the cost of your training; this will be £30 for all sessions. Please make cheques payable to “Devon Hockey Association” and bring to the first Academy session. Your lead coach is: Jane Cornelius Mob: 07880555915 Any queries regarding the coaching sessions or if you are unable to attend, please contact your lead coach. NB: The University of Exeter pitch booking service has been hit by a major virus and therefore we are unable to access the times and dates of the academy sessions. Therefore, could I urge all selected players to check the Devon Hockey website on a daily basis for updates on times and dates of training. Thank you for your commitment to the County Hockey Single System. Yours Sincerely Matthew Woods SHA Single System Administrator
14th Jan 10	Umpire Panel Promotion
	At a recent DHUA Selection and Coaching Committee (SCC) meeting the SCC reviewed the current umpire panels. It was decided to promote the following umpires: Denise McMahon (From Neutral Pool Grading Panel to Neutral Pool C Panel) Thomas Spencer (From Area Pool Panel to Neutral Pool C Panel) Paddy President DHUA
13th Jan 10	Devon Neutral Pool Umpire Panels
	Following the meeting of the DHUA Selection & Coaching Committee (SCC) on 4 January 2010, in relation to the above, umpire panels higher than DHUA Neutral Pool have now been changed. There are now just 2 panels, West Candidate and West/Higher Appointments. The SCC also, for the first time, discussed and formalised the criteria for the Devon Neutral Pool Umpire Panels. This review was carried out so everyone is aware of the criteria used by the DHUA SCC in determining what panel an umpire is placed in. The Chairman of the DHUA SCC is Selector Keith Dingle. Click on ...More (below) for details of the criteria. Paddy President DHUA ... More
13th Jan 10	Awards
	The Devon Hockey Website has been recently updated to incorporate an ‘Awards’ page. This will be updated to reflect all the awards that DHUA give in due course. Initially, the DHUA Vice Presidents have been added. The first Vice President of DHUA was Kevin Hughes (see picture right), who was presented with a certificate to mark this at the University of Exeter on 11 June 2007. Click on …More to see the new page. Paddy President DHUA ... More
12th Jan 10	Level 1 Umpire Coach Course
	Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring - ”Together we can do it” DHUA are intending to hold the above course in Plymouth on Saturday 27th March 2010. This event is likely to be an all day affair with a classroom theory session in the morning, followed by a practical coaching session in the afternoon with 2 games for Umpire Coach Candidates to ‘practise’ and a debrief at the end. DHUA are committed, as part of RDU, to increasing the number of Level 1 Umpire Coaches within Devon and using them to coach umpires of whatever level and ability, thereby increasing their skills and confidence and improving Devon Hockey as a whole. Coaches will be expected to make themselves available at least 2 weekends a month to coach under appointment by DHUA within Devon. The cost is £25 but DHUA will pay £15 of this leaving a £10 fee for you to pay on the day. In the first instance, please email me and let me know if you are interested and give the reasons why you wish to become a Level 1 Umpire Coach. There are only 8 places on this course. Once applications have been received DHUA will invite the successful applicants to attend the course. Level 1 Umpire Coach Award: This Award is an introductory accreditation and is designed for those coaches who want to operate in a local environment helping in the development of new or relatively inexperienced umpires at club and county level. The Level 1 Umpire Coach will be able to: • Introduce umpiring to beginners of all ages, both individually and in groups • Coach umpires within the club/county environment • Use their own knowledge and experience to help umpires improve their performance • Observe, assess and provide verbal and written feedback to umpires in order to help them improve their performance • Raise the umpire's awareness of the national umpiring structure and help them to realise the assistance through the umpire coaching structure Please let me know ASAP if you want to achieve your Level 1 Umpire Coach Award. Thank you in anticipation. Paddy President DHUA Click on ...More for details of what being a Level 1 Umpire Coach entails. ... More
7th Jan 10	What to do if a Fixture listed on Devon Hockey Website is Cancelled
	There are times when fixtures are cancelled (e.g. inclement weather, unavailability of facilities, illness, cancellation due to a higher priority game, etc.). When this happens there are several actions that need to be carried out. While some are obvious, others may not. By taking the actions in the link (click on ...More below), it is hoped that everyone involved is kept up-to-date and this will aid the efficient operation of Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association and the running of the Devon Hockey Website. Paddy President DHUA ... More
7th Jan 10	What to do if a DHUA Appointed Umpire is NOT contacted by the First Named Team
	It is the responsibility of the first named team to confirm the following with the Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association (DHUA) Appointed Assessor, Coach, Mentor or Umpire in accordance with the rules of the relevant League or Competition: • Date • Time • Venue • Team Colours Click on ...More to see what actions are to be taken if you are not contacted. Paddy President DHUA ... More
6th Jan 10	New Green Card Rule a success
	For those who attended the Club/Umpire Forum with Roger Webb at Bovey Tracey in Oct 2008, you may remember him discussing possible rule changes. One of them was the use of a temporary suspension for a Green Card. Well, what has been happening? Find out below! Paddy From FIH Website: The new green card rule (automatic two-minute suspension) was used for the first time in an FIH tournament at the World Cup Qualifier in Lille. After four days of competition, what was the effect on the game? This new rule had already been used this season in the EHL competitions. Its purpose is to help the game management, with the real sanction coming quicker for players, when previously a green card had no real consequence on an undisciplined team, or on undisciplined players. Tony KELLEHER, Umpires’ Manager at the Lille World Cup Qualifier, considers that the trial is so far definitively a success. “Players know better where they stand. Sometimes, a green card did not mean that much, but now it is a significant sanction. After four days of competition, and twelve international matches, we had 16 green cards and only two yellow cards, which shows a high level of discipline from the teams. Behaviour on the pitch has been excellent; as a result, players can focus on their game and it is ultimately better for the image of hockey”. A report will be forwarded to the FIH at the end of this competition. It will be reviewed by the Rules Board in conjunction with the comments from the other three competitions where the new rule is tested (the last two World Cup Qualifiers, in Invercargill and Quilmes, and the Champions Trophy, in Melbourne) before a decision is taken to apply the rule to all FIH competitions. Click on ...More to hear a clip (at the bottom of the page) ... More
10th Dec 09	Roadworks in Place at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
	NOTE: If travelling to UCP Marjon, please read the following, which MAY impact on your journey time as Derriford Hospital is adjacent to UCP Marjon. ”Please plan extra time when travelling to and from Derriford Hospital during December 2009, January and February 2010 as road diversions will be in place and may cause delays. Work starts on a new bus lane for Derriford Hospital on Wednesday 9 December following a trial of traffic management arrangements for the construction period. The £300,000 scheme involves road widening to create a new, 200-metre section of bus lane connecting one of the two entrances into the hospital grounds with the existing bus lane on Derriford Road. It will improve bus journey time and reliability for people travelling to the hospital as well as provide better pedestrian access and is one of the key improvements planned for the city’s Northern Corridor (the main route from Woolwell into the city centre). The work, which is expected to take around 14 weeks, was due to start in November but was delayed at the request of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust to allow a three-day trial of the measures planned for managing traffic during the works. Plymouth Transport and Highways and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust have assessed the impact of the measures on emergency vehicle access and traffic flow to and from the site and agreed a slightly revised traffic management plan that will include: • a one-way system in front of the hospital • temporary traffic lights on Morlaix Drive • stop/go boards at the western exit onto Derriford Road to manage traffic during the Monday to Friday evening rush hour and maintain emergency vehicle access” ... More
8th Dec 09	Change to Self Pass Rule!
	At its meeting in November 2009, the Hockey Rules Board reviewed the interpretation of part of Rule 13.2.h. The Rule states: “Procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field : from a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or has been touched by a player of either team other than the player taking the free hit.” The Rule itself is UNCHANGED but the following interpretation of a particular action is added and should be attached as a note beneath the Rule in printed copies: ”It is permitted to play the ball high above the attacking circle so that it lands outside the circle subject to Rules related to dangerous play and that the ball is not legitimately playable inside or above the circle by another player during its flight.” This interpretation will be applied with effect from 1 January 2010. Note by Paddy (President DHUA): Not sure we will see a lot of this within Devon but if you do from 1 January 2010 you now know what to do! ... More
23rd Oct 09	Hong Kong - International Masters Hockey Tournament 2009
	Alan Thomson (Tommo) and myself, Alan 'Paddy' Porter, are in Hong Kong umpiring at the now bi-annual Masters Hockey Tournament. It comprises Masters Teams of Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55, in their own individual tournaments. To read more about their adventures click on ....More below ... More
16th Oct 09	Rules of Mini Hockey 2009
	Please find below a statement from England Hockey regarding the implementation of the new Rules for Mini Hockey 2009. You can also download this information using the link at the bottom of this News Item by clicking on ...More. Implementation Date in England The Rules of Mini Hockey are issued by England Hockey. They are reviewed every two years so as to be in accordance with the revised FIH Rules of Hockey (where appropriate). England Hockey has not previously adapted or adopted any mandatory experiments from the 11 a-side game into Mini Hockey; however, this year, due to the significant impact of the new free hit mandatory experiment England Hockey has reviewed its position and can confirm that the new Rules of Mini Hockey 2009-10 will include an adapted version of the self-pass at free hits and re-starts. These new Rules of Mini Hockey 2009-10 shall apply to all mini hockey players and officials. The implementation date is for all mini hockey competitions, inclusive of schools and clubs championships, is 1 November 2009. Any club, school, association or organisation wishing to implement prior to 1 November is free to do so. ... More
16th Oct 09	Rules of Indoor Hockey 2009
	Please find below a statement from England Hockey regarding the implementation of the new Rules for Indoor Hockey 2009. You can also download this information using the link at the bottom of this News Item by clicking on ...More. The Rules of Indoor Hockey are issued by the Hockey Rules Board under the authority of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). England Hockey is invited by the FIH to independently decide the implementation date of the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey. The Rules of Indoor Hockey apply to all indoor hockey players and all officials. The implementation date internationally was 1 May 2009. The implementation date in England for all indoor hockey competition inclusive of schools and clubs championships is 1 November 2009. Any club, association or organisation wishing to implement the prior to 1 November is free to do so. ... More
9th Oct 09	Euro Hockey League blasts back into action
	The Euro Hockey League has gained a reputation as a testing ground for new regulations and technology, with the “self pass” and video umpire referrals both proving to be popular additions to the event last season. This year, the EHL is trialling a rule which allows the scoring of own goals, another bold move by the organizers of the competition. It will be very interesting to see the outcomes. For those who attended the DHUA Club/Umpire Form when our guest speaker Roger Webb, the Secretary of the FIH Hockey Rules Board, mentioned this possible rule change. It didn't make the 2009 rules but it might be in the next update of the rules, depending on the outcome of the trial!!! Click on ...More for details. ... More
2nd Oct 09	FIH Certified 3G Pitches in England
	Click on ...More for full details ... More
29th Sep 09	Adding a Non DHUA Appointed Fixture to an Umpire's Match History
	An Umpire can add a fixture that is NOT under appointment from DHUA to their individual Match History. Fixtures appointed by DHUA are added AUTOMATICALLY. There is a requirement from England Hockey (EH) for a minimum of 5 fixtures to be umpired per year for fully qualified Level 1 Umpires (from I July to 30 June annually) reduced to 3 per year if also a player/coach. Once the required fixtures are added (either manually or automatically) then the umpire is marked as active by DHUA. Up until now, the dates in the past for which umpired fixtures can be entered has been unlimited. This causes many problems for the efficient administration of DHUA, including an unnecessary administrative load on Denise McMahon, the DHUA Membership Secretary, who is responsible for maintaining the Devon Level 1 Register on behalf of EH. Late manual entering of umpired fixtures (sometimes 6 or more months after umpired) is clearly unacceptable for many reasons. The umpire often forgets what fixtures they have umpired and also means they are not accessing the Devon Hockey Website on a regular basis, thereby not keeping up-to-date on hockey and umpiring related matters. The Devon Hockey Website has now been reprogrammed to prevent the entering of fixtures more than 120 days in the past. This will slowly be reduced over this season to 30 days in accordance with the following timetable: 1 October 2009 (90 days); 1 November 2009 (80 days); 1 December 2009 (70 days); 1 January 2010 (60 days); 1 February 2010 (50 days); 1 March 2010 (40 days); 1 April 2010 (30 days). Attempts to enter a Match more than the allowed delay (currently 120 days) will get the following response. ”The cut off date for entering matches is 120 days in the past. The date of the match is earlier than the earliest date allowed. Please complete both entries again for any later matches you have umpired. To add games before the cut off date please contact the DHUA Membership Secretary (membership@devonumpires.co.uk).” There will be no further warning of this. Click on …More for instructions on how you can add an Umpired Match to your Match History. Paddy ... More
16th Sep 09	Exe Hockey Club (Men's Section)
	To Devon Hockey Umpires Exe Hockey Club (men's section) have withdrawn from participating in the N4 Hockey League. Their one team that were due to be playing in South East Division 1 this season, have now had their fixtures removed. Each remaining team in the division will, on the date of the scheduled fixture with this team will now not have a scheduled League match on those dates. Thank you Regards Andrew Harvey N4 South Area Secretary Additional Information: If you were due to play Exe and your team cannot arrange a fixture, why not make yourself available for umpiring under appointment from DHUA. DHUA will try, subject to availability, to pair you with an experienced umpire or provide mentoring. Just update your availability in your Personal Area on the Devon Hockey Website; if you cannot do this let me know and I will set you up to do this. Paddy President DHUA
13th Sep 09	QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: The New Free Hit Rule
	Click on ...More. This is taken from the USA Field Hockey Umpires Page and should be read as such (including their 'quaint' use of hockey related terminology). Two countries separated by a 'common' language!!!!! However, despite the use of words such as 'scrimmage', 'restarter', 'proximity markers', the advice is sound. It is moderated by Steve Horgan, Interpreter – USA Field Hockey. Paddy ... More
13th Sep 09	The OFFICIAL FIH 2009 Self Pass Rule Video
	USA Field Hockey Technical Director Terry Walsh, in conjunction with the FIH, has prepared a video to assist players, coaches and umpires with the understanding and implementation of the new rule governing free hits. Click on ...More for the OFFICIAL video backed by FIH. There are some video clips on Utube but they do contain inaccuracies and should NOT be relied upon. Paddy ... More
4th Sep 09	2009 Hockey Rule Books
	”Rules for Hockey from 1st May 2009”. These are now available for our membership. If you are a member and wish one please send a stamped addressed envelope to Denise McMahon, 147 Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon. EX7 0AL. An ordinary envelope or DL envelope for folded A4 will suffice with standard postage 2nd (30p) or 1st (39p). England Hockey Statement regarding 2009-10 FIH Rules of Hockey The Rules of Hockey 2009-10 will be introduced to all 11-a-side hockey played in England on 1 September 2009. They will not apply to mini hockey or Quicksticks. New Rules related resources to support the umpiring, coaching and leadership awards will be available from 1 July 2009. For umpiring, the dates will be from 1 July 2009 (Foundation Umpire Award) and 1 August 2009 (Level 1 Umpire Award). Guidance on the new rules as released by the NPUA is available from the Rules Tips page within Umpiring. Click ... More to be taken to the relevant page. All umpires are advised to READ this document thoroughly. Paddy President DHUA ... 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
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
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
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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