Playing Code of Practice

The following statements set out the Club philosophy relating to playing issues. All players are required to accept and implement this code in full.

FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES

Players will be selected openly on merit to play at the appropriate level.

Lower teams must release players to play in higher teams while higher teams must respect lower teams’ needs and not make unreasonable demands on them.

Only paid up members of the club will be considered for selection.

No player shall play more than one match on any day if another member has not played at all.

PLAYER SELECTION

At the start of each season players will be placed in a team squad by the Hockey Manager, in consultation with captains and coaches, based upon past season performances/ level of play and pre-season trials/friendly matches.

The squad lists will be revised in October, December and February.

There will be a formal process of selection led by the Hockey Manager attended by Captains and, when appropriate, coaches. Selection will be based upon:

* player performance;

* needs of higher teams, taking impact on lower teams into account;

* development of improving/youth players; and

* training and club commitment.

Teams will be selected top down starting with the 1st XI.

Formal selection will take place at least four times during the season nominally at start, quarter, half and three quarter points through the season.

Captains will, on the current match day, notify the Hockey Manager of any players unavailable for the following match.

Captains will confirm to the Hockey Manager their available and desired team on the Tuesday before the next match day. This will allow the orderly opportunity to move players between teams in good time.

There will be a degree of discretion in selection to allow for any late changes caused by illness, injury or work related absence.

Captains will notify the Hockey Manager of any new players brought into the club to play for their side – if entering at a level higher than the lowest team , then validation has to be given for this. Eg performance at training, playing level at previous club etc. A completed membership form and confirmation of payment of membership fees must be produced before the new player may play for the club.

Captains will discuss any potential player-drops with the Hockey Manager in advance of team notification. Once these have been agreed, the Captain will call or meet with the dropped player before contacting any other team member and advise them of the full reason for their dropping. Players will also be provided with a realistic assessment of their prospects for return to the higher team. It is not acceptable to drop a player via email or text.

Captains will confirm to players their selection by Wednesday evening each week.

Players should provide advance notice of non availability.

If a player misses two games without prior notice it may result in him/her being dropped and/or starting the match on the bench.

If a player is injured, he/she will be expected to prove match fitness prior to reselection and may be required to play for a lower team until match fit.

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

The Hockey Manager in conjunction with the club disciplinary officer will develop and enforce a discipline code to deal with red cards and persistent yellow card offences.

PITCH MAINTENANCE

The first team to play on a Saturday must remove all football goals to the equipment bay. Dugouts are to be moved to the Bob Prowse side of the pitch and, if rainy, covers put in place.

All teams will be responsible for removing any rubbish they bring onto the surface at Armstrong Road and Invicta Grammar School.

The last team off Armstrong Road will remove the covers from the dugouts and return them to the clubhouse and return dugouts to the Postley Road side.

MATCH FEES

A player playing more than half a match will pay a full match fee.

A player playing half a match or less will pay half a fee.

No player will pay more than one full match fee per Saturday.

Captains are responsible for the collection of full fees – in the event that a player does not pay the match fee, the player’s name must be recorded. The subsequent late payment by the non payer must also be noted when paid in.

A player failing to pay a match fee on match day twice will not be selected until the debt is cleared.

Captains will pay match fees due over the bar at the club house in a sealed envelope using the correct paying in form on match day. If due to distant away match – this is not viable the match fee must be paid in no later than the day of the next home match.

Captains must advise the club treasurer of any matches either cancelled or postponed and when postponed intended re-arranged date so that match fee reconciliations are complete.

CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES

Captains of Men’s and Ladies’ 1st and 2nd XI must ensure that each player commits to two junior training sessions per season, in a rota.

Captains must ensure that each team has a qualified umpire within its ranks, so that the team can provide an umpire to Kent league level games.

Captains (or in exceptional cases only, a suitable proxy) must attend all meetings called by the relevant Hockey Manager.

Captains must ensure that each team is responsible for running one social event each year, in or out of season, and agree the event and timing with the Social Secretary.

BEHAVIOUR

Captains must be role models on pitch and off pitch. This attitude must be reflected towards all officials as well as both home and visiting players.

Captains must show due respect and support to coaches as an example to any player.

If there are any issues that may result in a disagreement with any individual, this conversation is to be conducted in private away from all other players not directly involved. It should be progressed without raised voices or inappropriate language.

Captains must be familiar with, and fully support, the club policies in respect of:

* Child Protection including prevention of under age drinking;

* equity and inclusiveness; and

* non-smoking, dress code and general protocols of the club.

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If you have any queries on this Playing Code of Practice please contact the relevant Hockey Manager - see the 'Contacts' page.