RULES & UMPIRING

This page is aimed at helping all existing and potential members with issues regarding the rules of hockey, and umpiring in the Club. In all of these matters, the key contact is Sarah Chapman, the Club Disclipline Officer and National League umpire - details at the foot of the page.

RULES & INTERPRETATION

As appropriate, any changes in the sport's rules or interpretations will either be listed here or a link through to the appropriate source will be stated. The current rules are in force until January 2008. Rules books may be obtained from Sarah or downloaded from the FIH site. Contact Sarah if you have any queries on the rules and/or use the links at the bottom of the page for guidance on technical and interpretation issues.

DISCIPLINE

The Club has adopted the England Hockey Code of Conduct for behaviour, both on an off the pitch, towards fellow players and the umpires. Both the South and East Umpiring Sites have further information/guidance in the Discipline Sections of their Web Handbooks; this guidance is also to be followed by Clubs in Kent. Keep an eye on the noticeboard outside the clubroom for printed copies of this information and new issues. The award of any Red Cards or Matchday Misconduct Reports must be reported to Sarah immediately for her to liaise with the County Discipline Officer. The Club monitors repeated Yellow Card offences - Captains are asked to report these to Sarah for recording.

PLAYING CODE OF PRACTICE

The Club's philosophy relating to all playing issues is set out in the "Playing Code of Practice", which is set out in full in a separate page - 'Playing Code'. 

TIPS

Regular rules related tips from England Hockey are set out in the 'Regular Tips' page - a sub set of this one.

UMPIRING

Players' reaction and discipline during matches are helped by everyone having a good knowledge of the rules and interpretations. Umpires are required to empathise with players and this should work both ways for the game to run smoothly. The following are excellent websites with information on hockey and umpiring:

  www.fihockey.org

  www.englandhockey.co.uk

  www.npua.co.uk

  www.schua.co.uk

  www.erhua.co.uk

  www.khua.co.uk

The Club has a number of qualified umpires, but could always do with more. New recruits are always welcome, and the Club will support individuals going on the relevant courses. So if you do not play but are interested in the sport, have reached the end of your playing days, or fancy umpiring as well as playing, please contact Sarah.

Sarah Chapman

sarah@loaks.plus.com

01622 832963

07754 455090