Code of Conduct

Members and guests of Evesham & Badsey Hockey Club are required to abide by the provisions of this Code of Conduct and any subsequent updates as may be in force from time to time, and by their presence on club premises or at club events or activities are deemed to have accepted and to abide by the provisions of this Code of Conduct and any rules or regulations the Club has adopted. 

Members and guests include all members and officers of Evesham & Badsey Hockey Club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals and parents or guardians who watch, attend, participate or officiate in matches hosted by the Club in whatever capacity. 

All Members and Guests of Evesham & Badsey Hockey Club will:

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of hockey;
  • Treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief; 
  • Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed; 
  • Display high standards of behaviour; 
  • Promote the positive aspects of Hockey, e.g. fair play; 
  • Officials and coaches to conform to the England Hockey Code of Conduct; 
  • Encourage all participants to learn the Laws and rules and play within them, respecting the decisions of match officials; 
  • Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with match officials; 
  • Recognise good performance not just match results; 
  • Place the well-being and safety of juveniles above the development of performance; 
  • Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual; 
  • Respect children’s opinions when making decisions about their participation in hockey; 
  • Not smoke, drink or use banned substances whilst actively working with juveniles in the club environment; 
  • Not provide juveniles with alcohol when they are under the care of the Club; 
  • Follow England Hockey, league and child protection guidelines. 

All Players agree to:

  • Abide by the rules and spirit of the game; 
  • Not use deliberate or dangerous play, poor sportsmanship or foul language; 
  • Show respect and courtesy at all times to coaches, umpires, team-mates, opponents and parents/guardians. For the avoidance of doubt, verbal or physical abuse of teammates, opponents, or match officials is not acceptable; 
  • Treat all players as they would like to be treated and not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player; 
  • Respect match officials’ decisions; 
  • Follow the directions of coaches, both for their safety and the safety of others; 
  • Be gracious in victory and defeat. Fun, enjoyment and skill development are the most important parts of the game; 
  • Be punctual at all times; 
  • Let coaches, captains and team managers know of your availability for matches/training; 
  • Treat equipment with respect, and respect the facilities provided by the Club. 

All parents/guardians agree to:

  • Always encourage and applaud good play for both teams; 
  • Never ridicule or shout at players; 
  • Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game. Be aware that persistent, negative messages adversely affect players’, coaches’ and match officials’ performance and attitude; 
  • Support the Club in its efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game; 
  • Show respect for coaches and umpires; 
  • Support the coaches in instilling the virtues of fair play, sportsmanship, dignity and enjoyment; 
  • Encourage, not force, young people to play. Remember that players are taking part for enjoyment, not to please their parents/guardians. Hockey should be fun; 
  • Focus on the players’ efforts rather than winning or losing; 
  • Ensure that the club has your emergency contact number(s); 
  • Share any concerns with club officials. 

All coaches and team managers agree to:

  • Encourage a sense of fair play and sportsmanship and set a good example of sportsmanlike conduct; 
  • Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players; 
  • Keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging players to behave with dignity in all circumstances; 
  • Use appropriate language and refrain from inappropriate or foul language; 
  • Show respect and courtesy to players, umpires, opponents, parents/guardians and fellow coaches at all times; 
  • Not employ methods or practices that could involve risks to the health or development of players, fellow coaches or volunteers; 
  • Avoid the overplaying of the best players to the detriment of others by using a squad system that gives all players a satisfactory amount of playing time; 
  • Ensure their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with England Hockey philosophy; 
  • Be aware of, and abide by, the Club’s Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and associated guidance. 

If a breach of the provisions or principles of this Code of Conduct occurs or is reasonably suspected to have occurred the committee reserves the right to take such action as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to exclusion, suspension or termination of membership. Any disciplinary or complaint hearings in connection with a breach of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in accordance with the Club constitution

England Hockey

Code of Ethics and Behaviour

England Hockey is responsible for setting the standards and values that apply at every level of hockey as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Behaviour booklet, also known as Respect. 

Club Code of Conduct - Parents/Guardians

I will: 

  • Enjoy the game and celebrate the effort and good play from both sides. 
  • Always, always be positive and encouraging. When players make mistakes, offer them encouragement, not criticism.
  • Respect the Umpire and their decisions and encourage players to do the same. 
  • Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour.
  • Allow the coaches to coach and avoid touchline coaching.
Off the field I will:
  • Turn up on time to training and matches.
  • Collect my child(ren) from training or matches on time. 
  • Pay the training, match or membership fees on time.

Whilst we are delighted when parents take an active role in the club (if you do want to get involved, just speak to one of the organisers), there is no obligation on your part, other than to ensure your children get to and from training sessions and matches on time and safely.

We appreciate that there may be occasions when due to circumstances beyond your control you’re late but please just let us know as soon as possible. Contact details are on the Contact Us page.

If you’re happy for your child(ren) to make their own way to and from training sessions and/or matches please let us know in advance. 

Club Code of Conduct - Coaches and Club volunteers

What Parents & Guardians can expect of us: 

  • To place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything. 
  • Create a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for all players.
  • Coaches to have recognised coaching qualifications and all coaches/adult volunteers to be DBS checked. 
  • Trained first aiders at every session.
  • We communicate effectively with Parents/Guardians (we use WhatsApp for all our our playing groups).

On and off the field, I will: 

  • Take all reasonable measures to protect our own and the safety of others.
  • Focus on the positive – create a positive environment, always provide positive feedback.
  • Encourage fair play and high standards of behaviour. 
  • Always respect the Umpire, opponents and teammates and encourage players to do the same. 
  • Be gracious in victory and defeat. 

When working with players, I will:

  • Ensure all activities are suited for the players’ ability and age. 
  • Never engage in, or tolerate offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour. 
  • Follow England Hockey safeguarding practices .

Club Code of Conduct - Junior players

On and off the field, I will: 

  • Always do my best for the benefit of the team. 
  • Encourage, support and be positive towards my teammates at all times.
  • Play fairly and within the rules and show good sportmanship.. 
  • Respect the Umpire and their decisons.
  • Never engage in abusive language, bullying or intimidating behaviour. 
  • Be friendly and respectful towards opponents, team mates and coaches. 
  • Win or lose with dignity. Congratulate the opposition at the end of the game, whatever the result. 
Off the field, I will:
  • Listen carefully to what my coach tells me 
  • Take responsibility for my personal safety by wearing a gum shield, shin pads and suitable footwear at all training sessions and matches
  • Turn up on time, prepared to play. 
  • Talk to someone | trust or the club welfare officer if I’m unhappy about anything at my club