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Code of Conduct and Discipline (including red cards)

Code of conduct for umpires

All umpires should read the Code of Conduct for umpires established by England Hockey and which can be downloaded here (Word document):

» CLICK HERE to download EH Code of conduct for umpires

Discipline

There are three types of disciplinary matters:

  • Offences during a game ("Red Card Offences") and Other Offences.  The latter are defined as "…conduct considered prejudicial to the interest of any constituent body, to England Hockey or to the game of hockey." (paragraph 3 of the England Hockey Disciplinary Code (the "EH Code"));
  • Matters relating to members of MHUA;
  • Matters relating to umpires referred to MHUA by England Hockey.

There may be overlap between the categories.  For example, a member of MHUA may commit a Red Card Offence during a game and be subject to the normal disciplinary procedures for players.  In these circumstances, MHUA may also seek to impose its own penalties in addition to those already imposed on the member.

Please note that all offences must be reported in writing to the relevant body.

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Red card offences

Where a red card is awarded during a game or another offence is committed under paragraph 3 of the EH Code, then you should contact MHUA (via the Membership Secretary) for a report form.  You will then be given guidance on how to complete the form so it can be submitted to the Middlesex Disciplinary Officer.

This England Hockey Disciplinary Code that applies to players can be downloaded from the England Hockey website at EH Code.

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Offences involving MHUA members

Offences committed by MHUA members (including when they are playing, rather than umpiring) must be reported in writing to the MHUA Secretary.  Should a Red Card or Other (under paragraph 3 of the EH Code) Offence have been committed, the MHUA Executive Committee will notify the offender of its intention to address the issue.

The full MHUA Disciplinary Code for Members can be downloaded as a Word file (see MHUA Disciplinary Code) or can be reviewed online here on this web page.

Process for reviewing an allegation

All the evidence, whether presented in writing or by witnesses, shall be assessed by the MHUA Executive Committee (the "Executive Committee") within 30 days of receipt of a complaint.  The Executive Committee shall decide on the merits of the complaint and adjudicate accordingly.

Dealing with offences

Alleged offenders may request advice on dealing with the alleged offence from the General Secretary.

Offences other than for a red card (as defined by paragraph 3 of the EH Code) shall be dealt with in accordance with the process established by England Hockey and documented in the EH Code.

Any offences referred to MHUA by England Hockey shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidance provided by it.

Rights before the Executive Committee

Anyone who is subject to any disciplinary action shall, except for any automatic suspension arising from the EH Code, have the right to:

  • make written representations to the Executive Committee;
  • shall have the right to appear in person before the Executive Committee;
  • and be accompanied, if they do appear before the Executive Committee.

Disciplinary powers of Executive Committee

The Executive Committee may impose any penalty that it sees fit, including but not limited to oral or written warnings as to future conduct, levy a fine, suspend a Member for a period considered appropriate or terminate a Member's membership of MHUA.

Notification of decisions

The Executive Committee shall notify the offender in writing of the decision reached within two days of that decision being made.  Where the Executive Committee does not have contact details for the alleged offender, the Secretary (or other responsible official) of the hockey club to which the alleged offender is affiliated will be informed instead.

The decision of the Executive Committee will also be communicated (where appropriate) to:

  • the alleged offender’s hockey club and county association(s) (where relevant);
  • Southern Counties Hockey Umpires’ Association;
  • Middlesex Hockey Association;
  • The Regional Discipline Administrator; and
  • England Hockey.

Appeals

Any appeal from a decision of the Executive Committee must be made in writing to the General Secretary ( SCHUA Secretary )of SCHUA within seven days of receipt of the notification of the Executive Committee’s decision.  Lodging an appeal will not automatically suspend any mandatory penalties.

Appeal Fee

The appeal fee is set out in the EH Code at £100 for an appeal to SCHUA and £150 to England Hockey.

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Matters referred by England Hockey

Where an alleged offence is committed by an umpire (whether or not they are a member of MHUA), England Hockey may delegate responsibility for assessing the merits of the complaint to MHUA.  In these circumstances, guidance on how the complaint will be dealt with will be provided to both the alleged offender and MHUA.

Umpires should also refer to England Hockey’s Code of conduct for umpires.

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