Kingscliff Hockey Club – Code of Practice

  1. Purpose

The Kingscliff Hockey Club (KHC) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all participants. This Code of Practice sets out the standards of behaviour expected of all members and integrates Hockey Tweed’s principles regarding fair and transparent team selection for both round games and finals.

This Code applies to all players, officials (including coaches and managers), administrators, volunteers, parents and spectators associated with the Club.

The Club is responsible for the conduct of its members and supporters and will take reasonable steps to ensure that everyone participates within the framework of this Code.

  1. Expected Standards of Behaviour

All members and supporters are expected to:

  • Act with honesty, integrity and respect at all times.
  • Uphold the rules, spirit and traditions of hockey.
  • Respect umpires, officials, coaches, players and spectators.
  • Promote a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
  • Support the development of players of all ages and abilities.
  1. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:

  • Violence, threats, harassment or intimidation.
  • Abuse of umpires, officials, players or spectators.
  • Swearing or use of abusive, discriminatory or offensive language.
  • Sledging, taunting or incitement to unacceptable behaviour.
  • Malicious misrepresentation of facts or deliberate spreading of false information.
  • Inappropriate use or damage of Club-owned equipment or facilities.
  • Inappropriate use of alcohol or illegal drugs in connection with Club activities.
  • Misuse of social media, including posting offensive, abusive or defamatory material related to the Club, its members or officials.
  1. Encouraged Behaviour

The following behaviours are strongly encouraged:

  • Fostering the development of junior and less experienced players to reach their highest potential.
  • Creating a positive atmosphere conducive to families and young players.
  • Playing strong, competitive hockey within the rules and spirit of the game.
  • Active participation in the running of hockey, including coaching, umpiring, administration and fundraising.
  • Supporting teammates and respecting opposition, regardless of match outcomes.
  1. Player Safety Requirements
  • All players must wear correctly fitting shin guards and mouth guards at all times while on the hockey field, including training and matches.
  • Players and officials must comply with any additional safety requirements set by Hockey Tweed or governing bodies.
  1. Team Selection Policy (Round Games and Finals)

In line with Hockey Tweed guidelines, Kingscliff Hockey Club is committed to fair, transparent and respectful selection practices.

6.1 General Principles

Team selection will be based on the following principles:

  • Fairness and equity
  • Transparency and clear communication
  • Respect and inclusion
  • Development of players
  • The best interests of the team and the Club

6.2 Transparency and Communication

  • Selection criteria for each team will be communicated to players (and parents/guardians for juniors) at the beginning of the season.
  • Where selection decisions are required due to squad numbers exceeding on-field limits, coaches will explain the process and, where appropriate, the reasons for decisions.
  • Players and parents may seek respectful clarification or feedback through appropriate channels.

6.3 Rotation and Game Time (Round Games)

  • Where squad sizes exceed the maximum number of players allowed on the field, a rotation system will be used wherever possible.
  • The aim of rotation is to ensure all players receive reasonable and meaningful game time across the season.
  • Consideration may be given to attendance at training, effort, attitude, fitness and team balance.

6.4 Finals Selection

  • Selection criteria for finals may differ from round games and will be communicated clearly in advance.
  • Finals selection may place greater emphasis on team balance, performance, availability and commitment throughout the season.
  • While not all players may be selected for finals, decisions will be made respectfully and communicated in a timely manner.

6.5 Respect and Inclusion

  • Selection decisions must be made in a way that upholds the spirit of the game and treats all players with dignity and respect.
  • Practices that intentionally exclude, embarrass or unfairly disadvantage individuals are not acceptable.

6.6 Documentation

  • This written selection policy forms part of the Club’s Code of Practice and will be made accessible to all members.
  • Coaches and team managers are expected to apply this policy consistently.
  1. Breaches of the Code and Disciplinary Action

Any member or supporter found to have breached this Code of Practice may face disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

  • Verbal or written warning
  • Counselling or education
  • Suspension from matches or Club activities
  • Expulsion from the Club
  1. Dealing with Misconduct and Sports Rage

8.1 Reporting an Incident

Anyone may:

  • Report an incident to a ground official, umpire (if on the field) or Club committee member.

8.2 Immediate Response

The ground official, umpire or committee member may, depending on the seriousness of the incident:

  • Issue a warning for breach of this Code
  • Take no further action
  • Refer the matter to the Club Committee for disciplinary action
  • Remove the offender from the field of play or venue
  • Suspend play until appropriate action is taken
  • Involve the police if the behaviour constitutes a criminal act

8.3 Disciplinary Process

  • The Club Committee will investigate reported incidents.
  • Where required, a disciplinary hearing will be held.
  • Outcomes may include counselling, suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity and history of the offence.
  1. Acceptance of the Code

By registering with or participating in any activity associated with Kingscliff Hockey Club, all members and supporters agree to abide by this Code of Practice.

This Code will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with Hockey Tweed policies and the values of the Club.

 

Training on the turf 

  • things to rememberMake sure there is water in the foot wash and it is clean – if it is dirty empty the water and grass and refill it with clean water.
  • Make sure shoes are clean before entering the turf
  • No training in the main circles
  • If any windows are broken during training sessions – the club/s training will be billed for repairs.
  • The team that is last to train (8.00 pm) is responsible to lock up all gates (including the steel gate at the top of the stairs), change rooms and turn off all lights before leaving.

 

 

Bleeding on Turf Fields

If a player sustains an injury that is bleeding profusely:

  • Control the Bleeding ASAP
  • As soon as it is safe to do so remove the player from the field
  • Identify and mark the area/s on the turf where blood is
  • Thoroughly wash the area with disinfectant and clean water – Bucket, Disinfectant and sponge/cloths are in each tech bench
  • Ensure player has been or is being treated – first aid supplies in the tech bench or up in the office. It is advisable that each team should have their own small first aid kit available.
  • IF A PLAYER REQUIRES AN AMBULANCE – PLAYERS PLEASE RAISE THEIR STICKS IN THE AIR TO ATTRACT ATTENTION OF THE OFFICE – If someone has a mobile phone in their bag, please call the office 66 72 3434
  • Grazes from both TURF FIELDS should be thoroughly washed and treated with ANTISEPTIC as soon as possible

 

Social Media

In this region this is mainly Facebook, but there other Media eg Twitter. Nowadays Social Media has developed to become an integral part of our communication with other people. For this reason we have to be prepared to acknowledge ethical behaviour in our personal contact as the misuse of Social Media can have repercussions on our personal and professional lives.

Guide lines for the use of Social Media

  1. Public v Private Always begin with the assumption that anything posted on Social media can be read by anyone, at any time and for a long time.

Always ask yourself if my boss, client or other people would be happy to see the

Postings

 

  1. Be Accurate Postings should be accurate and fact checked. All being able to be substantiated.

 

  1. Be Professional Always act in a professional and constructive manner using sound judgement before posting. Always be polite and respectful of an individual’s opinions especially when discussions become heated.

 

  1. Be Fair and Respectful  Never post malicious, misleading or unfair content about others. Do not post obscene, defamatory or discriminatory content about an individual. Do not post comments that you would not say directly to another person.

 

  1. Be Smart Respect other people’s intellectual including trade mark names and slogans and copyright material. It’s best practice to assume that all content online is protected by copyright, making sure you have permission to post copyright items.

 

  1. Be aware of confidentiality Only reference information available, never disclose any information that is confidential or proprietary to your organisation, it5s clients or any third party that has confidentially disclosed information to you. Don’t cite, post or reference clients, partners or suppliers without approval from the relevant manager in your organisation.

 

  1. Be Careful not to use your organization’s client’s or a third party’s logos, trade marks or material on your website/blog pr in a post unless it has been cleared for public use or been otherwise approved by the relevant manager in your organization.

 

Assistance

If you require any advice or assistance in relation to these social media guidelines send your query to the Digital Committee at The Communications Council on hello@communicationscouncil.org.au