Wellington Hockey Association

Local Competition Handbook 2016

Contents 1 Introduction

3

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

3 3 3 3 4 4

Introduction Objectives Key Dates Changes from 2015 The Future Contacts

2 Competition Structure 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

5

Affiliation of Clubs Season Dates Standard Playing Days Competition Structure Competition Points Promotion Relegation Trophies Additional Competitions

5 5 5 6 10 10 11 11

3 Competition Rules

12

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12

12 13 14 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 19

Team - Registration Player - Registration Un-financial Clubs & Players Regrading Playing Out of Grade Match Play Match Cards Deferment Default Umpires Equipment & Uniforms Blood Bin

4 Administration

19

4.1 4.2 4.3

19 19 20

Registration Fees Fines & Penalties Turfs and Facilities

5 Judicial

21

5.1 5.2

21 26

The Code of Conduct Disciplinary & Complaints Procedures

Appendix 1 - Schedule 1 Suggested Penalty Guidelines

26

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1

Introduction

1.1

Introduction This document has been compiled by Wellington Hockey Association (WHA) to assist in giving players rules that are consistent, clear & concise. These rules are drawn up for the Open Grade Competition governed specifically by WHA. Every endeavour has been made to address the important areas of the game, however should the rules prove to be deficient in any regard; WHA reserves the right to deal with all matters not provided for.

1.2

Objectives WHA works to increase the competitive nature of the game in the Premier grades & enjoyment of the more social elements in the Reserve grades. These rules will be one of the mechanisms to aid in delivering these objectives.

1.3

Key Dates Team Registrations Close (Deposit required) WHA Annual General Meeting P1 - 1st Round Commences Premier 1 Player Registrations Close P2 – R3 1st Round Commences P2 – R3 Grades Player Registrations Close Affiliation Fees 30% Due Affiliation Fees Full Balance Due Final’s Day for all Grades Competition Review Meeting P1/P2 Promotion/Relegation

29 February 2016 23 March 2016 2 April 2016 18 April 2016 2 April 2016 18 April 2016 13 May 2016 15 June 2016 13 August 2016 20 September 2016 20 August 2016 ...........

Non playing weekends for all grades:  Easter 25 - 29 March 2016  Queen’s Birthday 4 - 6 June 2015 Additional non-playing weekend(s) for Premier 1 only:  U21 Tournament 7 May 2016 ............ National Tournament Dates  Under 21 Tournament  Under 18 Tournament  NHL Tournament  Senior Nationals  Secondary Winter Sports Week

24 & 25 April (Various) & 1–7 May 2016 (Dunedin) 10-16 July 2016 (Various) 27-28 August; 4 September; 10-17 September 2016 10-17 September 2016 (Whangarei) 39 August - 3 September 2016

These dates are a summary of some of the critical dates for the 2016 season; please refer to the WHA website for full details.

1.4

Changes from 2015 There are a number of changes implemented within these rules, these include but are not limited to;  The change of Premier One to an eight team competition.  The inclusion of a four week finals system  The high stick rule will be included in all premier grades  2.3.2: Saturday games commence around 11.00am

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 2.4.6: Now includes Premier One: The right of all teams ranked one and two in their grade at the end of the competition round, irrespective of grade, to request a home quarter finals match (first round of the finals structure play offs).  3.2.3: Now reads minimum age for Premier One is 15 years old as at 1st of January for that season. Ie. If they are eligible to play in the U15 Tournament they are NOT eligible to play in Premier One.

1.5

The Future WHA intends to continue to identify areas of change with as much advanced notice as possible & will introduce areas of potential future change at Competition Review Meetings held at the end of each season.

1.6

Contacts P.O Box 2891 Wellington 6140 Ph: 04 389 3337 Fax: 04 389 3130 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wellingtonhockey.org.nz Turf Bookings: [email protected] Pavilion: 04 389 5714 Catering: 04 389 5713 Board: Nicola Airey, Chair Gwynn Jennings, Deputy Chair Gerald Ross Hamish Clentworth Keith Binnie Nicki Sayers Sarah Neilson Sharyn Mitchell

Physical Location: Administration Building National Hockey Stadium Mt Albert Rd Newtown Wellington

Staff: Chief Executive Finance Officer Tournament & Competition Manager Community Hockey Officer Facilities & Events Manager Capital Community Hockey Manager Capital Performance Manager

Wellington Region Hockey Stadium Trust (WRHST) PO Box 1608 Wellington Keith Binnie Chairman Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) P.O Box 24 024 Auckland Ph: 09 629 2932 Fax: 09 629 2934 Web: www.hockeynz.co.nz

Trafford Wilson Jake Inwood Donna Mote Jainesh Sukha Mark Nunn Dan Grant Dane Lett

Kapiti Turf Trust (KTT) PO Box 523 Paraparaumu Mazengarb Reserve, Scaife Drive, Paraparaumu Turf Bookings Ph 04 298 9527 Trustees Roger Sowry, Liz Koh, Dave Jennings Manager: Sue Spellacey

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2

Competition Structure

2.1

Affiliation of Clubs

2.1.1

Registrations for Teams & Representative Players will not be accepted unless received from a financial affiliated club. An exception to this is for clubs based outside the Wellington Hockey Association geographical area which may, at the approval of the WHA Board, participate in Wellington Hockey Association Local Competitions, however will continue to affiliate with their own regional association; they must however be financial.

2.1.2

A club wishing to become affiliated to WHA must apply in writing to WHA & enclose an affiliation fee of $150.00.

2.1.3

A club that has not registered a team with WHA in 2 consecutive seasons shall be required to register with WHA & pay an affiliation fee of $150.00.

2.1.4

Any club re/applying for affiliation to WHA, is required to provide details of its uniform for approval by WHA as defined in the Equipment and Uniforms Section

2.1.5

No applicant will be accepted as an affiliated club until due consideration of the application & subsequent approval in writing is made by WHA.

2.2

Season Dates

2.2.1

Season start date is anticipated to be 2 April 2016

2.2.2

Season closing date is anticipated to be 13 August 2016

2.2.3

Wellington Hockey Association endeavours to schedule the competition dates to avoid clashes with Domestic & International Representative Fixtures. However WHA Reserves the right to alter these dates as required. WHA will notify clubs of season commencement with not less than 2 months notice prior.

2.3

Standard Playing Days

2.3.1

Whenever possible: 

Premier 1 games will be played on Saturdays at NHS or Clareville (with playing weekends at Kapiti where possible)



Premier Two games will be played on Sundays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone or Kapiti



Premier Three games will be played on Saturdays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone, Elsdon or Kapiti



Reserve One games will be played Sundays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone, Elsdon or Kapiti



Reserve Two Men’s games will be played on Sundays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone, Elsdon or Kapiti



Reserve Two Women’s games will be played on Saturdays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone, Elsdon or Kapiti



Reserve Three Men’s and Women’s games will be played on Sundays at NHS, Fraser, Maidstone, Elsdon or Kapiti

2.3.2

Saturday games commence around 11.00am & the last game may be scheduled to start at 8.30pm.

2.3.3

Sunday games commence around 9.30am & the last game may be scheduled for 8.30pm.

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2.3.4

Monday games commence around 7.00pm & the last game is scheduled for 8.30pm.

2.3.5

On occasion games maybe scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday evenings.

2.3.6

WHA may schedule games earlier depending on the availability of the grounds.

2.3.7

WHA reserves the right to change the draw if required e.g. if turf time becomes available through defaults, deferments or commencing games earlier.

2.3.8

All grand final matches will be played on the same day irrespective of grade. For 2016 the finals day will be Saturday August 13th.

2.3.9 2.3.9.1

Cancellations; WHA rarely cancels games; however this may occur due to equipment failure, weather conditions, Act of God (force majeure) or other unforeseen circumstances. In regards to weather conditions the following must apply; Games may be cancelled due to flooding, ice, hail or severe wind chill. The Umpires will make the final decision, after consultation with the effected teams, if the decision to cancel was not made earlier in the day by WHA. Games may be cancelled due to failure of lights, watering equipment, playing surface & goal defects that may cause health & safety issues for players. The Umpires will make the final decision, after consultation with the effected teams, if the decision to cancel was not made earlier in the day by WHA. Games may be cancelled due to an Act of God (force majeure). In these circumstances Wellington Hockey will reschedule the matches to a Monday where practical. Where this is not practical (ie time restraints due to semi finals or similar) then the cancelled match will be deemed a draw. Where practical, cancellations will be advised to team contacts as provided on the Team Registration Form, however, WHA recommends teams/players contact WHA as conditions may alter & allow games to be recommenced. If a team chooses not to play when conditions have been deemed suitable for play, the other team will be declared the winner by default. If a cancellation occurs, effected teams must notify the WHA Office within 24 hours of the scheduled game. Cancelled games will be rescheduled by WHA (see 2.3.8.8) If a game in progress is stopped & cancelled, the rescheduled match will re-commence at the point when the game stopped. E.g. game stopped in the 53rd minute begins from the 53rd minute thus 17minutes to play. The players named on the score card and players who are registered with the team will be the team that continues the game. Players not registered with the team or not on the original match card (i.e. from lower grades) are not permitted to play in the rescheduled match.

2.3.9.2

2.3.9.3

2.3.9.4

2.3.9.5

2.3.9.6 2.3.9.7 2.3.9.8 2.3.9.9

2.3.10 2.3.10.1 2.3.10.2 2.3.10.3 2.3.10.4

Non playing Weekends; Easter 25 March-28 March 2016 Queen’s Birthday Weekend 4-6 June 2016 If Anzac Day falls on a Weekend, matches cannot commence until 1pm. WHA reserves the right to hold club matches on Non Playing Weekends or weekdays if required to make up for previously postponed or deferred matches.

2.4

Competition Structure

2.4.1

Competition will be held in the following grades for men's & women's competition;

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2.4.1.1 2.4.1.2

Premier Grade Competition; Premier One, Premier Two & Premier Three. Reserve Grade Competition; Reserve One, Reserve Two, Reserve Three & so on as determined by the number of entries.

2.4.2 2.4.2.1 2.4.2.2

Grading Rounds; Grading Rounds shall consist of 8 teams where practical. Teams which did not participate in the previous season shall be graded at the discretion of WHA & for grading purposes shall generally enter in the lowest grade. 2.4.2.3 Teams shall be divided into grades, based on their rankings at the completion of the previous season & team composition. The winner of a grade in the previous season is promoted up and the bottom team is relegated down before the commencement of the grading round. 2.4.2.4 Automatic relegation for the following season will be based on the bottom placed team at the end of pool play, prior to the semi finals. 2.4.2.5 Automatic Promotion for the following season will be based on the winner of the competition final. 2.4.2.6 Grading Rounds will commence immediately in round one for all grades with the exception of Premier One Men's & Women's. 2.4.2.7 Promotion/relegation play-off games - at the end of the grading round the 1st placed team plays the 8th placed team from the grade above, and the 2nd placed team plays the 7th placed team from the grade above. The results of these games determine whether teams will move up, down or remain within a grade. The match shall be played as outlined in rule 2.4.6. 2.4.2.8 Promotion to Premier 1 can only occur through the end of season promotion/relegation games. 2.4.2.9 See 3.1.4 - Clubs are restricted to a maximum of two teams in Premier 2 and 3 grades (and only 1 team per club in Premier 1). In the case of a team potentially challenging through promotion/relegation to move up a grade; if there are two teams in the higher grade from that same club and not in a position to move up or down through promotion/relegation matches, the team challenging for promotion in the lower grade, cannot compete in the promotion/relegation match. Instead; the next best placed team will replace them in the promotion/relegation round (in the case where there is more than one club/team in this situation, only the top 4 ranked teams after the grading round, are eligible to challenge for promotion). 2.4.2.10 If the outcome of a promotion/relegation round results in a team from a club moving down into a grade where two teams from that same club already compete, the three teams will be able to continue on in competition until season end (teams will not be forced down a grade; only restricted from moving up where two teams from that club already compete). The Club must in the following season only enter two teams into Premier Two and Premier Three grades (with P1 only 1 team per club). 2.4.2.11 In the event of a draw in the promotion/relegation round, positions will not change. Teams must win outright in standard match time to gain promotion. 2.4.2.12 WHA reserves the right to place any team into any grade it sees fit. For competition rounds this shall be generally based on the results of the grading round.

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2.4.3 2.4.3.1 2.4.3.2

2.4.3.3

2.4.4 2.4.4.1

2.4.4.2 2.4.4.3 2.4.4.4

2.4.5 2.4.5.1 2.4.5.2 2.4.5.3 2.4.5.4

2.4.5.5 2.4.5.6

2.4.5.7

Grading Round Format All grades from P2 to R4, where sufficient entries permit, will divide into grades of 8 teams (following automatic promotion / relegation at the end of the previous season). The grading round structure for the lowest grades will depend on the number of entries received and will be advised to teams as soon as entries are confirmed. All P2 – R3 grades will have promotion / relegation games in the same weekend. 7 game Grading Round Format Every team will play once against all other teams in that division. The team with the most points at the end of the round robin will be ranked first heading into promotion / relegation, team with the second highest score ranked second and so forth. Should more than one team have the same points then seeding will be as per semi-finals and finals 2.4.5.3/5.4/5.5/5.6/5.7/5.8. The grading round winner then plays the 8th placed team from the grade above in a promotion/relegation game; the 2nd placed team plays 7th placed team from grade above. Competition Rounds; Competition Rounds will commence with 8 teams per grade ideally with a minimum of 6 & a maximum of 10 teams per grade at the discretion of WHA depending on the number of teams registered. There will be two competition rounds then quarter-finals, semi-finals, preliminary finals and a grand final for Premier One Men & Women. There will be one competition round then quarter-finals, semi-finals, preliminary finals and a grand final for all other Grades. Competition Round formats may be subject to change depending on the number of teams registering with WHA. Seeding for Entry to Semi-finals & Finals; All teams shall be seeded entering into the finals play-offs; no competition round points shall carry forward into the quarter finals, semi-finals, preliminary finals & grand final rounds. Teams Seeding shall be based on match points earned during the competition rounds (excluding grading rounds); If at the end of the competition two or more teams have the same number of points for any place, these teams will be ranked according to their respective number of matches won. Should there still remain equality between two or more teams, then these teams will be ranked according to their respective goal difference (which means 'goals for' less 'goals against'.) A positive goal difference always takes precedence over a negative one. If there still remains equality between two or more teams, then these teams will be ranked according to their respective number of 'goals for'. If there still remains equality between two or more teams then the result(s) of the match(es) played between (only) those teams involved will be taken into consideration to determine the ranking of the tied teams. If more than two teams are involved, then a ranking based upon the results of the matches between (only) them shall determine their respective position. If there remains equality, then the teams involved shall be ranked according to the rules 2.4.5.4, 2.4.5.5, 2.4.5.6 and 2.4.5.7 Should there still remain equality between two teams, then the matter will be settled by a penalty shoot out competition for Premier One (rules governing this available in the FIH rules book) and a penalty stroke competition in all other grades between those teams

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2.4.5.8

2.4.5.9

If more than two teams are involved, then each team will play a penalty stroke/shoot out competition against the other teams (but with not less than 5 strokes/shots to be taken compulsorily by each team). A ranking will then be established based upon the results of the round of penalty strokes only, with the award for each play of three points to the team having scored or been awarded the highest number of goals, one point to each team having scored or been awarded an equal number of goals and zero points to the team having scored or been awarded the lowest number of goals. If equality remains then the teams having an equal number of points shall be ranked according to the rules 2.4.5.4, 2.4.5.5, 2.4.5.6 and 2.4.5.7 as applied to goals recorded during the penalty stroke competition If an equal position of three (or more) teams still remains thereafter, then the same procedure should be repeated until the teams can be ranked. A draw shall take place to establish each sequence of play if such further rounds of penalty strokes are required.

2.4.6 2.4.6.1

Finals play offs; The quarter finals, semi finals & finals shall be completed in a 4 week format as follows for all grades where possible; 2.4.6.2 Week 1: Quarter Finals (Match A) 1 v 4 - Winner to proceed to Preliminary final (wk 3 Match G); Loser to proceed to semifinal (wk 2 match E) (Match B) 5 v 8 - Winner to proceed to semi final (wk 2 Match E); Loser to proceed to 7v8 playoff (wk 4 Match J) (Match C) 6 v 7 – Winner to proceed to semi final (wk 2 Match F); Loser to proceed to 7v8 playoff (wk 4 Match J) 2 v 3 – Winner to proceed to Preliminary final (wk 3 Match H); Loser to proceed to semi-final (wk 2 Match F) 2.4.6.3 Week 2: Semi- Finals (Match E) Winner to proceed to Preliminary final (wk 3 Match H) (Match F) Winner to proceed to Preliminary final (wk 3 Match G) 2.4.6.4 Week 3: Preliminary Finals (Match G) Winner to proceed to Grand Final (wk 4 Match I) (Match H) Winner to proceed to Grand Final (wk 4 Match I) 2.4.6.5 Week 4: Grand Final (Match I) 1 v 2 finals match (Match J) 7 v 8 - Loser to proceed to promotion relegation match 2.4.6.6 All Premier One Grade Preliminary finals and Grand finals will be held at the National Hockey Stadium 2.4.6.7 For all grades: 2.4.6.8 Quarter Finals and Semi-Finals teams ranked one and two in their grade at the end of the competition rounds, will be able to request to play the game at their home ground. NB because of the high utilisation of a number of turfs, particularly NHS, this may not always be possible. 2.4.6.9 The only final will be 1 v 2 in each grade. The winner of this game is eligible for promotion – refer to 2.6. 2.4.6.10 All Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, Preliminary Finals & Grand Finals shall be played until a result is achieved

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2.4.6.11 Should matches proceed into extra time, following games will continue as programmed allowing for a break between games for watering & on field warm up at the discretion of the Tournament Controller. 2.4.6.12 Should a draw occur at the completion of normal time, the following shall apply;  Teams will have a three minute break & select two players to be removed from the field (9 aside),  Game continues for five minutes,  Substitutes will be allowed,  If a goal is scored the game is over immediately,  If there is still no score teams will have a two minute break & select two further players to be removed from the field (7 a-side),  Game continues for five minutes,  Substitutes will be allowed,  If a goal is scored the game is over immediately,  If there is still no score teams will have a three minute break then select five penalty shoot out (Premier One only)/stroke takers,  The Umpires will select which end for the shoot out/stroke play,  Teams will toss to decide whether to defend or take the shoot outs/stroke,  The series of shoot outs/strokes will proceed,  The series will continue until a winner is found.

2.5

Competition Points

2.5.1

Win – 3 points

2.5.2

Draw – 1 point

2.5.3

Loss – 0 points

2.5.4

Bonus Point for winning team with a 5 goal difference – 1 Point

2.5.5

A team winning by default – 3 points (plus bonus point) with 5 goals awarded

2.5.6

A team failing to appear for a scheduled match, and not giving appropriate notice as per rule 3.9 will have 2 points deducted. The opposing team will be given the win by default as per rule 2.5.5.

2.5.7

Competition Points accumulate through competition rounds only. Points do not carry into the competition round from the grading round or from the competition round into the semi-final/final rounds

2.6

Promotion Relegation

2.6.1 2.6.1.1

Eligibility to challenge for Premier One: At the end of the competition season the winner of the Premier Two Competition, may challenge for promotion if they meet the following criteria: The challenging team must not have another team from the same club already competing in the Premier One Grade. The second team may only challenge if the first does not wish to or is ineligible & likewise third place & likewise fourth place.

2.6.1.2 2.6.1.3

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2.6.1.4

2.6.1.5 2.6.1.6 2.6.1.7 2.6.1.8

2.6.2 2.6.2.1 2.6.2.2

The eligible team must register its intent to challenge for the grade prior to the commencement of the semi-final round of the Premier Two competition so that the promotion/relegation game may be played immediately after the Premier One 7v8 play off (but no later than 1 month after the cessation of that season). Promotion/Relegation games are to be played in Wellington unless both teams mutually agree an alternate venue. Wellington Hockey Association will agree the date for the game to be played. Wellington Hockey Association will appoint the umpires for the P1/P2 promotion relegation games In the event of a draw in the promotion/relegation round, positions will not change. Teams must win outright in standard match time to gain promotion. For all other grades Promotion is automatic for all other grades except where a club already has two teams competing in Premier Two and Premier Three and already has one team competing in Premier One (see 3.1.4). In the event of a draw in the promotion/relegation round, positions will not change. Teams must win outright in standard match time to gain promotion.

2.6.3

Promotion/Relegation also occurs for all grades except Premier 1 through the grading round at the commencement of the season.

2.7

Trophies

2.7.1

Trophies are to be returned to the WHA office by 20th April each year.

2.8

Additional Competitions

2.8.1

WHA reserves the right to conduct additional competitions beyond that identified as either Premier & Reserve Grade competition.

2.8.2

WHA shall advise all clubs of any such competition as soon as practicable & endeavour to minimise the impact on any existing/current competitions.

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3

Competition Rules

3.1

Team - Registration

3.1.1

Team registrations for competition in any grade of WHA Open grade competition will only be accepted from Clubs affiliated to or specifically invited to compete by WHA.

3.1.2

Team placement and seedings into round 1 (either grading round or for Premier 1, the 1st competition round) will be determined by the results of the previous season.

3.1.3

Placement into the competition rounds will be based on the results of the grading rounds (see Competition Structure for details).

3.1.4

A club cannot have more than one team entered in Premier One competition and no more than two teams in Premier Two and Premier Three grades. The only exception to this rule is where a team is relegated at the end of the grading round and where two teams from that same club are already competing in that grade.

3.1.5

WHA reserves the right to place any team into any grade it sees fit. For competition rounds this shall be based on the results of the grading round; however this shall not be beyond Reserve One unless exceptional circumstances exist. For the grading round this shall be based on the team composition & results of the previous season.

3.1.6

On registration of each team, Clubs must rank all teams from highest to lowest, 1 being highest downwards. NO OTHER NAMING SYSTEM WILL BE ACCEPTED. Where any Club enters two or more teams for any grade or class of championship matches, the above ranking method shall still be applied by the club. This ranking shall apply throughout the grading rounds with regrading & playing out of grade rules applying accordingly during the grading round. At the completion of the grading round, the results of the grading round will determine rank. WHA will confirm to clubs if any team rank has been altered due to the grading round competition. If the rank has changed for two teams from the same club, the team names will change (with the highest ranked team having the lower number) to avoid confusion throughout the remaining competition rounds. The rank at completion of the grading round shall be the rank that will govern transfer, regrading & playing out of grade rules.

3.1.6.1 3.1.6.2 3.1.6.3 3.1.6.4

3.1.6.5

3.1.7

Members of a team of any Club which shall disband during the season shall be eligible to join any other Club during the season subject to the rules set out for un-financial players/teams/clubs in section 3.3.

3.1.8

Any Club failing to register its teams by the specified date on the Team Registration Form or failing to supply all mandatory information as noted below shall be deemed to be unregistered until this is complete. A team contact must be identified; they may be a player, coach or manager. The following information is mandatory;    

3.1.9

Team Contact First Name, Team Contact Last Name, Team Contact Phone No, Team Contact Physical Address,

 Team Contact Email Address,  Grade wishing to compete in the 2016 season,  Team Rank (see rules 3.1.2 above).

A team may contain no fewer than 12 players for any first XI and 14 players registered for all other teams, but has no maximum (thus allowing for registration of all players including casual);

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3.1.9.1 3.1.9.2

Team affiliation fees will be calculated on a team not a per player basis; however this shall be up to a maximum of 19 players. For clarity, Team Registration shall not be confused with the number of players permitted on a Match Card, the match card shall comprise of not more than 16 players registered to the team, all 16 of which may take the field of play for all or part of that match (see 3.7 Match Cards for more detail).

3.1.10

Teams must be registered by 5.00pm on the Monday one month prior to the commencement of the competition & the registration fee deposit as a minimum be paid. For 2016 this date shall be Monday 29 February.

3.2

Player – Registration

3.2.1

Any Team failing to register its players by the specified date (see rule 3.2.2) on the Player Registration Form or failing to supply all mandatory information as noted below, in the format requested, shall be deemed to be playing unregistered players & shall forfeit match points & be fined accordingly until this is complete. The following information is mandatory;    

First Name Last Name Contact Phone No Address including post code

 Email Address (Coach/Managers may be substituted only if one not available)  Date of birth (for affiliation purposes)  Registration Sub Type (Secondary or Open)  Secondary School team registered with if Registration Sub Type is ‘Secondary’

3.2.2

The minimum number of players for each team must be registered by 5.00pm on the Monday following the third game after the season commences (2016; all grades 18 April)

3.2.3

To be eligible to play in the Premier One Open Grade Competition the players must be OVER the age of 15 years old as at the 1st of January of the year in which the competition is played. (eg. A player whose birthday is the 1st of January is eligible to play).The minimum age for players competing in all other Open Grade Competitions is 13 years of age as at the 1st of January and they must be bona fide Secondary School student (Year 9 – Year 13) to be eligible. Clubs can seek a dispensation for a Year 9 student who may be under the age of 13, in which all requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

3.2.4

Every player entering the field of play MUST be registered prior to the commencement of the match. Additional registrations (one off) may be emailed to WHA advising of the new player (including their details as noted in 3.2.1). They must be completed prior to the player taking the field of play and must be confirmed by Wellington Hockey before the registration is accepted. No player can register in a grade 2 or more grades lower than that in which they have participated in the previous 2 seasons. Players wishing to regrade 2 or more grades lower (per rule 3.2.4.2) may apply to WHA for dispensation on the following grounds; medical conditions, lapse in play of one season. Adequate information must be provided to WHA when seeking dispensation.

3.2.4.1

3.2.4.2 3.2.4.3

3.2.5

No new registrations shall be accepted within 4 weeks prior to the completion of the competition rounds.

3.2.6

If a player is from another Association or Club, clearance in writing from that Association or Club must be obtained before that player plays for their new Club. Players registered in Premier One

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teams cannot compete in any lower grade competitions within the same season unless dispensation has been agreed by WHA. 3.2.7

No player shall belong to more than one affiliated club at the same time. A genuine secondary school player may belong to an affiliated club.

3.2.8

Students or other players returning to the Wellington Hockey Association during term holidays or short duration (not more than 3 weeks) may be eligible to play club hockey upon completing a registration.

3.2.9

Members of any club which shall disband during the season shall be eligible to join any other club during the season.

3.2.10

A player cannot be registered for more than one club or team. Should a second registration be identified, this shall be deemed void & the first shall stand.

3.2.11

A player is considered to be registered with a club until such time as a transfer to another club or association is received by Wellington Hockey.

3.2.12

A player is able to play in higher grades than that registered subject to the ‘regrading’ & ‘playing out of grade’ rules. A Capital Representative player cannot play in a lower grade than the previous season without prior approval from WHA.

3.3

Un-financial Clubs & Players

3.3.1

Any player who is un-financial with debts to WHA, WRHS Trust or their Club shall be ineligible for both club and representative selection.

3.3.2

Any Team that is un-financial with debts to WHA or WRHST shall be ineligible for entry into the semi final rounds.

3.3.3

Please refer to rule 3.2.6 related to clearance letters.

3.4

Regrading

3.4.1 3.4.1.1

No player may play in any grade lower than that in which he or she is registered. A Club may apply to WHA to have a player re-graded down. This will be at WHA’s discretion. WHA guidance is 3 re-gradings for one player within one season is considered reasonable in this regard. Re-grading of players will not occur within 4 weeks prior to the completion of the competition rounds.

3.4.2

Each club must register a minimum of 12 players in their First XI, including a goalkeeper, and a minimum of 14 players, including a goalkeeper, for all other teams. Players are at any point in time to have played more games in the team they are registered in than any other team/s.

3.4.3

Any player may play in a grade/team higher than the one in which he/she is registered.

3.4.4

The following is to apply to reserve grade teams only; clubs may nominate 4 players to play down, to be approved by WHA, from the team in the next grade immediately above that in which the club’s bottom team is participating. In the event that a club has two teams in the grade in which its lowest graded team is participating, then no more than 4 players may come from the higher-ranked team in the same grade and none from the grade above.

3.5

Playing Out of Grade

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 14 / 26

3.5.1

3.5.1.1 3.5.1.2 3.5.1.3

Players will not be permitted to play out of grade down with 3.4.4 an exception for Reserve Grade Competitions). A further exception will be for goal keepers (playing as a GK) in the following circumstances; Dispensation is sought, by applying in writing to WHA by close of business on the Wednesday prior to the playing weekend. Outlining the conditions for dispensation as set out below; 1st criteria must be that the goal keeper is in Premier 3 grade or lower, no playing down as a goal keeper will be accepted by keepers registered in Premier 1 or Premier 2 teams; The goal keeper seeking to play down is doing so due to unavailability of the incumbent keeper due to illness, rep fixture or other such circumstance;

3.5.2

Goal keepers are permitted to play down in the field provided they are clearly identified on the card & permission has been sought & granted by WHA prior to them taking the field of play, this acceptance shall be noted on the cards (as per match card rules).

3.5.3

All players are permitted to play out of grade when playing upwards with no restriction on the number of grades beyond which they are registered subject to the rules as applied by "3.4 Regrading". Reminder 3.4.2 – players must at any point in time have played more games for the team in which they are registered

3.6

Match Play

3.6.1

Each team is required to provide umpires for every match in which it is engaged. However umpires may be provided by Wellington Hockey Association Umpires from time to time, these matches will be notified to teams by WHA Website or other communications.

3.6.2

Umpires are the sole judge of the match rules & duration in conjunction with the competition director. (see Section 3.10)

3.6.3

A team cannot play more than 16 players total including part of match substitutions.

3.6.4

A match cannot commence or continue unless either team has a minimum of 7 players including a goal keeper able to be present on the field of play at any one time. Kicking backs are NOT permitted.

3.6.5

A team that cannot enter the field of play or continue to proceed with a match due to less than minimum numbers, shall default that match (see 3.9 Defaults for more detail).

3.6.6

Teams are required to complete the match card prior to entering the field of play; this is to be handed to either of the 2 umpires (see 3.7 Match Cards for further detail).

3.6.7

Teams are required to review the match card at completion of the match & sign their confirmation of the result prior to posting in the match box (see 3.7 Match Cards for further detail).

3.6.8

The “Toss” is to occur prior to the teams entering the field.

3.6.9 3.6.9.1

Match Time; Game duration for P2-R3 shall generally be 70 minutes comprising of 2, 35 minutes halves, with a 5 minute break between halves. For Premier One this shall be in line with the structure being played by HNZ at NHL. For 2016 this will also be 2x 35 minute halves.

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 15 / 26

3.6.9.2

3.6.9.3 3.6.9.4

Game duration is based on match outlines provided by FIH & HNZ, thus amendments to this may occur from time to time, if this should happen, these will be duly noted to clubs by WHA as soon as practicable. Time may be stopped for serious injury, dangerous conditions or similar occurrences. Time will be "On" during stroke or any other penalty play, with the exception of strokes in Semi Final & Finals where time shall be stopped. For cancellations during play, refer to section 2.3 for rules governing Standard Playing Days.

3.7

Match Cards

3.7.1

WHA will provide the match cards at all venues.

3.7.2

At NHS the cards are placed in the tunnel at the northern end.

3.7.3

At Fraser Park the cards are in the hall outside the changing rooms.

3.7.4

At Elsdon cards are located in the technical dugout (centre dugout).

3.7.5

At Maidstone cards will be located in a container in the dugouts.

3.7.6

At Kapiti cards are located in the technical dugout (centre dugout).

3.7.7

It shall be the responsibility of the first named team on the draw to provide the team card for the match.

3.7.8

The match cards must have clearly printed first & surnames of each player participating beside their playing number.

3.7.9

The match cards can record up to sixteen (16) players & not less than seven (7) including a goal keeper.

3.7.10

No player or substitute player may take the field unless said player’s name appears on the match card. For the sake of clarity "taking the field" shall mean participate for all or any part of the match in field play.

3.7.11

Captains must sign the match card at the end of match to confirm score, player details or any other circumstances observed or agreed to by both teams (e.g. such as a keeper from a higher grading taking the field of play as a field player).

3.7.12

Both umpires must print their name on the card & check that serious harm incidents or individual penalty cards are recorded clearly & correctly.

3.7.13

It shall be the responsibility of the winning team captain, or in the case of a drawn match, the captain of the first named team on the draw, to ensure that the card is in the hands of WHA within three (3) days of the match, this will generally be by placement in the match box provided at the venue.

3.7.14

Results from match cards shall be compiled by WHA & posted either on its website or by other means available at the time. NOTE; Match cards are the sole official record of the match. As it is the requirement of BOTH CAPTAINS to check & confirm details it is therefore the only official document for independent

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 16 / 26

review of who played & what incidents, injuries, personal penalty cards & points scored may have resulted. Thus it is essential that cards are correctly completed. In the event of a complaint, incorrectly completed cards shall result (in many cases) with the complaint being thrown out for lack of official information.

3.8

Deferment

3.8.1

In the event of a team from any club having three or more players (not coaches or managers) participating in an official representative fixture for NHL, National Under 21’s and Senior Nationals, then that club may seek postponement from the Association for the scheduled club fixture. Should a deferment be approved the deferred match will be rescheduled by WHA. Official representative fixtures will be as approved by Wellington Hockey Association at the start of each of the 2016 representative programmes. For 2016 these dates will include (but not limited to) the following; Under 21 Taupo weekend 9-10 April

3.8.1.1

3.8.2

3.8.2.1

In the event of a team from any club having five or more players (not coaches or managers) participating in an official representative fixture for National Under 18’s, then that club may seek postponement from the Association for the scheduled club fixture. Should a deferment be approved, the deferred match will be rescheduled by WHA. Official representative fixtures will be as approved by Wellington Hockey Association at the start of each of the 2016 representative programmes. For 2016 these dates will include (but not limited to) the following; Capital U18 attending quads 25-26 June (these dates are set by Capital Hockey and may be subject to change).

3.8.3

Teams cannot seek a deferment for consecutive weekends.

3.8.4

Teams cannot seek a deferment for National Squad fixtures/commitments

3.8.5

Secondary School players cannot seek deferments for school fixtures or events with the exception of school balls for year 13 students.

3.8.6

Any requests for deferment of a scheduled game must be lodged with WHA by Friday close of business three weeks in advance of the weekend of play.

3.8.7

Deferments, where possible, will be rescheduled to Monday evenings or as such time as Wellington Hockey deems suitable.

3.9

Default

3.9.1

A match cannot commence or continue unless either team has a minimum of 7 players including a goal keeper able to be present on the field of play at any one time, a team unable to do this will default the match. If after 10 minutes past the scheduled match time a team has not been able to meet this criteria they will be deemed to have defaulted.

3.9.2

If any team shall default in any WHA scheduled match, & if notice of the intention to default is not received by WHA by 1p.m. on the Friday preceding the game (at the latest), then in addition to the loss of points penalty (rule 2.5.6) the club that the defaulting team belongs to may be fined.

3.9.3

Any team forfeiting two matches in succession, or three at intervals, may at the discretion of WHA be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition. In the event of any team withdrawing from the competition, no matches played by such team shall count unless otherwise decided by WHA.

3.9.4

The defaulting team will incur the full cost of turf or any other fees of both teams.

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 17 / 26

3.9.5

Where two teams from the same Club in the same grade are scheduled to play each other & a default occurs, neither team will be awarded any points. The club will pay the turf fees.

3.9.6

Players named on the match card are expected to take the field during the match where practical.

3.9.7

Should a player or team deliberately breach the spirit of the game then the Wellington Hockey Chief Executive Officer has the right to default the match or take other such action as deemed necessary after consultation with either the Open Grade Council or WHA Board.

3.10

Umpires

3.10.1

Teams are required to provide umpires for every match in which they are engaged, however umpires may be provided by Wellington Hockey Association Umpires from time to time, these matches will be notified to teams by WHA Website or other communications.

3.10.2

Umpires shall enforce the Rules of Game of Hockey 2016 as issued by the International Rules Board under the authority of the FIH; the umpire is the sole judge of these during the match.

3.10.3

Umpires have the authority to enforce the Rules as set out in the Local Competition Handbook 2016 during a match.

3.11

Equipment & Uniforms

3.11.1

Each team shall supply a ball for each match in which it is engaged. These balls shall be used one in each half of the game. For all games played under lights teams will provide a coloured ball other than white, this may be used as an alternative.

3.11.2

Each Club must register their Club uniform/colours design with WHA at the time of team registration.

3.11.3

New Clubs or Clubs who would like to make substantial changes to their existing uniform design must submit their design to WHA for approval before they are able to compete in the competition in the new uniform.

3.11.4

The Club’s team must wear the Club colours at each match.

3.11.5

Each playing shirt must have a number on the back at least 30cm in height. Only one of each number per team. The Goalkeeper is to have their number on both the front & back of the shirt.

3.11.6

Mouth guards - it is strongly recommended by the Association & Hockey New Zealand that these be worn.

3.11.7

Shin pads - it is strongly recommended by the Association & Hockey New Zealand that these be worn under ¾ length socks.

3.11.8

Players must not wear peaked caps although foam collapsible sun visors are permitted.

3.11.9

Goalkeepers must wear protective equipment including a helmet & a different coloured shirt from that of both teams.

3.11.10 Track pants may not be worn as playing uniform, unless weather conditions warrant and at the umpires discretion. Any decision by the umpire to allow track pants must also be in line with WRHST Turf rules (eg. No zips).

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3.12

Blood Bin

3.12.1

If a player is bleeding or has an open wound on their skin then that player must leave the field immediately & shall not re-enter until the bleeding has ceased and/or the wound is adequately covered.

3.12.2

Blood stained clothing must be replaced.

3.12.3

If blood staining should occur on the turf, immediate cleaning must take place by applying alcohol which is available from the tunnel at NHS & in the foyer at Fraser Park (Elsdon and Maidstone does not have alcohol available) and at Kapiti will be kept in the kiosk in the first aid box.

4

Administration

4.1

Registration Fees

4.1.1

Premier & all Reserve Grades in the Open Grade Competition registration fees will be set a fixed fee per team. Team fees will be calculated on a team not a per player basis; however this shall be up to a maximum of 19 players

4.1.2

In addition to the registration fee, a player levy passed on from Hockey New Zealand will be charged for 16 players per team. If registrations exceed 16 players per team, WHA may charge an additional HNZ levy per person.

4.1.3

Bona fide secondary school players playing club hockey shall have their Hockey New Zealand levy deducted per person.

4.1.4

A $200 deposit is required per team registration

4.1.5

30% of the team registration fee is due by 13 May 2016

4.1.6

The balance of team registration fees must be paid in full by 15 June 2016

4.1.7

Fees that are not paid by the due date identified in 4.1.5 and 4.1.6 shall incur a 10% penalty.

4.1.8

A team shall be excluded from competing in the semi-final round & beyond, if any fees or penalties are not paid 1 week prior to commencement of the semi-final rounds (refer to rule 3.2).

4.2

Fines & Penalties

4.2.1

WHA exercises its right to penalise and/or fine players, teams & clubs found to be in breach of the rules set down in the local competition handbook. The penalty/fines are based on the severity of the offences; these are graded into the following classifications; Minor - $30.00 fine per offence (e.g. usually for administrative errors such as cards not being filled out correctly). Medium - $50.00 fine per offence & loss of match points (e.g. playing a match at an un-authorised venue and/ or time) Major - $50.00 fine per offence & loss of competition points Repeat - Repeat offending (3 or more breaches of the same rule) will cause escalation of the fine to the next level Other - certain offences may fall outside of the rules as specified in the handbook. When this occurs, WHA is empowered to make a decision on the merits of the case. In these circumstances or when a penalty/fine is not clearly defined within the Local Competition Handbook, WHA shall pass

4.2.1.1 4.2.1.2 4.2.1.3 4.2.1.4 4.2.1.5

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judgement & define the extent of the penalty or fine. (e.g. loss of an Association Trophy may result in the cost of a replacement trophy, all engraving and administration time expended in providing a replacement being born by the team/club that lost the trophy).

4.3

Turfs and Facilities

4.3.1

NHS, Fraser Park, Elsdon and Maidstone turfs are administered by Wellington Hockey Association. Kapiti turf is administered by the Kapiti Community Recreational Turf Trust and Clareville by Hockey Wairarapa.

4.3.2

All players must comply with the rules set down for turf use by Wellington Hockey; these include but are not limited to; Substitute players, coaches, managers and assistant coaches ONLY may be present "turf side” during match play. No substitute player or team official may be on the turf outside of these areas unless subbing. “Turf side” refers to the following areas:

4.3.2.1

4.3.2.2



NHS1 - on the concreted areas of the grounds immediately alongside the team dugouts between the half way line and the end of the dugouts  NHS2 – outside the fence and in the dugouts  Fraser - outside the fence and in the ‘painted dugouts”  Elsdon - outside the fence and in the dugouts or immediately alongside the dugouts  Maidstone - outside the fence in the dugouts or immediately alongside the dugouts  Managers may move to the sideline when subbing players. 4.3.2.3 No sugar based drinks are allowed on the turf. 4.3.2.4 No food is allowed on the turf. 4.3.2.5 Blood stains on the turf must be washed off the turf immediately (where possible). 4.3.2.6 No spitting on the turf 4.3.2.7 No blowing nose onto the turf 4.3.2.8 No smoking within the grounds 4.3.2.9 As the NHS Pavilion, and Kapiti, are licensed facilities, no alcohol may be brought onto the sites or into the Pavilions (Licensing conditions do change from time to time, WHA will advise of these as they occur). 4.3.2.10 No dogs allowed within the grounds 4.3.3

NHS Contact Details: WHA after hours - Ph: 020 406 6931 Catering - Ph: 04 389 5713 Turf Bookings – Ph: 04 389 3337

Physical Location: National Hockey Stadium 9 Mt Albert Rd, Newtown 4.3.4

Kapiti Coast Recreational Turf Trust Contact Details: KCRTT P O Box 523 Paraparaumu Phone: 04 298 9527 Website: http://www.kapitisport.org.nz/

Physical Location: WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 20 / 26

Mazengarb Reserve, Scaife Drive Paraparaumu 4.3.5

Lights and Water a. NHS lights are operated by a timer at the NHS Stadium and by WHA personnel (or by pressing the button on the light panel under the external stairs leading into the pavilion from the top car park). Lights are also on a timer at Fraser Park (button on lamp post near rubbish bin outside pavilion) and Elsdon (button on lamp post on corner of turf as you walk in the main gate) and can be turned on by users as required. Lights at Maidstone can only be turned on by a member of the WHA staff. Kapiti-based teams are responsible for the lights and watering the pitches and the Wairarapa Association arrange these services at Clareville. b.

Both NHS turfs and the Kapiti turf are water based and require regular watering. This is carried out according to an arranged schedule.

5

Judicial

5.1

The Code of Conduct This section of the policy outlines the Code of Conduct as to the standards expected of players, coaches, managers, officials, umpires & player spectators in accordance with the laws of Hockey New Zealand and Wellington Hockey Association. Wellington Hockey Association adheres to the Hockey New Zealand Association Code of Conduct which can be found online at http://www.hockeynz.co.nz/Events/Tournament-Manual (scroll down to Policies/Codes).

5.1.1

Definition For the purpose of definition, participants, where referred to in this document shall include players, coaches, managers, officials, umpires & player spectators.

5.1.2

Purpose Wellington Hockey Association is determined to maintain high standards of behaviour both on the field & in pre & post match activity. This is to encourage spectators & enhance the level of enjoyment for everyone participating in the sport. The code of conduct applies to the participants as defined above.

5.1.3

Penalties Wellington Hockey Association has adopted a card system for use by umpires, which forms the basis for a system, which triggers an automatic penalty or indicates that a participant may, or will, be summonsed to appear before the Judicial Sub-Committee of the Board of the Wellington Hockey Association (the Judiciary). The issue of a card generally carries points, which can be awarded by umpires to any participant associated with the team during a match (which is defined as the period 15 minutes prior to the start of a match until 15 minutes after the match has ended). A card can be issued where participants:  Swear, spontaneously or otherwise;  Spit on, refuse to take measures to stop bleeding on or otherwise cause a turf to be potentially infected in an avoidable manner;  Strike or strike at other participants, whether it be with stick, fist or foot or otherwise;  Indulge in abuse, at other participants or umpires, or indulge in displays of dissent;  Conduct any unseemly or unsporting behaviour;  Display any behaviour, which brings disrepute to the sport of Hockey or the Wellington Hockey Association

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In addition, the Judiciary has the power to hear any matters relating to behaviour detrimental to the sport of Hockey or Wellington Hockey Association by any participant whether that behaviour takes place during a match or at some other time. 5.1.4 5.1.4.1

5.1.4.2

5.1.4.3

5.1.4.4

5.1.4.5

General Dress Code All participants & umpires are required to adhere to appropriate dress standards. Players are not to wear hard peaked caps & are to ensure socks are pulled up & shirts are tucked in. Blood Code All players must leave the turf if they are openly bleeding & may return when the wound has been covered. All teams should carry sufficient medical equipment to dress wounds & to clean the turf of excess blood (medical alcohol should be carried for this purpose). Where a player has blood on their uniform or body, they must leave the turf to have this blood removed. All teams should carry a spare uniform for this purpose. Card System (as per FIH rules) The match umpires during the match may issue a player with a green, yellow or red card. A green card serves as a warning and results in a 2 minute suspension from the game; any level of yellow means suspension from the game for a minimum of 5 minutes & a red card means the recipient will take no further part in the game. The card system operates whether actual plastic cards are used or not. That is, an umpire is able to communicate the nature of the card by presenting the particular card or verbally indicating the issue of a card. Each card will carry penalty points as follows: Green - 1 Point. Yellow - 3 to 6 Points in matches controlled by official umpires. Actual number of points to be determined conjointly by the umpires at the end of the match. Should an umpire fail to record the number of points awarded, 3 points will be registered. Yellow - 3 Points in matches controlled by club umpire appointments. Red - 12 Points. Points may not be necessarily awarded for swearing – see Abuse Clause below. The points system is to operate in respect of cards issued in Wellington Hockey Association club competition & representative matches. Matches played as part of HNZ controlled tournaments & other Host Association controlled games will be included under this system, & points accrued will be added. Team management must record & report to Wellington Hockey Association, all cards & points awarded during HNZ & other Host Association controlled matches. All players are required to identify themselves by name when requested by an umpire or any other Wellington Hockey official (eg card checks). Failure to do so, once warned, will normally justify the automatic issue of a red card except that a captain may provide the name of the player. Wellington Hockey Association has the power to suspend a team if a club does not identify a player to whom a card has been issued within 48 hours of such a request. An umpire must identify himself or herself to a player, coach or official if requested. Points allocated to an individual shall have a playing season’s life. After that, the points are automatically removed unless there is a judicial outcome to the contrary. Abuse by Spectators Participants may be asked to urge spectators supporting their team to control their behaviour when appropriate. Special conditions – Local Rules: Abuse: Players who swear on the field may be temporarily suspended, although no points will be awarded in respect to cards issued for this offence. Umpires are to use their discretion as to the appropriate length of the suspension, with a 5-minute minimum applicable. These cards will be recorded & the

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players who consistently offend may be required to appear before the Judiciary who may impose whatever penalty/suspension they consider appropriate. Coaches, Managers or Team Officials: If coaches, player substitutes, managers or team officials behave in a manner that an umpire considers to breach the code of conduct, the umpire may suspend a player from the field. The team captain will be requested to nominate which player is to be suspended. If the captain refuses to cooperate, the umpire will suspend the captain. No points will be awarded against the suspended player, but will be awarded against the offender. Wellington Hockey Association will advise in writing to the club concerned of details on incidents that result in players being suspended because of actions of coaches, managers or team officials. 5.1.5

5.1.5.1

5.1.5.2

5.1.5.3

5.1.5.4

Judicial Committee The purpose of this Committee is to deal with any matters arising from breaches of the Code of Conduct. Membership To ensure consistent decision making it is important that membership of the Committee is relatively stable. The Committee shall be appointed by the Wellington Hockey Association & comprise of three to five people. Matters the Judiciary may deal with. The Judiciary may deal with incidents involving individual participants or umpires. Matters may be brought to the attention of the Judiciary either automatically through the accumulation of points via the card system or, as matters raised by way of complaint by either individuals or a club. Complaints relating to matters that have been dealt with by a match umpire will not usually be considered, unless the umpire or a club that is involved in the incident raises the complaint. Except for a Red Card, the Judiciary may elect not to hear the matter. The WHA Board will deal with complaints relating to the behaviour of whole teams, whether it is in respect of on or off the field incidents, or off field incidents involving individual participants or umpires. Matters not requiring a Hearing of the Judiciary - Automatic suspensions Red Cards: Players receiving a red card are automatically awarded 12 points & will be suspended for at least one match to be approved by Wellington Hockey Association. This suspension will run concurrent with any imposed as a result of an accumulation of points. This suspension will commence at the conclusion of the match in which the card is issued & no additional notice is required. The Judicial Committee may require the offender to appear before it & impose whatever additional penalty/suspension they consider appropriate. Wellington Hockey Association will confirm the suspension in writing to the player’s club secretary, & will also advise of any requirement for the player to appear before the Judicial Committee. Following the penalty/suspension, 6 points will remain credited to the player, & remain on the record of the player for the duration of the playing season. Yellow & Green Cards: Players accumulating 12 points will automatically be suspended for at least one match to be approved by Wellington Hockey Association. The Judicial Committee may require the offender to appear before it & impose whatever further penalty/suspension they consider appropriate. Following the penalty/suspension 6 points will remain credited to the player & remain on the record of the player for the duration of the playing season. Those who reach 12 points will be advised by WHA in writing that they have been automatically suspended for at least one match to be approved by WHA. This notification will be forwarded through the club secretary, & will also advise of any requirement to appear before the Judicial Committee. The player may continue to play until such time as this notice is received. The

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5.1.5.5

5.1.5.6

5.1.5.7

5.1.5.8

automatic suspension will be deemed to commence from the day following the match in which the point’s threshold was reached or, if the player has participated in a match since the match in which the point’s threshold was reached, & before notice was received, from the date of that more recent match. The notification will contain details of the various cards issued, & if available, a copy of any umpire’s reports. The player has the right to challenge the fact that a particular card has been issued. Such challenge must be accompanied by a $30 fee, which may be forfeited if the challenge is not upheld. Players accumulating 12 points within 6 months of the conclusion of an automatic suspension will be required to appear before the Judicial Committee who may impose whatever additional penalty/suspension they consider appropriate. Following the penalty/suspension 6 points will remain credited to the player & remain on the record of the player for the duration of the season. Discretion Where the Judiciary is of the view that the imposition of at least one match suspension is an unduly harsh penalty, it may impose a lesser penalty/suspension. The Judiciary is to exercise this power only in cases where the imposition will cover a HNZ tournament & will therefore result in the player being unable to attend. Hearings of the Judiciary These hearings will be conducted in a fair & just manner. Participants have the right to be represented & to respond to any evidence given. Hearings may be held without the participant being present if the participant chooses, by notice or their action, not to attend a meeting of the Judiciary. Failure to respond to a notice of a meeting of the Judiciary can be interpreted as the participant electing not to attend the meeting, when it is clear that the participant has received the notice & has had adequate time to respond. Notice of Hearing Notice of Judicial hearings will be given to the participant & the secretary of the Club to which the participant is affiliated, as soon as possible after the need for a hearing becomes known. Wherever possible, written notice will be followed by verbal advice. The notice must contain details of the complaint, copies of any written evidence to hand, i.e. umpires reports, letters of complaint etc. Matters involving more than one person may be dealt with together. Hearings may be held without the participant being present. Participants have the right to be represented. Basic procedures to be followed in judicial hearings                

Each hearing will be conducted in a fair & just manner with proceedings being recorded. The following procedure will be adopted: The members of the Judiciary will be introduced, Other parties at the hearing will be identified, The charges to be considered will be detailed, The participant will be asked to plead to the charges, The participant will be given the opportunity to make a statement, Other evidence will be considered i.e. umpires reports, hearing of witness etc, The participant will be given the opportunity to make another statement, The Judiciary will consider the charges, The decision of the Judiciary will be delivered, Submissions on penalty will be received, The Judiciary will consider the penalty, The decision of the Judiciary will be delivered along with reasons thereof, The participant will be advised of the right of appeal & the consequences of the penalty, The Judiciary may adjourn or postpone a hearing.

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5.1.5.9 5.1.5.10

5.1.5.11

5.1.5.12

5.1.5.13

5.1.5.14

5.1.5.15

5.1.5.16

5.1.5.17

Burden of Proof The Burden of Proof shall be on the balance of probabilities. Notice of penalty where hearing held The outcome of the Judiciary hearing will be put in writing as soon as possible to the Club or Organisation to which the participant is affiliated, the other Club or Organisation involved, HNZ and any other parties as dictated by the HNZ Association Code of Conduct. Communication of Judiciary decisions to clubs All clubs will be advised of details of the Judiciary’s decision, along with reasons for the decision where appropriate. Right of appeal Decisions of the Judiciary may be appealed as set forth in the Wellington Hockey Association Code of Conduct under the Appeals Clauses (13) to the Chief Executive of Hockey New Zealand accompanied by a fee of $300 within one week of the release of the decision. Clubs also have a constitutional right to appeal any decision of this Association to Hockey New Zealand, but only in so far as it concerns any point of law. Factors to be considered in determining guilt or otherwise The participant’s past actions are irrelevant to the determination of guilt. The extent of any injury suffered or inflicted is relevant. Factors to be considered in determining penalties if a participant is found guilty of an offence. Matters to be considered when determining the penalty to be imposed should include: Greater significance should be placed on the player’s intention than on the actual outcome i.e. the fact that a player swings a stick at another player is more critical to determining the extent of the penalty than whether or not it actually connects or causes significant injury. The consequences of any action may, however, influence the penalty to the extent that the Judiciary believes it is equitable. For example, a penalty might reflect the number of weeks a player is unable to play as a consequence of injury caused to him or her. The penalty should reflect the intentions of the player & the potential danger associated with that action. The past history of the participant should also be considered. Repeat offenders can expect more severe penalties. Provocation & Retaliation In any case in which it is claimed a participant was guilty of an offence by reason of provocative conduct on the part of another participant or person, such provocative conduct shall be no defence to any incident but may be taken into account in determining the penalty/suspension. The fact that a participant acted in retaliation shall be no defence but may be taken into account in determining the penalty/suspension. Penalty Guidelines Schedule 1 (Appendix 1) to the code of conduct contains suggested penalty guidelines for various offences. The guidelines are not prescriptive but are designed to enhance consistency in the determinations made by the Judiciary. A suspended sentence provision is a tool which the Judiciary can use when considered necessary. In addition, the Judiciary may find extenuating circumstances, which may necessitate the reduction of the sentences, lower than those suggested in Schedule 1. Proceedings not to be invalidated for Technical Reasons No proceedings heard shall be quashed or held invalid by reason only of any defect, irregularity, omission or other technicality provided there has been no miscarriage of justice.

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 25 / 26

5.2

Disciplinary & Complaints Procedures

5.2.1

Refer to the Code of Conduct, Wellington Hockey Association as approved at the Annual General Meeting 26 March 2014.

Appendix 1 - Schedule 1 Suggested Penalty Guidelines 1.

Disputing an umpire decision, serious reluctance to accept decisions, use of offensive gestures.

Minimum of 1 Match

2.

Abuse of a participant or umpire (in the case of ugly abuse a further penalty).

Minimum of 2 Matches

3.

Persistent and deliberate breach of the Rules of Hockey (generally considered dangerous and intimidating) following a warning from an umpire.

Minimum of 2 Matches

4.

Acts detrimental to a fixture/competition e.g. misbehaviour at a centre – abuse of equipment.

Minimum of 2 Matches

5.

Abusive conduct with a spectator.

Minimum of 4 Matches

6.

Striking a participant with or without a stick – first offence.

Minimum of 2 Matches to life

7.

Striking a participant with or without a stick – second offence.

Minimum of 20 Matches to life

8.

Assault or battery to a participant, or spectator.

Minimum of 4 Matches to life

WHA Local Competitions Handbook 2016 Page 26 / 26