Ipswich - East Suffolk Hockey Club

Copyright 2012 - All rights reserved

IES Players Code of Conduct

(Updated 30th July 2011)


Members should note that the Club operates as a non-profit making organisation with a subscription and match fee structure which is below the average for clubs in the sport. It is run by volunteers for volunteers. If there is anything you feel should be done better - please don't complain or quit - please do offer your services or constructive comments to the Committee!


Senior Members, with a long term commitment to the club, should reckon to make themselves available for a significant committee role not less than one season in every 4 seasons (e.g., team captain, fixtures sec, etc), and commit the time to doing a competent, timely and efficient job, including attendance at Club Committee Meetings!


Further details on some of the organisational rules and participation costs are detailed as follows:-


  1. You must drive slowly and with due care at Rushmere Sports Club and the pitch premises where we play, home and away. The Rules of Rushmere Sports Club are applicable to IES members, opponents and guests when using the premises.


  1. Players are required to be at the match venue 30 minutes before the start and in correct kit (Men’s & Ladies 1st teams usually 1 hour before the start of League games). An official numbered Club Red Shirt and a numbered White Shirt must be taken to all games (for 'emergencies'). Note that the Club possesses some sets of alternatively coloured (Green or Yellow) change-strip shirts, which will be used when required and if available but the need to take a White shirt as availability of an alternative always applies.


  1. In the event of bad weather the game is on unless you are notified. It is essential that mobile phones are kept turned on, especially on Saturday mornings, for this purpose. Please also check the club website for possible information.


  1. At least 2 weeks notice of non-availability must be given to your regular captain and the Team Secretary.


  1. Club subscriptions are due on the 1st September 2011 and annually thereafter.


  1. Participation in matches requires payment of the pertinent match fees immediately after the game - debts and arrears are not welcome!


  1. Subscriptions and match fees should be paid when due.


  1. Players who have not paid the appropriate Club subscription by 30th Sept. 2011 should not be selected ahead of paid-up members.


  1. Attendance at official training, tea after matches and support & cooperation, as requested by a captain or committee member, may be taken into consideration by the selection committees. It is considered to be 'poor form' (indeed, unacceptable) to fail to go back to Rushmere for tea after a Saturday game and take part in hosting our visitors for the duration of their stay in the clubhouse - hence item 10 below!


  1. It is the duty of every member, playing at home, to entertain our opponents for the duration of their stay at Rushmere Sports Club.


  1. Any player who has been cautioned by an umpire with a card may appear before the Club committee and may be suspended from playing for the club. In the especially serious instance of a player receiving a Red Card, an immediate playing ban of 16 days is applicable (which is the official minimum). Moreover, additional periods of suspension may be imposed by the Suffolk County Disciplinary Officer depending on the seriousness of the reason for the Red Card. Please be aware that any IES player that receives a Red Card and wishes to appeal will be obliged to personally put up the usual £100 deposit (or any greater amount specified by the ERHA) unless the Club committee considers otherwise. A Red Card awarded for actual or threatened violence will usually mean at least a 90 days ban and quite possibly 180 days, and subject to further penalties being imposed on the individual and the club.


  1. In addition to club rules and Rushmere Sports Club Ltd rules, the IES code of conduct also requires adherence to the England Hockey (EH) code of conduct, including the respect and equity statements. Being unaware of these statements is 'no defence'. Full details are available from the EH site. EH, ERHA and the SHA have also adopted a clear and strong position concerning the use of social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter which must not be used to make inappropriate comments about players, officials, opponents or any aspect of hockey activities in general. If you have concerns about any particular matter or incident please refer it to the Club Chairman in the first instance.


  1. The whole of the Copleston School site is officially Non-Smoking. This stipulation must be respected, or the club will be in breach of contract. If either an IES player, a visiting player or any supporter, is found to be smoking then please ask them to stop immediately and safely extinguish the offending cigarette or pipe.