This code for player behavior applies to all players involved in hockey at PWHC, regardless of the status of their subscription. To protect the reputation of PWHC, this code for behaviour will also apply to all those associated with PWHC on and off the pitch and at any hockey ground.
Expected minimum standards of behaviour and conduct
 
All such individuals involved in hockey with PWHC will, at all times:

• Respect the spirit of fair play in hockey. This is more than playing within the rules. It also incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always participating with the right spirit.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others. This means respect for umpires, officials, coaches, players, juniors and spectators.
• Behave in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others and never participate when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent the sport from being brought into disrepute. Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, with dignity. Set a positive example for others, particularly officials, younger participants, and spectators.
• Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behavior.
• Never use inappropriate language or gestures on or off the pitch. Never use foul, sexist, abusive, racist or any other prejudicial language or tolerate it from fellow players and/or team officials.
• Abide by the EHB Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures and Good Practice Guidelines.
• Abide by the EHB Equality Policy.
• Abide by the EHB Anti-doping Rules.

 
Should a member of the PWHC administration witness that another member is breaching the code of conduct, they have the right to ask that member to leave the field of play or the premises at which they are playing. The above responsible individuals will be expected to intervene in this manner particularly should there be a breach related to the safety of the individual or others or related to the well being and safeguarding of junior (<18) club members or where the breach would have a serious negative impact on the perception of PWHC. Any breach of the code of conduct that impacts on any junior member(s) is deemed as extremely serious and will be dealt with appropriately.
 
Members of the PWHC administration include the Executive Committee, club coaches, captains, and umpires. Failure to adhere to instructions by a member of the PWHC administration will be dealt with through the process below.
 
In addition, if a complaint is received about a member of PWHC’s behaviour from another member, an official, a visiting team member or any other person associated with hockey, and it is deemed that the member is not adhering to the above code for behaviour then the following process will commence:
 

1. A formal meeting will be arranged with the member and a minimum of two Executive Committee members to discuss the complaint. Should it be deemed that the members behavior does not meet the standards PWHC have set, then a written warning will be issued.
2. Should there be a repeat or other offence by the same member then a further formal meeting will be arranged with the member and a minimum of two Executive Committee members to discuss the complaint. Should it be deemed that the members’ behavior does not meet the standards PWHC have set, then a suspension will be implemented, the length of the suspension dependent on the seriousness of the offence. This will range from a single game suspension to a suspension for the rest of the season.
3. Should there be any further repeat of the members’ behavior then PWHC reserve the right to refuse the member their membership as detailed in the clubs' constitution.

 
Should the Executive Committee be made aware of any offence committed by any member outside of the hockey environment and deemed to make them an unsuitable member, then PWHC also reserve the right to refuse the member their membership as detailed in the clubs’ constitution.
 
Appeal
Should the member wish to appeal against the penalty meted out, they may appeal. The appeal needs to be made within 2 days. This appeal will be considered within the following 7 days by the President and the PWHC Chair.
 
PWHC Executive Committee