SE Discipline Update - February 2023

INTRODUCTION FROM AREA DISCIPLINE ADMINISTRATOR

This season over 50% of the Red cards or MMOs that South East have had to deal with have been issued by umpires for dissent.

Therefore, can you please remind Captains of the 30 minute rule.  This is, that it is advisable for players NOT to talk to the umpires immediately after the game about issues that happened during their match.  It is much better to wait 20-30 minutes and talk to the umpire about decisions or interpretations of rules in the clubhouse over a cup of tea, but when asked by the umpire to stop, please stop.

There is a procedure within the South East Area for feedback on umpires.

Finally, please remind your members that the minimum suspension for dissent by England Hockey Regulations is 16 days, which cannot be appealed.

I am hoping with this correspondence will reduce the number of dissent case that South East have to deal with, as it is frustrating having to suspend someone over an incident that should be avoided.

Martin Lewis

PITCH SIDE URINATION

Following an incident in the first half of the season the correct way to deal with incidents of pitch side urination has been in question.  After discussions with England Hockey, there is no change to the existing policy which was issued in Dec 2018 via the EH Newsletter ("Club Together") as follows:

"CODE OF ETHICS AND BEHAVIOUR UPDATE

We are seeing an increasing number of complaints regarding urinating at the side of the pitch.  As we are sure you will all agree, this behaviour is not only unpleasant but also a contravention of the EH ‘Respect – Code of Ethics and Behaviour – Disrepute Offence', not to mention in some cases a criminal offence. We expect all members to refrain from such behaviour. However, in the event of such incidences, in keeping with the revised Disrepute Complaint Regulations, we kindly ask that these be referred to EH as a Disrepute Complaint in the first instance. It is likely that offenders will face a suspension. "

Typically, when reported to the England Hockey Disrepute Authorities these offences carry a two match (2 weekends) ban.

ADVICE TO UMPIRES FOR COMPLETING A RED CARD/MMO

Please see below guidance how to deal with Red Cards/MMO’S & Technical Red Cards. For more information, please refer to the England Hockey website under Discipline.

1: Carry a copy of the Red Card Report Form (RCRF) with your umpiring kit, but always use the latest version from the SE Hockey website to submit your form.

2: It is important that while a Red Card and an MMO are obviously designed for very different situations, they are treated in the same way and form.

3a: Red cards - After awarding a Red Card take a note of the player’s name and shirt number (checking if the offender age if U18) so you can record on the RCRF accurately after the match and then the immediate priority is to request the player leaves the pitch.

3b: MMO’s – You must deliver a MMO notification, not show a Red card; do not get your colleague to do this on your behalf. Ensure you tell the team captain, a team official or club disciplinary officer to inform the offender the MMO has been issued if you do not wish to tell the offender directly.

3c: Technical Red - If the red card offence is one which consisted of two separate, but the same, minor offence* for which a yellow card was awarded for the first offence you will need to complete and submit the RCRF.

*Note: A minor offence is defined as an offence which DOES NOT involve

• Any used, attempted or threatened physical violence or
• Any dissent towards an umpire, properly appointed tournament, or match official

4: Please do not discuss the incident after the game with the team or offender.

5: Complete the RCRF carefully by finishing each section before moving on to the next.

6: Box 9 of the RCRF is the umpire’s opportunity to report what happened.

Be clear and specific; please give facts not opinions.

What was said and/or done?

Had there been earlier concerns about the offender’s behaviour or was the offence spontaneous?

What happened after the card was issued?

After the issue of a RC/MMO please contact Martin Lewis on 07511 035930 or Philip Hook 07977 471629 to go through the incident and for additional statement guidance to be sent to you.

7: When the RCRF has been completed it must be sent as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after the end of the game to Martin Lewis, SE Hockey, Discipline Chair discipline.chair@southeast.hockey

8: A Red card/MMO can only be withdrawn once issued if there is a clear case of mistaken identity.