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| Kevin Hughes | |
 It is with sadness and regret that I have been informed that Kevin Hughes, a Vice President of DHUA and former President, has passed away on Sunday 25 July. Kevin’s funeral will take place on Friday 6 August. A service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 25 South Street, Exeter, EX1 1EB at 10.00 a.m. This will be followed at Exeter Crematorium, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 6EU at 11.15 a.m. Kevin was 80 yrs old, and is survived by two daughters Lesley and Kate and a son Desmond. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends of Kevin and all those who were privileged to have known him. If you have any information about Kevin that you would like me to post on the Devon Hockey Website then please email me. You can also post your thoughts on the DHUA Blog (click on …More below). Paddy Porter President DHUA president@devonumpires.co.uk ... More | |
| Level 1 Umpire Coach Award Course | |
| DHUA are intending to hold a Level 1 Umpire Coach Award Course on Saturday 18 September 2010 at UCP Marjon. This follows on from the successful course run on Saturday 27 March 2010, also at UCP Marjon, where 9 Level 1 Umpire Coach candidates attended. This course will run alongside the Plymouth Marjon pre-season tournament on 18 September. There are 4 spaces available on this course and the Level 1 Umpire Coach candidates from this course and the previous course (who have yet to be assessed) will then have the opportunity to coach under the supervision of qualified coaches and be assessed for their Umpire Coach qualification. Getting more Level 1 Umpire Coaches qualified is an important part of the RDU campaign. This will allow umpires in Devon to receive quality coaching to an agreed standard thereby improving the skills and confidence of umpires of whatever level. If you are interested in becoming a Level 1 Umpire Coach and attending the course on 18 September 2010, then please email me ASAP. Paddy Porter President DHUA president@devonumpires.co.uk | |
 Get updates via SMS by texting:follow devonhua to 86444 Paddy Porter President DHUA ... More | |
| Vetting and Barring Scheme | |
 The Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced after the election that registration for the Vetting and Barring Scheme, due to begin next month, is to be put on hold. A review of the entire Vetting and Barring Scheme will take place amidst concerns that the scheme requiring registration is excessive. It had been planned that the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) would have required new recruits and those switching roles into a regulated activity to have registered from later this year, with those working in controlled activities needing to register from 2014. The scheme largely affects those working in the public sector, but also had implications for the private sector as it affects anyone who works with children or vulnerable adults in either a regulated or controlled activity. Employers would have been obliged to check the registration status of prospective employees and those registering would have been agreeing to undergo continuous monitoring as to their suitability. The ISA is also responsible for holding lists of barred individuals, one relating to children and one relating to vulnerable adults. These were introduced in October 2009, and replaced the previous statutory lists. Employers must not employ anyone to work in a regulated activity whilst they are on the list. The ISA will continue to make decisions about who is barred and included on these lists. Existing requirements for CRB checks will also continue to apply. The decision to put a halt to the vetting registration process, pending a review, is likely to result in a much more slimmed down version in due course. Click on ...More below to go to the Independent Safeguarding Authority website. ... More | |
| England footballer Frank Lampard switches to playing Hockey! | |
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| Click on ...More below to find out! ... More | |
| Hockey - Does it have a future? | |
 In recent months I have, either formally or informally, been able to view a number of hockey “case studies”. They cover the full spectrum of hockey from school, club, university, technikon, province, state, district, national and continental.By Steve Jaspan, FIH Executive Board member and chairman of the FIH High Performance Committee: Sadly my conclusion is that in far too many cases hockey is battling for survival – virtually on a lifeboat bobbing on a sea where the wind, waves and sharks, borne of the pressure of a lack of resources, are buffeting the loyal band (of largely voluntary) administrators. I watch schools hockey and am perturbed at the overall approach across the full spectrum of school teams and the superficiality of coaching and preparation. The loss of players after leaving school is enormous. Clubs are by and large battling for survival and there has been a shrinking of the number of club teams – certainly here in South Africa. Provincial Hockey administration is threadbare and under constant pressure – often just keeping their finger in the dike like the Dutch legend – rather than longer term planning. The quality of umpiring in lower leagues is often something which raises serious concerns and tensions amongst players. The majority of National Associations can hardly keep the wolf from the door as their international team programmes consume the majority of their budgets leaving the average league players disgruntled that they are not receiving value for levies or subscriptions paid and demanding a bigger piece of the pie. Many National Associations are run primarily by volunteers or a combination of a small full time staff and volunteers – all massively dependent on Government grants. This puts them at the whim of politicians who often force issues upon these Associations. The Continental Federations have vast hockey territories to administer – expensive, arduous and complex, as there are language differences, vast distances to travel, and varying standards of communication, and of course vastly differing local conditions and resources. Hockey has to come up with innovative plans to break this stranglehold and despite the excellent work of the Development and Coaching Committee of the FIH and the Continental Development Officers, new ideas to assist Continental Federations and National Associations have to be devised and effectively implemented. Greater assistance needs to be given to break the vicious circle of mere survival – the “Treadmill syndrome”. We need to give our members, the National Associations as much support as possible. In fact, we need to enhance and intensify this support! For hockey to gain “market” share in the World of Sport, the FIH’s new Strategic Planning must be completed and urgently implemented to increase income threefold! Resources must rapidly flow to key strategic projects. It is no longer just a dream but an absolute necessity! Statement by Paddy Porter, President DHUA: Sounds familiar, even in the UK! Clearly hockey has to compete against other sports (e.g. football, rugby, to name but a few) and therefore everyone involved in the wonderful game of hockey (e.g. players, umpires, administrators, leagues, association, etc.) need to think about the ‘big picture’ and not about their own self interest. Comment on the DHUA Blog by clicking on ...More below: ... More | |
| Plymouth Primary Mixed Hockey Festival | |
 Read the full article by clicking on ...More below:Excerpt: ”Jamie Oxley praised the team of volunteers from UCP Marjon, Ivybridge, DHS Boys, Plymstock, Coombe Dean, Ridgeway, St Boniface College, Hele's, Sir John Hunt and Stoke Damerel and the local clubs, who all enabled the event to run so smoothly. Many of them qualified as foundation umpires days before the event, with the support of Devon umpire president Paddy Porter, Julia Gill and Pete Hammond who all provided coaching during the tournament. National development manager Jane Nockolds, who has been to several Olympics, made a special visit to speak to all the umpires. Porter presented 13-year-old Nick Fennell from DHS Boys and Plymouth Marjon, with the young umpire award for his overall performance umpiring with Ben Lock (OPM and DHS Boys) in the final.” Paddy P.S. Spot the deliberate mistake in this article and win . . . . nothing! ... More | |
 The ‘Control Ladder’ isn’t some new fangled invention from those wily clever Japanese type people. It is an umpiring tool that can be used by umpires to aid ‘Player Management’. DHUA, courtesy of Surrey HUA, have produced an article on this that has been uploaded to the Devon Hockey Website. All umpires are encouraged to read it and inwardly digest it (not literally obviously as the ingestion of a pdf file, even if printed onto paper, is clearly not advisable). It is hoped to make Player Management and the Control Ladder the subject of a pre season umpire forum (details to follow). Click on ...More below to read 'all about it'. Paddy Porter President DHUA ... More | |
| Coach Required for Sidmouth Hockey Club | |
 Sidmouth Hockey Club run 4 Mens and 2 Ladies teams in West Leagues. The Men’s 1st XI play in Premier 3, with the Ladies 1sts currently in the South Division.The club are currently looking to recruit a coach (es) who would be willing to attend training on Wednesdays at Ottery St Mary to take sessions coaching basic aspects of the game through to more technical points and set pieces. The club are also actively looking to recruit new players. For further information, please contact Ian Brown – ianbrown1@hotmail.com – 07855 862135 ... More | |
| Level 1 Umpire Coach Award Success | |
 Congratulations to Andrew Harvey, Graham Woolcock, Graham Smith and Keith Dingle who have passed their Level 1 Umpire Coach Award after attending the Devon Finals Days at the University of Exeter on 24 April 2010. Experienced coaches (Jane Nockolds, Julia Gill & Andy Rowe) were on hand to observe them as they coached umpires at the Finals Day. After the game they carried out a verbal debriefing and then prepared written online reports highlighting the issues arising. This followed on from the Level 1 Umpire Coaching day held at UCP Marjon, Plymouth on 27 March 2010 where 9 Level 1 Umpire Coach Candidates attended to undergo theory and practical sessions. It is hoped that the remaining Candidates will pass their Coach award over the next few months. This important development will add to the number of existing Umpire Coaches, who can then use their new skills to assist all Devon Umpires who wish to receive coaching.. If you wish to receive coaching (which is provided FREE OF CHARGE to all Devon Umpires) then please contact the DHUA Appointment Secretary (see website for details) who will be able to assist. You will have to update the website with your availability (via your Personal Area; click on …More below) so you can be appointed. Picture: Andrew Harvey (Level 1 Umpire Coach) chatting to Umpires Bob Whitell, James Sinclair and Reserve Umpire Adam Wheeler during the Teignmouth v Mannamead Devon Cup Final (Women) fixture. ... More | |
| President's Report to DHU AGM - 14 May 2010 | |
 Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring (RDU) has been going for 5 years and DHUA is still striving to improve umpiring at all levels within Devon. I know that Devon umpiring is respected throughout the West and beyond. DHUA continues to be a progressive, supportive and forward thinking umpire association, in fact ‘a role model association’. We still want to achieve more, because this will help everyone involved in hockey, making our sport better to participate in and enjoy at County, Regional and National level as we head towards the 2012 Olympics.The success of RDU is there for all to see. However, I do want to highlight the success achieved over the last 5 years. • More Qualified Umpires • Increased Confidence and Better Skilled Umpires • A clear development path to Level 2 for those who wish to progress • More appointments within Devon to League, BUCS and Cup Competitions • A successful Young Umpire Action Group • A coaching network committed to further improving Devon Umpiring • A committed & dedicated committee • A ‘good feeling’ within the Devon Umpiring community • Social events such as the Dinner and Golf Day • Influence at the highest levels in England Hockey The influence and effect of Devon Umpiring has been recognised with Julia Gill and I being asked to join the recently formed England Hockey Board ‘Officiating & Rules Committee’, where we can exert real influence from the top down as well as the bottom up. On a personal note I was very proud to represent Devon, along with Alan Thomson, at the Masters Hockey World Cup in Hong Kong, in what can easily be described as the most wonderful experience. Also, I was nominated as ‘Official of the Year’ in the Devon Sports Awards. Other hockey nominations were for David King (Young Volunteer of the Year) and Colleen Devincenzi (Senior Female Coach). This proves that Devon Hockey is well represented in many different areas in Devon. Thank you all for your support over the last 5 years and your help in making RDU the success it is, because ‘Together we have done it”. Alan 'Paddy' Porter | |
| Plymouth Marjon (Women) Win West Award | |
 Plymouth Marjon Ladies 1st team won the West Womens League Premier 1 Umpires Award for hospitality for the season 2009/2010 something they are very proud of. Becky Hart, Jackie Anning and Jackie Daw have worked hard to make sure Plymouth Marjon looked after the travelling umpires from the West. Congratulations to them. ... More | |
| ENGLAND HOCKEY LEAGUE 2010-11 COMPOSITION | |
 The composition of the Conferences in the England Hockey League (EHL) for the 2010-11 season has been agreed by the EHL Committee. In setting these the committee takes into consideration teams joining the league from Regional Premier Divisions and promotions and relegations within the EHL.As a principle the committee agrees that teams are not moved from one conference to another unless there is a significant advantage in doing so in terms of travel distance or travel time. The only team to change Conference for the 2010-11 season is Aldridge, which moves from Women’s Conference West to Women’s Conference North. Click on ...More below for further details | |
| Masters Hockey Survey | |
 Take part in the biggest survey ever done on Masters Hockey in England. Have your say on the future of playing age group hockey (40+) in England. Tell us what keeps you playing and what turns you off! · What makes you continue playing hockey - friends, family, social, competition? · Do you want more people and teams of your age group to play against? · Are you thinking of stopping playing? Why? Getting tired of trying to keep up with the 20 year olds in your team? · Friends who you have played with for years have stopped playing? · Have a family and can’t commit to playing at the weekends? · Your job means you can’t commit to playing every week? · Is there something we can provide for you that will help you to stay and enjoy the sport? Hockey is a family sport built on strong values of integrity, friendship, ethics and inclusion. It is a fun sport played by both genders, from ages 5 to 75. Hockey is now preparing for a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity leading up to 2012. As a sport we are ambitious and want to provide more playing opportunities for people of all ages and stages in life. Whilst we have a rich tradition of providing opportunities for young people we are just as passionate about ensuring that adults of all ages also have good and accessible opportunities to play their sport…….so tell us what you think and be part of a Masters revolution Simply click on ...More below to select the right survey for you and don’t forget to pass this on – we want to get as many opinions as possible! Everyone taking part in this survey could win one of 5 Hockey News magazine subscriptions on offer! ... More | |
| Another DHUA Success Story | |
 Congratulations to Graham Woolcock who has achieved his Level 2 Umpire Award, after passing his West Assessment game. Graham joined DHUA from Cornwall HUA in order to progress his umpiring and DHUA are pleased that Graham joins the long list of recent successes of DHUA umpires who have gained their Level 2 Umpire Award.Graham (pictured in the suit) has also undertaken his Level 1 Umpire Coach Award and is now working towards qualifying as an Umpire Coach. Note: It's a Cornish Duck, not a Devon Turkey; click on ...More below for further information. ... More | |
| Adding a Non DHUA Appointed Fixture to an Umpire's Match History | |
 As previously notified, the number of days in the past that an umpire can enter a Non DHUA Appointed Game to their Match History has now been reduced to 30 days. It has been lowered over the 2009/10 season by 10 days per month down to 30; it is not currently planned to lower it any further.If you have not added a game you umpired and this game is more than 30 days old then to add the game to your Match History you will need to contact the DHUA Membership Secretary who manages the Level 1 Register (click on ...More to see who this might be). The DHUA committee feel that entering games umpired within 30 days is a reasonable time to allow someone to add such a game to their Match History. It will also allow the umpire to keep up-to-date with News Items (such as this one) and any important announcement in relation to all aspects of Devon Hockey and beyond. REMEMBER: DHUA APPOINTED GAMES are ADDED AUTOMATICALLY to your Match History. ... More | |
| Claiming Expenses for Cancelled Fixtures | |
 If a game is cancelled and your have been appointed to it by DHUA please DO NOT enter any Match Feedback, including any transport costs incurred for the fixture in question as it causes all sorts of problems when we try an reappoint to the fixture in the future.If you do incur any transport costs (e.g. because you travelled to the game and it was then abandoned before it was completed, cancelled before you got there, etc.) then please email the DHUA Treasurer with details of your transport costs (if applicable). Also copy me in on this email so I can remove your appointment to this game. Paddy | |
| EHB Officiating & Rules Committee | |
 The England Hockey Board have approved the new Officiating & Rules Committee. This committee has replaced the previous Umpiring Committee.The England Hockey Officiating and Rules Committee (ORC) is authorised by the England Hockey Board of Directors to conduct their business in accordance with the Terms of Reference that can be found by clicking on …More below. Composition and Membership of ORC: The composition of the ORC shall be a maximum of 10 persons including the Chair (David ‘Tex’ Lane) and the National Manager (NM) responsible for Officiating and Volunteers (Jane Nockolds). The remaining Committee members were appointed after nominations from the Regional Consultative Committee and all areas of the membership inclusive of clubs, counties, regions, and county and regional hockey umpire associations (HUA’s). The ORC includes a representative of the National Programme Umpires Association (NPUA). The Chair, who was appointed by the England Hockey Board of Directors, together with the NM and the Development Director appointed the remaining members of the Committee after an interview process and eventual approval by the Board. The membership of the Committee includes expertise in the following areas: �� International Umpiring and Umpire Management �� National Umpire Selection �� Regional and County Umpiring Association activities and policies �� Club Umpiring and Umpire Coaching �� Young Umpiring ‐ active young umpire �� Coaching – active Club or National level coach (non Umpire) �� Coach Education – knowledge of implementing quality standards i.e. National Occupational Standards �� Technical Officiating – Tournament Director, Table official experience/expertise �� Education – teaching and curricular knowledge (primary, secondary, colleges and universities) �� Event management (inclusive of seminars and conferences) and sponsorship Responsibilities: The ORC is responsible for working alongside the NM to develop and implement the Officiating and Rules priorities as identified in the England Hockey Strategic Plan, which are: a. Increase the number of active lower level umpires by making the level 1 quicker to achieve b. Continue to develop opportunities for young umpires through Regional and County young umpire groups, clubs and schools c. Improve the quality of umpiring, umpires, umpire coaches and umpires managers by introducing standardisation of awards and training (similar to coaching) and increase the number of trained assessors d. Continue to increase the number and quality of qualified active umpires involved in the sport above level 1 e. Increase resources for coaches and officials involved in delivering / servicing the sport f. Create a plan for developing technical officials to service the sport and providing a pathway for them to reach the highest levels. g. Work with our Regional and County HUAs to develop common work practices and a good practice guide. Also work with other EH Departments & Committees to develop an accreditation scheme for County, Regional and Umpire Associations. h. Develop and support delivery of an officials performance plan (umpire and officials) i. Align officials education and development to the Single System ‐ Ensure pathway for officials is fair, open and transparent and built around the Single System The New OCR Committee are: David Lane (Chair), Jane Nockolds (NM), Bruce Bale, Dawn Bonner, Steve Catton, Karen Daffey, David Dowdall (NPUA Representative), Julia Gill, Liz Pelling, Paddy Porter and Holly Woodford. Note by President DHUA: As you can see, Devon has 2 representatives on the new OCR committee (Julia Gill and I) and we will be offering the OCR our full support to achieve the priorities of the OCR, based on the responsibilities listed above (a. to i.). Julia and I will be feeding back to the OCR the knowledge and experience gained in Devon's Reinvigorating Devon Umpiring campaign and Julia in the other areas where she has strengths and expertise. Minutes of the OCR will be listed in the DHUA Minutes Section of the Devon Hockey Website. Paddy President DHUA ... More | |
| 3G Pitches (Ivybridge) | |
 3G Pitches In England That Have Been Certified As Meeting the FIH Performance Standards.This list is updated when the FIH advises England Hockey of 3G pitches that have been approved / certified as meeting their performance standards. Certification is issued by the FIH following on-site testing by an FIH Approved Test Laboratory and England Hockey therefore permits these pitches to be used for competitive hockey. It is important that clubs / schools / organisations recognise that the list certifies the named pitch ONLY. It does not certify any other pitch of the same model / made by the same manufacturer. To see the full list click on ...More below. Ivybridge Community College, Devon. Pitch Type: Polytan 2035, Certified as meeting the FIH Performance Standards in April 2009 ... More | |
| Awards | |
 The Devon Hockey Website has been recently updated to incorporate an ‘Awards’ page.This will be updated to reflect all the awards that DHUA give in due course. Initially, the DHUA Vice Presidents have been added. The first Vice President of DHUA was Kevin Hughes (see picture right), who was presented with a certificate to mark this at the University of Exeter on 11 June 2007. Click on …More to see the new page. Paddy President DHUA ... More | |
| What to do if a Fixture listed on Devon Hockey Website is Cancelled | |
 There are times when fixtures are cancelled (e.g. inclement weather, unavailability of facilities, illness, cancellation due to a higher priority game, etc.). When this happens there are several actions that need to be carried out. While some are obvious, others may not. By taking the actions in the link (click on ...More below), it is hoped that everyone involved is kept up-to-date and this will aid the efficient operation of Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association and the running of the Devon Hockey Website.Paddy President DHUA ... More | |
| What to do if a DHUA Appointed Umpire is NOT contacted by the First Named Team | |
 It is the responsibility of the first named team to confirm the following with the Devon Hockey Umpires’ Association (DHUA) Appointed Assessor, Coach, Mentor or Umpire in accordance with the rules of the relevant League or Competition:• Date • Time • Venue • Team Colours Click on ...More to see what actions are to be taken if you are not contacted. Paddy President DHUA ... More | |
| Change to Self Pass Rule! | |
 At its meeting in November 2009, the Hockey Rules Board reviewed the interpretation of part of Rule 13.2.h. The Rule states:“Procedures for taking a free hit, centre pass and putting the ball back into play after it has been outside the field : from a free hit awarded to the attack within the 23 metres area, the ball must not be played into the circle until it has travelled at least 5 metres or has been touched by a player of either team other than the player taking the free hit.” The Rule itself is UNCHANGED but the following interpretation of a particular action is added and should be attached as a note beneath the Rule in printed copies: ”It is permitted to play the ball high above the attacking circle so that it lands outside the circle subject to Rules related to dangerous play and that the ball is not legitimately playable inside or above the circle by another player during its flight.” This interpretation will be applied with effect from 1 January 2010. Note by Paddy (President DHUA): Not sure we will see a lot of this within Devon but if you do from 1 January 2010 you now know what to do! ... More | |
| Rules of Mini Hockey 2009 | |
 Please find below a statement from England Hockey regarding the implementation of the new Rules for Mini Hockey 2009. You can also download this information using the link at the bottom of this News Item by clicking on ...More.Implementation Date in England The Rules of Mini Hockey are issued by England Hockey. They are reviewed every two years so as to be in accordance with the revised FIH Rules of Hockey (where appropriate). England Hockey has not previously adapted or adopted any mandatory experiments from the 11 a-side game into Mini Hockey; however, this year, due to the significant impact of the new free hit mandatory experiment England Hockey has reviewed its position and can confirm that the new Rules of Mini Hockey 2009-10 will include an adapted version of the self-pass at free hits and re-starts. These new Rules of Mini Hockey 2009-10 shall apply to all mini hockey players and officials. The implementation date is for all mini hockey competitions, inclusive of schools and clubs championships, is 1 November 2009. Any club, school, association or organisation wishing to implement prior to 1 November is free to do so. ... More | |
| Rules of Indoor Hockey 2009 | |
 Please find below a statement from England Hockey regarding the implementation of the new Rules for Indoor Hockey 2009. You can also download this information using the link at the bottom of this News Item by clicking on ...More.The Rules of Indoor Hockey are issued by the Hockey Rules Board under the authority of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). England Hockey is invited by the FIH to independently decide the implementation date of the FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey. The Rules of Indoor Hockey apply to all indoor hockey players and all officials. The implementation date internationally was 1 May 2009. The implementation date in England for all indoor hockey competition inclusive of schools and clubs championships is 1 November 2009. Any club, association or organisation wishing to implement the prior to 1 November is free to do so. ... More | |
| FIH Certified 3G Pitches in England | |
 Click on ...More for full details... More | |
| QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: The New Free Hit Rule | |
 Click on ...More. This is taken from the USA Field Hockey Umpires Page and should be read as such (including their 'quaint' use of hockey related terminology). Two countries separated by a 'common' language!!!!! However, despite the use of words such as 'scrimmage', 'restarter', 'proximity markers', the advice is sound.It is moderated by Steve Horgan, Interpreter – USA Field Hockey. Paddy ... More | |
| The OFFICIAL FIH 2009 Self Pass Rule Video | |
 USA Field Hockey Technical Director Terry Walsh, in conjunction with the FIH, has prepared a video to assist players, coaches and umpires with the understanding and implementation of the new rule governing free hits. Click on ...More for the OFFICIAL video backed by FIH. There are some video clips on Utube but they do contain inaccuracies and should NOT be relied upon. Paddy ... More | |
| Safeguarding and Protecting Young People | |
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| England Hockey is the national governing body for the sport of hockey in England, with over 1050 affiliated clubs. As part of its commitment to ensuring that young people are able to enjoy the sport of hockey, England Hockey has developed this Policy on Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey. England Hockey believes that all young people involved in hockey have a fundamental right to be protected so that they can enjoy the sport free from all forms of abuse and exploitation. It therefore seeks to help protect and promote the welfare of all young people in hockey by having in place clear policies and guidance for its affiliated clubs and associations and all others involved in the sport. England Hockey views all those within hockey as part of the Hockey Family. This includes all clubs, associations, other organisations and individuals with any involvement at any level. England Hockey believes that all members of the Hockey Family have responsibilities to help protect young people and England Hockey has developed this Safeguarding and Protecting Young People policy to help ensure that this happens. Safeguarding means promoting the safety and welfare of young people. Safeguarding is a term used to incorporate good practice and is wider than “Child Protection”. Child protection is still an essential element of this policy and is about acting on concerns about a young person or individual. This policy has been formulated in accordance with guidance from the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and in line with Government guidance. We have set the policy out in four sections to make it as user friendly as possible. The four sections are: Section One: Policies Section Two: Recognising and Responding to Concerns and Reporting Procedures Section Three: Good Practice Section Four: Appendices and Templates You can find each section of the policy on the pages below this one. For your convenience they are also available as downloads. England Hockey’s Safeguarding Young People policy will be updated every three years or more frequently as required and in line with changes to legislation, government guidance and industry standard practice. We hope that the policy will assist your club/association as we all work towards a safer environment for the future of our sport. To go to the pages on the England Hockey Website click on ... More | |
| UCP Marjon, Plymouth - Redevelopment | |
 Please also note that from January 2009 the Sports Centre at UCP Marjon in Plymouth will be redeveloped in a £12 million project with a significant section from the Reception, Lion and Lamb, Sports Hall 1, Fitness Suite and Squash Courts all being knocked down. A temporary reception will be built besides Sports Hall 2/3.This is anticipated to last for 18 months (until July 2010). UCP Marjon apologies for any inconvenience caused during this period. Once the new £12million Centre has been completed it will be one of the best in the region. As far as I am aware the ATP will be unaffected. Paddy For some more details click ... More | |
| Message to Devon Hockey Umpires - Dealing with Misconduct | |
 This message has been issued following an incident in a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixture in early November. The incident has been dealt with and the message has been issued by Jane Nockolds of England Hockey. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ “It’s not easy for umpires or referees to deal with misconduct. Sometimes it takes us by surprise, it comes as a shock. Sometimes it’s veiled in threat or sarcasm. All in all, it is usually a difficult and distasteful experience and, it erodes confidence. Umpires genuinely want to do well for the game, for the players, for themselves, so why is it that sometimes they feel that they give up their time only to have it spoiled or tainted or to be abused or threatened by a minority. They deserve better… Most of us who umpire will have felt or thought this way at some stage; it’s not a phenomenon or a myth. It happens. Two of Devon’s hockey umpires were recently involved in a match that presented a variety of challenges and sadly those challenges weren’t simply confined to the pitch. There were also difficulties immediately after the game and some very vociferous and drunken supporters to contend with too. It wasn’t easy… As a result of the incident and the subsequent correspondence, I on behalf of England Hockey wrote to the universities concerned and to their governing body. England Hockey will be meeting with the senior management of BUCS later this week. We have expressed extreme concern to the BUCS Hockey Management Group. Additionally we requested that they remind all of the universities and colleges to do all possible to advocate a spirit of goodwill, fair play and due respect to all umpires and officials in all competitions. But now we have to move on and the best way to do it is to recognise and perhaps remind ourselves where we are in today’s sports officiating world. All umpires should expect in today’s society to have to EARN respect from the players and their coaches and on occasions, to have to work hard to do so. Nothing is automatic or god-given in sport in 2008 and while courtesy and politeness should and usually does prevail in hockey, it should be understood that competition increasingly comes matched with a demand for high levels of competency and management. Sometimes the umpires can deliver in accordance with the expectation and sometimes they don’t or can’t. It’s not a case of failing in the task though, it’s about learning from it and moving on. At every level we can learn more and from every experience, positive or negative we have that opportunity. Umpires of all levels have the tools to punish or remove offenders and hockey has a clear pathway to support the process. Good communication, sound rules knowledge and understanding and management of the play is essential and while acknowledging that every situation is different, the principle remains and it is simple; when and if it goes wrong, start with a verbal warning, next time progress to a green card, then to yellow and ultimately to red. The latter so rarely happens because of the process that precedes it. Even at the Olympic Games we said “please use it umpires. It does work and if we impose a consistent and good level of control from the first whistle to the last whistle, there will be fewer control issues to deal with. Sometimes it requires courage and sometimes it means ‘stepping out of your comfort zone’ but if the game requires just that, please do it.” It worked there and it can work everywhere. Don’t compromise control for flow and don’t compromise fair play…ever. In England we have the Code of Ethics and Behaviour. It has been introduced to help us, to guide us (all of us) and to ensure that misconduct is reported and acted upon. The detail is on the England Hockey website (lick on ...More). Umpires and their Associations are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Code. We specifically draw your attention to the Match-Day Misconduct Reporting procedure and the Disrepute Report – two very different documents and processes to those of the Red Card Report Form. Going back to the incident…I do hope that this situation has not deterred the umpires from umpiring BUCS games and importantly that it hasn’t eroded their confidence in any way. Student hockey matches unlike a number of others have a wealth of intelligence on the pitch and ordinarily they respect and cooperate with officials. Let’s hope that out of this unfortunate incident will come some inspiration, some determination and fingers crossed some reward”. ENDS. JANE NOCKOLDS National Manager - Technical, Officiating & Volunteers ENGLAND HOCKEY Footnote: Devon HUA fully and unequivocally endorses this message from Jane Nockolds. Alan 'Paddy' Porter President DHUA ... More | |
| The England Hockey Code of Ethics and Behaviour | |
 Approved as Regulations by the Board of England Hockey on 17th March 2008, and effective from 1st September 2008The following refers ONLY to Umpires and Officials. The full code can be viewed by clicking the link ...More below. Terms of reference The content of this Code of Behaviour applies to all Umpires and Officials involved in hockey in England. In order to protect the reputation of hockey in England, the code also applies to all those associated with England Hockey who are involved in hockey whilst outside England. Expected Minimum Standards of Behaviour and Conduct All such individuals involved in hockey 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. o Encourage both teams to play within the Rules and the spirit of the game. o Be honest, consistent, objective, impartial and courteous when applying the Rules of the game. o Never request inappropriate hospitality of any kind, or accept any hospitality offered that could be considered to be excessive. o In completing reports, set out the true facts and not attempt to justify or embellish any decisions. • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others. o Respect umpires, officials, coaches, players and spectators. o Show patience and understanding towards those who may be learning the game. o Never publicly express any criticism of umpires or officials such as match officials and technical officers. • Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others. o Have regard to protecting the players through the application of the Rules of the game. o Never participate when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. o Competency: Have a current England Hockey accreditation or registration appropriate to the nature of the activity. o Under 18 year olds: Should only work with or under the guidance of a suitably qualified and insured adult. • Promote the reputation of the sport and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute. o Ensure that all participants are aware of their responsibilities under the Code of Ethics and Behaviour. • Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and threatening or intimidating behaviour. • Never use inappropriate language or gestures. o Never use foul, sexist, abusive, racist or any prejudicial language or tolerate it from players, team officials, spectators or parents. • Abide by the England Hockey Safeguarding and Protecting Young People in Hockey Policy and Procedures. • Abide by the England Hockey Equity Policy. • Abide by the England Hockey Anti-doping Rules. • Take personal responsibility to ensure that they are suitably insured for their activities. ... More | |
| Smoking! | |
 It may seem a little obvious but some facilities have a no smoking policy, especially Astroturf hockey pitches. So, if you still smoke, and will continue to do so even after 1st July, please resist the urge to light up before, or after, you umpire. Only smoke in designated areas and this will make my life a lot easier (yes, people do complain to me about things like this)!Paddy President Some Facts about Smoking > About 12 million adults in Great Britain smoke cigarettes - 26% of men and 23% of women. > Contrary to popular belief, adult smoking rates vary only slightly in different parts of the country: 24% in the East of England, 28% in the North West, 25% in Scotland and 23% in Wales. > Like most of life's other nasties, smoking is most prevalent among those aged 20-24: 36% of men and 29% women in this age group smoke. > The lowest smoking rate is among people aged 60 and over: 14% smoke in this age group. Why? Around one quarter of smokers die before reaching retirement age. > Every day 450 British children start smoking not yours we hope! > People do give up 20% of women and 28% of men are now ex-smokers. > Historically, we are far less smoky today than we were a quarter of a century ago: 26% of men and 23% of women smoke today, compared to 51% of men and 41% of women in 1974. > The Government is definitely not profiting from your habit revenue from tobacco duty in the financial year 2004-05 was a measly 8,103 million, compared to a spend of around 25m on anti-smoking education campaigns, 50m on measures to help people stop smoking and an ever-growing public health bill of nearly incalculable proportions. > Tobacco is the only legally available consumer product which kills people when it is used entirely as intended. > About half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit. | |
| Red Card/MMO Reports | |
 This form is to be completed following the issuing of a Red Card or to report a Matchday Misconduct Offence (MMO). It is applicable to men’s, women’s, mixed, senior and junior hockey. Upon completion of the Report Form, it is to be posted / faxed / emailed to the appropriate County / Regional Disciplinary Administrator / National Disciplinary Officer within 72 HOURS of the offence. In the case of a red card, the Report Form is to be completed by the umpire issuing the Red Card or reporting the MMO. The other umpire may comment if they wish - in section 15.If involving a Devon Team it needs to be sent to the Devon County Disciplinary Officer, Andrew Ashenhurst, a.ashenhurst@eclipse.co.uk. Also, if a Devon Umpire appointed umpire, or a non appointed Level One Umpire issues a Red Card or MMO to ANY team, from inside Devon or beyond please send a copy to me for DCHUA records as a matter of courtesy. The form can be downloaded from the DCHUA Website Web Handbook. Paddy President ... More | |
| Claiming Expenses for Non Appointed Games | |
 DCHUA will not pay expenses for any games they have not officially appointed Umpires to unless you complete the relevant form. It is always best to get appointed to the game BEFORE the game takes place than to umpire and then try and claim expenses. DCHUA reserves the right NOT to pay expenses for private umpiring arrangements.The relevant form can be found in the Web Handbook section of the website. Paddy President ... More |
