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Mpumalanga Hockey Association

Code of Conduct

Date of Issue: November 2024
1.    Introduction

The Mpumalanga Hockey Association (MHA) has full jurisdiction and authority over all hockey-related matters within the province. It is further committed to promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, including children and vulnerable adults, in accordance with Safeguarding best practices and the South African Hockey Association’s Safeguarding Policy.

  • Any person or entity participating in any MHA sanctioned hockey competition or activity agrees to abide by:

  • Any tournament, competition, or event specific Rules and Regulations, and Codes of Conduct.

  • The Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and the Code of Conduct of the Mpumalanga Hockey Association.

  • The Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, Code of Ethics of the South African Hockey Association (SAHA).

  • All relevant rules, regulations, and directives of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), including but not limited to:

    • FIH Anti-Doping Regulations,

    • FIH Image Rights Policy,

    • FIH Tournament Regulations, and

    • Rules of Hockey as determined by FIH.

This Code of Conduct is supported by Appendix 1 (Disciplinary Hearing Guidelines) and Appendix 2 (Offences and Penalties), which detail processes and sanctions.

2.    Purpose of the Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is established to ensure accountability and promote fair play, ethical behaviour, and respect among all participants in the promotion, administration, coaching, and playing of hockey. It serves to protect the integrity of hockey within Mpumalanga

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It is to further reinforce the idea that all participants are responsible for their own behaviour and conduct, and they will be held accountable for their actions.

3.    Applicability of the Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants involved in MHA-sanctioned tournaments, festivals, leagues, festivals, events, and activities, as well as those who are part of any team or administrative body representing Mpumalanga Hockey.

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3.1.   Participants include all:

  • Players, team management, coaches, and other duly appointed team staff.

  • Officials appointed by MHA, such as technical officials, umpires, medical personnel, and other ad hoc officials.

  • Volunteers, administrators, committee members, and appointed staff within the hockey context.

4.    Reporting and Jurisdiction

4.1       Any alleged breach of this code must be reported to the MHA League Director (if applicable, i.e. a league related incident) or the MHA Chairperson of the Rules and Technical Committee (R&T MHA Executive Board Representative) within 24 hours of the incident. Reports submitted after this period will only be considered at the discretion of these officials.

4.2       Should these officials not be available (or not applicable to the circumstances), the breach should be reported to the MHA President.

4.3       A Hearing Disciplinary Committee, formed according to Appendix 1, will determine whether an offence has occurred, the level of the offence, and the appropriate sanctions.

5.    Standards of Behaviour

All participants must:

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5.1       Conduct themselves fairly, properly, and in an acceptable manner on and off the field of play and any part of the hockey venue.

5.2       Refrain from actions that may prejudice the interests of hockey or bring the sport into disrepute.

5.3       Avoid verbal or physical abuse, excessive disputing of decisions, use of obscene language or gestures, and other improper conduct (see Appendix 2 for specific examples).

5.4       Act in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults.

5.5       Report any concerns of abuse, neglect, bulling, or harassment to the appropriate authorities in line with Safeguarding protocols, keeping to principles of confidentiality and professionalism.

5.6       Adhere to the SAHA Safeguarding Policy

5.7       Must comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to ensure the responsible and lawful processing of personal information, including the collection, storage, and sharing, particularly for minors.

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Note that this Code also applies to online behaviour, including social media posts, to prevent reputational harm to hockey.

6.    Public Statements

6.1       Public statements, including those made on social media, must be fair, constructive, and reasonable. They must not involve personal attacks on clubs, players, umpires, officials, or administrators.

6.2       Fair and reasonable commentary on the game is encouraged. However, criticism should remain constructive to maintain positive relationships within the hockey community

7.    Anti-Doping Regulations

7.1       All players and team staff members must comply with the FIH Anti-Doping regulations. They must not engage in verbal or physical hostility towards officials conducting control tests.

7.2       Players may be subjected to random doping tests at any time. Testing authorities may attend any regional/provincial league game, or national tournament, unannounced and request players for testing.

7.3       Non-compliance with anti-doping regulations may result in suspension or expulsion from MHA events, as outlined in the relevant regulations.

8.    Safeguarding Specific Conduct

8.1       Participants must not engage in:

  • Inappropriate physical contact or behaviour towards children or vulnerable adults.

  • Grooming or forming relationships with children that breach professional boundaries.

  • Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any kind.

Behaviour that could be perceived as intimidating, coercive, or harassing to children, vulnerable adults, or other participants.

8.2       Participants must:

  • Ensure two-adult supervision during activities involving children.

  • Obtain parental consent before engaging children in activities outside of regular programmes.

  • Maintain professional boundaries when communicating with children, including using appropriate language and avoiding private or unmonitored contact.

8.3       All participants in leadership roles, including administrators, coaches, and officials:

  • Must be comprehensively vetted before their appointment, which shall include:

    • Mandatory checks for criminal records to ensure the individual is suitable to work with children. Special attention must be given to any offences involving violence, and/or abuse.

    • References must be checked – at least two, with one being from an employer or organisation where the individual held a similar role.

    • Evidence of Safeguarding training or willingness to undergo such training prior to assuming their role.

  • Are required to undergo safeguarding training provided or recognised by the Mpumalanga Hockey Association to ensure compliance with Safeguarding best practices.

8.4       POPIA Compliance in Safeguarding

  • Personal information collected for vetting purposes shall be limited to what is strictly necessary. This data must be stored securely and destroyed when no longer required.

  • Regarding the personal information of minors,

    • Explicit parental/guardian consent must be obtained before collecting and processing minor’s personal information.

    • Access to such information shall be limited to authorised personnel.

    • Breaches involving minor’s data will be treated as a serious offence and escalated accordingly.

9.    Penalties for Misconduct

9.1       Misconduct will be categorised into three levels as detailed in Appendix 2:

  • Level 1: Minor breaches (e.g., verbal abuse, disputing decisions). Penalty: Reprimand or suspension for a minimum of 1 match.

  • Level 2: Serious breaches (e.g., threats or physical assault without serious injury). Penalty: Suspension for a minimum of 3 matches.

  • Level 3: Severe breaches (e.g., acts of violence causing serious injury). Penalty: Suspension for a minimum of 8 matches.

9.2       Penalties for Safeguarding breaches should include (as appropriate):

  • Immediate suspension from hockey related activities pending investigation.

  • Permanent barring from working with children or vulnerable adults in hockey.

  • Referral to law enforcement or child protection authorities.

9.3       For non-playing individuals (e.g. administrators, officials, or even spectators), penalties will be determined in line with their roles and responsibilities. Options include suspension from duties, exclusion from events, formal reprimands, mandatory education, fines, or referral to higher authorities.

10.    Appeals

Participants may appeal decisions only on the basis of new evidence. Appeals will follow the process outlined in Appendix 1, with the Chairperson of the original hearing excluded from the Appeals Committee.

8.    Signature of Acceptance

All participants must acknowledge and accept this Code of Conduct as a condition of their participation in MHA activities

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