USA Field Hockey

USA Field Hockey Events Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is based on the premise that being a player, coach, umpire, fan, spectator or participant of any kind at a USA Field Hockey event is a privilege. The privilege of participation may, therefore, be withdrawn or denied by USA Field Hockey at any time where USA Field Hockey determines that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it. USA Field Hockey and the Tournament Disciplinary Committee shall have the authority to take disciplinary action in case of violations of this code while at a USA Field Hockey event. All participants of USA Field Hockey must abide by this Code of Conduct.

General Behavior:

1. Violations of the Athlete Protection Policy: Any and all violations of the Athlete Protection Policy outlined in the USA Field Hockey Safe Sport Program are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
2. Alcohol and Drug Use: There will be no possession or use of alcoholic beverages at an event site by anyone under the legal drinking age; or anyone if prohibited by the event venue. There will be no possession or use of any prescription drug or USOC banned substance unless participant is currently under physician’s care and the medication is required for treatment of an illness or injury (documentation may be required).
3. Discrimination: Discrimination of any kind including discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability will not be tolerated.
4. Sportsmanship and Fair Play: In all tournament situations, players are expected to perform to the best of their ability, within the context of specific rules of field hockey. Sportsmanship and fair play to teammates, opponents, and umpires, should be in the forefront of a team’s basic philosophy and attitude.
5. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, including but not limited to:
   1. Any act considered to be an offense under federal, state, local and USOC laws and rules.
   2. Vandalism, damaging of property, unauthorized use of equipment or property, or theft.
   3. Inappropriate horseplay or other misbehavior which physically endangers any person or property.
   4. Verbal, physical abuse or hostility towards a teammate, opponent, umpire, administrative staff, or person of the public.

Note: Any person observing or having knowledge of an activity, which may result in serious bodily harm to a program participant, must immediately report such activity to a member of the USA Field Hockey staff.

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in:

1. Participant(s) responsible for property loss being liable to pay all replacement/repair costs.
2. Partial or full restriction of movement at the host site.
3. Expulsion from the event with participant being sent home at his/her own expense.
4. A written report submitted to the USA Field Hockey Ethics Committee for further action.
5. Loss of opportunity to participate in future events conducted under the auspices of USA Field Hockey.

Process:

1. All Code violations shall be reported as soon as possible to a member of USA Field Hockey staff.
2. Upon notification of a code violation, the director, appropriate staff members and Tournament Disciplinary Committee may hold a hearing with the participants involved.
3. A recommendation by the Event Director that the participant be restricted from future events must be submitted in writing to the USA Field Hockey Ethics Committee, which shall make the final decision.
4. If the individual disagrees with the finding or sanction of the panel and wishes to appeal, he or she may file a written appeal with the Judicial Committee within 10 days of USA Field Hockey’s finding. The appeal should include name of party, contact information, witness name and contact information, date of incident, and explanation. On appeal, the Judicial Committee will address the merits of USA Field Hockey decision de novo, and not the process that was utilized. A decision rendered by the Judicial Committee shall be final and binding on all parties.