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Code of Conduct

USA FIELD HOCKEY BELIEFS & EVENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

USA Field Hockey believes in a players first approach for our programs and events. We strive to create safe and positive environments in which learning and developing in a way that is fun and engages our youth players is more important than the outcome. We expect parents, coaches, umpires, administrators and fans to understand that developing youth as players and people is an important job requiring adults to act as positive role models. We also expect players to treat each other and all involved with respect. A recent survey done by Project Play, shows that the number one reason a child chooses to play a sport, and will continue to play throughout their lives, is because it is fun. Thank you for committing to demonstrate good sportsmanship behaviors at USA Field Hockey events.

Code of Conduct
Being a player, coach, umpire, spectator or participant of any kind at a USA Field Hockey event is a privilege. This privilege may be withdrawn or denied by USA Field Hockey when it is determined that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the best interest of sport, the player or any participants. USA Field Hockey and the Tournament Director have the authority to take disciplinary action in the case of violations of this code. All members of USA Field Hockey must sign and abide by this Code of Conduct.

General Behavior:

  • All violations of the Athlete Protection Policy outlined in the USA Field Hockey Safe Sport Program are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
  • 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 prescription drug or USOPC banned substances unless participant is currently under the physician’s care and the medication is required for treatment of an illness or injury (documentation required).
  • Discrimination or any kind including based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or mental or physical disability will not be tolerated.
  • Sportsmanship and fair play to teammates, opponents, coaches, umpires and spectators should be in the forefront of a team’s basic philosophy and attitude. In all situation’s players, coaches, umpires and spectators are expected to participate in accordance to the spirit and intent of the game and in compliance with the rules.

The following behaviors (including but not limited to) will not be tolerated:

  • Any act considered to be an offense under federal, state, local and USOPC laws and rules.
  • Vandalism, damaging of property, unauthorized use of equipment or property, or theft.
  • Inappropriate horseplay or other misbehavior which physically endangers any person or property
  • Verbal, physical abuse or hostility towards a player, teammate, opponent, coach, umpire, administrative staff, or person of the public.
  • Any person observing or having knowledge of an activity, which may result in 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:

  • Participant responsible for property loss being liable to pay all replacement/repair costs.
  • Partial or full restriction of movement at the host site.
  • Expulsion from the event by the Tournament Director.
  • Written recommendation by Tournament Director submitted to USA Field Hockey Ethics Committee for further action.
  • Loss of opportunity to participate in future events conducted under the auspices of USA Field Hockey.

Code Violation Process:

  • All code violations shall be reported as soon as possible to a member of USA Field Hockey staff.
  • Upon notification of a code violation, the Tournament Director and tournament staff members will decide appropriate actions to be taken based on offense during that specific tournament. This may include a hearing with the participants involved.
  • A recommendation by the Program Director that the participant be restricted from future events must be submitted in writing to the USA Field Hockey Ethics Committee.
  • If the individual disagrees with the findings 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 bind all parties.