1.0 Competition

REF

1.1           All GVHA competition matches shall be bound by the rules of hockey as recognised by the AHA or as amended in these By–Laws.

1.1

1.2           The “Code of Conduct” developed by the Australian Sports Commission as adopted by the GVHA will provide the guiding principles for the conduct of all competition. (Refer Annex E)

1.2.1    Each club is responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct and for informing members of their obligations to abide by that Code.

1.2.2    the GVHA Executive shall oversee the operation (1.2.1) to the point of ensuring that all clubs "designated groups/individuals noted in the code" actually meet their obligations under these sections.

1.2.3    The Privacy Act must be adhered to.  Permission must always be obtained for the release of members information and photographs.

1.2

A

A

A

1.3       The starting date, locations and times of competition matches shall be at the discretion of the Executive

1.9

1.4       Underage match time duration  shall be recommended by the Executive and ratified by the clubs prior to the start of each season

1.7 C & A

1.5           All players must be named on the match sheet and players must be dressed ready and able to take the field prior to half time of the match

1.5.1   Any person named on the match sheet who does not take the field will have their name removed and deemed to be a non-player for that match and grade in that round.

Comment: To overcome any misuse of the match card and to give genuine non players an opening to play in another match in that round

1.3

1.3 A

1.6           Teams may have five interchange players.

Comment: simplifies wording

1.4 C

1.7           The umpires will start and end the match at the designated times published in   the fixture using the official ground clock and coordinate the setting of the match timer with the second named team.

1.7.1      No time out is to be taken for interchange of players; umpires may stop play for matters they deem appropriate such as injuries but time will not stop, except for finals where time can be stopped at the direction of the field umpire.

1.7.2      The first named team shall take the dugout nearest to the clubrooms, the second named team shall take the dugout nearest the scoreboard. The second named team shall be responsible for starting the match timer.

Comment: There is a need for an official ground clock

1.5      C'

R A

1.8.1    During normal playing time each team may have only the field players, a coach (and a coach under training if applicable)  inside the field fence line

Interchange players shall not be inside the field  fence line until required for interchange

1.8.2    All interchanges of players must take place at the centre line on the dugout side of the field.  The interchange player may not take the field until the other player has left the field.

1.8.3    The coach must remain between the centreline and the far side of the team’s dugout. With the exception of teams Under 13 and below during home and away games.

1.6 R + A

1.9       Match points shall be awarded as 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss or a bye.

1.8

1.10.1 1n the advent of matches disrupted by Power Failure, (refers to matches played under lights only), electrical storms and extreme weather, or the ground is unplayable; where  the disruption occurs

        1.10.1.1 just prior to or during the match, the captains in the presence of the umpires shall confer and may decide to

        (1)Accept the score at the time of the disruption as the official match result.  Where the disruption occurs prior to the start of the         match and the match cannot be started within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, accept the score as a nil all draw.

OR.

        (2)Agree to play out the remaining time of the match to achieve an official match result under the conditions of 1.7 above.

OR

        (3)Not reach agreement.  In this case the match is cancelled and the teams must agree on a rematch and notify the Executive within         two weeks of the cancelled match.

1.10.1.2 Prior to either team arriving at the ground and at a venue away from Shepparton, the "Extreme Weather Representative" of the venue shall ( in consultation with the executive where practical)  advise the opposing team(s) of unplayable conditions and the need to reschedule the match or accept the result as a draw.  For matches in Shepparton under these conditions a representative of the GVHA Executive will be designated as the "Extreme Weather Representative.".  Where notification cannot be communicated prior to teams arriving at the ground the procedures in By-Laws 1.10.1 will apply.

1.10.2 If no agreement is reached under clauses 1.10.1.1above, then the Executive will reschedule the match and notify participating teams.

1.10.3 If no agreement is reached under clause 1.10.1.2 above then the match will be abandoned and a draw recorded

1.10.4 If the rescheduled match cannot be played prior to the competition finals, the match will be abandoned and a draw awarded

1.10 and 9.0

combined.

R,C,A

2 Teams

2.1 Each affiliated club shall abide by nomination forms re number of teams, number of grounds and addresses. Such information together with the appropriate team nomination fees to be received by the Secretary by a date specified by the Executive annually.

2.1.1 Late entry or withdrawal of a team/s will result in a penalty to be paid by the club.  This penalty will be in accordance with the schedule of fees a copy of which will be attached to the nomination form.

Comment Penalties need to be established

2.1.2 GVHA Affiliation fees set by the Executive are due and payable by the fourth playing week.

2.1

A

2.1 NEW but in fines

2..2 The Executive shall have the power to divide teams into grades as it sees fit.

2.2

2.3 For an 11 a side match to be played, each team must have a minimum of seven players including a goalkeeper, as in 5.3, on the field at the commencement of the match.

2.3.1 If after 15 minutes a team does not have the required number of players the opposing team, provided they meet the requirements of 2.3 above, may claim the match on a forfeit noting the requirements of 6.3

2.3.2 Teams receiving a forfeit at the grounds must complete the required match sheet in conjunction with the Executive or the umpires to receive a win with a 5 – 0 score.  Forfeiting teams will be given a loss with a 0 – 5 score.

Comment  BL 2.3.2 altered to become 6.3.2

Comment  BL 2.3 to be incorporated in BL 4 Matches

2.3 C

2.3.1 A

3.      Club Responsibilities

8

3.1.  Each club shall have distinguishing uniforms that must be registered with and approved by the GVHA

3.1.1.     In the event of a uniform clash the second named team will be responsible for changing socks and shirts as necessary

3.1.2.     For intra-club games, each team’s shirts and socks must be different t

3.1.3.     Players must be in uniform by the 4^th playing week

8.1

A

.8.5

8.2.1

3.2 Individual player numbers must be registered with the GVHA

8.2

3.3       The first named team shall take the dugout nearest the clubrooms. The second named team shall take the dugout nearest the scoreboard

3.3.1 First named team  shall supply a regulation hockey ball as the match ball and be responsible for the match book.

3.3.2    The second named team shall be responsible for starting the match timer at the direction of the umpire.

A

8.4

A

3.4       Injuries must be recorded in the "Register of Injuries" in the umpire's room. Injuries subject to possible insurance claims will require completion of the "Insurance Injury Report Form"

Comment Injury procedures need to be established

A

3.5       For matches away from Shepparton, Clubs must provide and maintain proper goals and nets;  and shall ensure the field is correctly and clearly marked for home games

8.3 C

3.6       Each club must nominate an Extreme Weather/Occurrence Representative to the Executive prior to the first round of competition

8.6 A

3.7       In respect of the Shepparton venue the first named team for each day's competition (highlighted in draw) is responsible for opening the venue including the

§       change rooms

§       umpires room

§       public toilets (&) access gate

NEW BYLAW PREVIOUSLY IN FIXTURE BOOKLET

3.8       First named team to play on the grass is responsible for setting the goals in position.

3.9       The last named team for each day's competition (highlighted in the draw ) is responsible for the closing of the venue, the security of the buildings and the lights.  The last named team to play on the grass is responsible for removing the goals.

AS FOR 3.7

3.10     Each club is responsible for providing umpires and meeting canteen commitments as required by the draw. Failure to meet the scheduled umpiring and canteen commitments will incur a fine.

AS FOR 3.7

3.10     Each club will supply the names and contact details of two (2) representatives for the Investigations Committee and Tribunal

3.10.1  The names will be submitted to the Secretary within 14 days of the start of each season.

NEW BY-LAW  PREVIOUSLY ON GVHA REGISTRATION FORM

Special Note: 

1. Each club should develop their own By Laws which should

§       Conform to these bylaws

§       Allow for a Code of Conduct

§       Appeals and disputes within the club

§       Members Protection Policy and procedures

2. These By-Laws relate to the coordination of  hockey within the GVHA and other Associations and affiliated bodies.
3. They do not cover internal club matters which the Executive of each club administers or is responsible for.

4 PLAYERS

4..1 Each club will register with the GVHA all playing members prior to the fourth week of competition.

3.1

4.2 After the fourth week additional players must be field registered.

4.2.1Field registrations must be completed on the match sheet.  The player must be identified by an asterisk on the team list and all details recorded under the Field Registration section of the match sheet

3.2 R C A

4.3 Underage players must have their date of birth submitted with registration. Age groupings are determined by age at the 1^st of January each year.

3.3

4.4 Playing an unregistered player will result in the loss of 3 premiership points.  Clubs will be notified of any loss of premiership points for playing an unregistered player prior to the next round.

3.4 C

4.5 Within the GVHA no player shall be permitted to change from one club to another without written clearance from their first club lodged with the GVHA prior to playing the first game with the new club.  Rule 4.4 applies

4.5.1 A clearance can only be rejected from the original club if the player requesting the transfer is unfinancial.

3.5 A

A

4.6 A player’s registration with a club shall be considered to have lapsed after a full season of not playing with the club, after which no clearance is required to change clubs.

3.6

4.7 Under certain circumstances permission may be sought from the Executive for players to play outside these By-laws:

4.7.1 Overage Permits for players to compete in the competition below their age group may be sought

                        a) for players new to the game who's development is better suited to the lower age group

                        b) for players who have no other option to play and will be lost to the game

4.7.1.1 in each case the Executive may grant temporary permission but full permission will require observation of the player to ensure no unfair or inappropriate advantage is gained

4.7.2 Overage permit players are ineligible for GVHA ‘Best and Fairest’ Award

                        COMMENT: Should this apply to all permit holders

4.7.3    no additional permits will be granted for Finals other than as covered in 7.6.1

Added to clarify some of the  current state

3.7

5.Matches

4

5.1       No player may play in more than one match for any round of competition except on the permission of the opposing captain.  Permission must be recorded in writing in the permit section on the match sheet prior to the start of the game and signed by both captains or by the coach/manager.

4.1 C

5.2       Underage competition players have exemption from rule 5.1 when playing senior competition.  Rule 5.1 applies for a second senior game for an underage player.

4.2

5.3       No captain shall refuse permission for a player to play in a second game in one round if the opposing team would otherwise have to forfeit the match.

4.3

5.4       Every team must have a goalkeeper to commence a match and that goalkeeper must wear the minimum required equipment: a helmet, chest plate, overshirt, pads, kickers and gloves.

5.3

5.5       A goalkeeper will be permitted to play two games in any one round providing that one game is played in goal and the other as a field player.

4.4

5.6       A regular or designated higher grade goalkeeper is not permitted to play goalkeeper in a lower grade competition.

4.5

5.7       Team captains or the team manager are responsible for filling out the match sheet correctly, including full player names and shirt numbers, and handing to the umpires prior to the match start.

4.6

5.8       No more than three (3) players may be moved from a higher grade team into a lower grade team or between teams in the same grade in any one round.

4.7 CA

5.9       State League 1 & 2 players are not eligible to play in the GVHA B Grade Competition.

A

6 Safety

5.0

6.1       Women and Men competitions are designated single sex competitions and it is not recommended that players participate in opposite sex competition.  (The GVHA makes this recommendation within its duty of care to all players.)

5.1

6.2       The GVHA does not recommend that pregnant players participate in matches.

6.2       Pregnant players choosing to play do so at their own risk and shall not hold the GVHA, any official or any other player liable for any incident which may result in injury to herself or which may result in a miscarriage.

5.2

5.2.1

6.3       Every team must have a goalkeeper to commence a match and that goalkeeper must wear the minimum required equipment: a helmet, chest plate, overshirt, pads, kickers and gloves

5.3

6. 4      In the case of suspension or injury of the goalkeeper, a fully equipped substitute goalkeeper must be installed before the game recommences By Law 1.7.1 applies.

5.4 A

6.5       Caps are permissible provided they have a soft peak. Note: A hard peaked cap worn reversed does not satisfy this rule

5.5

6.6      The GVHA has adopted the “Infectious Diseases Policy” distributed by the Australian Sports Medicine Federation Ltd. and Monash University’s Occupational Health and Safety Policies on Human Blood and Body Fluids and Hepatitis B Immunisation.

6.6.1    A copy of this “Infectious Diseases Policy" is attached as Annexe D. A copy of the following summary shall be displayed with the chemicals  in the Umpires' Room and on the wall in each dugouts

5.6 CA

7 FINALS

7.1 Prior to the start of the season the executive on the recommendation of the draw committee and with the ratification of the clubs, shall determine and publish the finals format and  the drawn game formula for each grade.

COMMENT This allows more flexibility to cver unusual and seasonal changes

7.1 C

7.2 No player may take part in a final series unless they have played in at least one third of the rounds of competition (byes excluded) in the current season for their club.  This number shall be known as the Finals Qualification Number. The following exceptions  apply:

7.2.1A player changing clubs within the GVHA  during the season must have played at least half this Finals Qualification Number of rounds  with their new club and have a cumulative  number of rounds equal to or greater than the Finals Qualification Number of rounds.

7.2.2 A  player, new to the GVHA post mid season, must have played at least half the Finals Qualification Number of rounds  with their new club

COMMENT these changes have come about because of changes in draw structure from season to season

7.2 C

7.2.1 C

A

7.3 To qualify for a lower grade final a player must have played at least one third of their played matches in a that grade or a lower grade.  Junior grades are lower than senior grades

7.3

A

7.4       No player shall play more than one game in any final round, except as allowed by Rule 5.5.

7.4 .1 Underage players are permitted to play in one senior final as well as one underage final in any one round.

7.4.2    By-law 5.5 applies where the goalie is qualified to play on the field with the team for which he/she has been a field player

7.4

7.4.1

7.5 If a club has two teams in the one grade of competition a player can only play finals for the team in which they have played the majority of games for the season.

7.5

7.6.1 If a team is genuinely short of players for a final, (less than 11 players and with no lower grade players available to be drawn on), then permission can be sought from the Executive for an additional player to make up the eleven. This player may be either: 

a) a member of an  eliminated team where the club has more than one team in a grade

or  b) a member of a lower grade team already in a final

or  c) a  lower grade goalkeeper already in a final where a higher grade goalkeeper is unavailable due to injury or illness

7.6. 2 In the above cases where permission is sought the application must be in writing from Club Secretary to GVHA Secretary and include the name(s) of unavailable player(s)  and their reason for absence as well as the names of replacement player(s) required and which of the above categories are relevant.

7.6.3 No other permits will be granted for finals only.

7.6 C A

Delete 7.7 see 7.1

Delete 7.7 see 7.1

7.7 In finals the third umpire will be responsible for receiving and checking team lists prior to the start of the game, running the game clock recording match details on the match sheet, overseeing suspended players and other duties as requested by the Umpires Convenor and/or the Executive

NEW

8.0 Forfeits

8.1 In the event of a team forfeiting a match that team will be liable for all fees associated with ground hire for all club grounds within the GVHA for both clubs, including umpires fees if the umpires have not been notified in advance of the starting time.

6.1

8.2 Teams forfeiting:

8.2.1 prior to the day of play shall notify, the opposing team, the umpires and the Executive

8.2.2 on the day of play shall at the earliest opportunity notify the opposing team, the umpires and the Executive

A

A

8.3 Teams receiving a forfeit

8.3.1 prior to the day of play or on the day of play prior to the scheduled starting time shall complete the required match sheet to receive a win with a 5 – 0 score.  Forfeiting teams will be given a loss with a 0 – 5 score

8.3..2 after the starting time but prior to the commencement of play  must complete the required match sheet in conjunction with the Executive or the umpires to receive a win with a 5 – 0 score.  Forfeiting teams will be given a loss with a 0 – 5 score

8.3.3 .after the commencement of play must complete the required match sheet in conjunction with the umpires and shall be treated in one of the following ways:

8.3.3.1 If the score at the time of forfeit has a greater than 5 goal difference in favour of the continuing team then that score shall stand as the official result.

8.3.3.2 if the score is less than a 5 goal difference the continuing team receives a win with a 5 goal advantage, the forfeiting team will be given a loss with them reverse score

8.3.3.3 In relation to the fees associated with 8.1 above the forfeiting team will pay both teams fees for the unplayed portion of the game.

2.3.2 & 6.2

2.3.2

A C

6.2.1

A

6.2.2

Delete 6.2.3 &6.2.4

8.4 The umpires shall record on the match sheet the event/s leading to the match forfeit.

Comment: operational procedural correction

A 6.2.3

9.     Rescheduled games

9.1.  Matches rescheduled under the By–Laws 1.10 will be notified to participating clubs within two weeks of the cancelled fixture.

COMMENT check the bylaw numbers above before final print  eg 1.10 is now 1.10.4, wet weather is now

9.2.  Application to reschedule a match for reasons other than those listed in 13.1 must be made to the Executive two weeks prior to the fixture date except in exceptionable circumstances.

9.3.   Rescheduling of matches will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and must be negotiated with the Executive.

1.10 & By combined 9.0 7

10.0 Match Results

10.1  The first named team must provide the score recorder with the result of their match by 10.00pm Sunday of the weekend of the match. This can either be done by leaving the match sheet in the designated box prior to the completion of play on the Sunday or after this by phoning or emailing the score recorder. Failure to comply will result in a scheduled fine.

COMMENT SCHEDULED FEE TO BE ADDED NEEDS EXECUTIVE ATTENTION

15.1 C

10.2  The first named team is responsible to ensure that the official match sheet reaches the score recorder by 5.00pm Wednesday after  the match. Failure to comply will result in a scheduled fine

COMMENT SCHEDULED FEE TO BE ADDED NEEDS EXECUTIVE ATTENTION

15.2 C

10.2.1Any match sheet that does not reach the score recorder by 5.00pm Wednesday TWO WEEKS after the match will result in the loss of 3 premiership points from the responsible team.  As the competition approaches the commencement of finals the time indicated reduces to available weeks.

15.2.1 &15.2.2

COMB

10.3 An incomplete match sheet will result in a scheduled fine .to both teams involved in the match.

COMMENT SCHEDULED FEE TO BE ADDED NEEDS EXECUTIVE ATTENTION

15.3 C

10.4 The score recorder(s) shall, after each round, supply Club Secretaries with the results for the round and an updated ladder including points, goals for and against highlighting any incomplete results

NEW

10.5 A club identifying an error between a recorded result and the official match sheet, or a discrepancy between  the match sheet and the agreed match score must contact the Association Secretary within 21 days.  As the competition approaches the commencement of finals the time indicated reduces to available days

15.4 15.7.1 A

10.6.1 The Association Secretary will take all steps to clarify the mistake and make corrections to the recorded result.

15.5

10.6.2 If a dispute over the correctness of the result still remains then the issue will be passed to the GVHA Executive  to resolve

15.6 C

10.7.Any error that is not identified and brought to the attention of the Association Secretary within 21 days of  the match will stand as recorded.  As the competition approaches the commencement of finals the time indicated reduces to available days

15.4.1 15.7.1 A

11.0 Umpires

11.1The umpires scheduled for a match are fully responsible for all matters relating to the match from the time they call the teams to take the field including but not confined to:

11.1.1Keeping match time independently of the score board and in line with by law 1.7.

11.1.2 recording on the match sheet

·      recording red and yellow cards

·      forfeits and abandonment

·      the best & fairest votes (By Law 4.7 applies here)

11.1

A

11.8

A

A

11.2 An umpire can report a player in addition to a player receiving a red card.

11.2.1 The report must be made on the official Umpire Report Sheet located in the Umpires Room

11.2.2 The report must reach the Secretary of the GVHA by 5:00 pm on the Wednesday after the match.

11.2

A

11.2.1

(11.2.2dele)

11.3 &11.4

DELETE

11.3 Each club shall provide umpires as listed in the fixture.

11.5

11.6 11.7 MOVED TO PENALTIES

11.4 Umpires are not permitted to be replaced during a match unless injured during the match and unable to continue.

11.9

11.5 Umpires will permit coaches of Under 13 teams and below to be on the field during home and away matches only and within the following conditions:

11.5.1 Their role is to assist new players to the game.

They may not enter the circles.

They may not interfere with umpiring decisions.

They must wear a distinctive colour to that of the teams and umpires.

They must adhere to the directions of the umpires to make umpiring easy and to assist umpiring.

11.10 A

11.6 Umpires will not permit non–playing personnel in the area behind the goals and within the field fence line while the match is in progress, other than suspended players

11.11 A

12.0  BYLAW BREACHES,  REPORTS, PROTESTS and DISPUTES

10.0 RENAMED

12.1 All clubs, teams or individuals referring disputes, protests or charges against other clubs, players or individuals, or reporting any infringement of the rules of hockey shall furnish to the Secretary full particulars of the issue in writing.

12.1.1 Protests that may affect the outcome of a match must be lodged in writing with the Secretary by 5:00pm on the Wednesday after the match.

12.2. Breaches of the by-laws are administered by the executive either by;

12.2. 1 by automatic penalty;

12.2.1.1Automatic penalties are set  put in Annex B the executive will be responsible for updating  and publishing this Annex   at the start of each season in consultation with the Clubs

12.2.2 or as a result  of an  investigation and/or tribunal

12.3 The Executive will consider any Breach, Report, Protest or Dispute and appoint an Investigation Committee or Tribunal as they deem necessary

10.1

10.2 A

NEW

10.3C

10.4 move to inv &Tri

12.4 Complaint and Appeals Procedure refer Annex C

10.4 C

13.0 Penalties

14

13.1 Any club, team or individual disobeying any rule or By–Law of the GVHA or committing an offence that brings the game into disrepute may be fined, suspended or penalised at the discretion of the Executive in accordance with these By-laws

14.1 A

13.2 Penalties come in three forms for the above:

13.2.1 Administrative as per Annex B which shall be recommended by the Executive and ratified at a Delegates meeting prior to the commencement of each season.  Annex B shall be published and displayed at each venue.

COMMENT:#1 As there are no longer individual printed copies of the by-laws it is imperative that these penalties are published and displayed in prominent places

#2 There are numerous rules and penalties relating in particular to ground management/control not included in the current schedule that need to be reviewed and added.

13.2.2  Automatic match penalties

Cards applying to GVHA home and away and finals matches:

Red Card - ineligible to play in any other matches of that round and receives a one-week automatic suspension .

3 Yellow Cards- over the season receives a one-week automatic suspension

A further Red or Yellow Card received after a one week suspension in the same season will automatically incur attendance at a Tribunal

Finals- a red card or a third yellow card for the season, issued in the finals also results in a one week automatic suspension that carries forward to the next eligible round

Awards

Suspension results in ineligibility to receive a GVHA Best and Fairest Award

13.2.3 As the result of Investigations and Tribunals

rearranged

11.6 & 11.7

rearranged & added to

Correction

13.3. The GVHA is responsible for enforcing all penalties

13.3.1 The GVHA recognises any penalties imposed by other Associations affiliated with Hockey Victoria and associated State or National bodies.

NEW

14.2 A

15.0 Representative teams

12.0

15.1 To be eligible for a GVHA representative team, players must be registered with the GVHA, be financial with their clubs and play three matches in the current season prior to the commencement of the tournament.

12.1

15.2 All representative teams, coaches and managers will be selected under the “Selection procedures” as endorsed by the Executive.

COMMENT:the selection procedures needs to be formulated documented and placed as an annex to this document

12.2

15.3 The Executive of the GVHA has the final decision on team participants and team commitments playing under the banner of the GVHA

12.3

15.4 All underage representatives, playing in either an underage or senior representative side, must supply a consent/indemnity/medical clearance signed by parents or guardians prior to competing for the GVHA. All senior representative players must supply emergency contact details

COMMENT 1 all rep team members should sign a code of conduct. and if this is agreed upon it should become a by law

COMMENT 2 Under the current Privacy Laws written permission should be obtained for the use of photographs and the release of  personal details

12.4 A

SPECIAL NOTE

16.1   Whereas the Constitution can only be amended at an AGM where all members are eligible to vote. The By-Laws can be amended at a special General Meeting specifically called for that purpose where all members are eligible to vote. The Annexs attached to the By-Laws can be amended on the recommendation of the Executive and ratified at a delegates meeting.

COMMENT 1: THIS COULD BE THE INITIATING  FACTOR FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEMBER PROTECTION POLICY.