U14/U16 Girls & Boys Championships Regulations 2013-14 1. AUTHORITY 1.1. The Rules of Hockey, including any experimental rule changes approved by the England Hockey for use in competitions, shall be observed except as herein provided. 1.2. The EH Code of Ethics shall be applied at all matches. 1.3. Binding Force of the Regulations Each team, by its entry into and participation in the competition, shall be deemed to have given its consent to abide by the Rules of England Hockey (EH), the EH Code of Ethics, the England Hockey U14/U16 Club Competition Regulations and to any amendments that may be ratified by the England Hockey Junior Competitions Committee. Each team shall be deemed to have agreed to abide by the decisions of EH in relation to these regulations or any matter not covered in these regulations, and any penalty or sanction it may see fit to impose. 1.4. For the purposes of these regulations a Season is defined as from 1 September in any one year to 31 August in the following year, both dates inclusive. 2. LIAISON 2.1. Each participating team must appoint a Liaison Officer who must be freely available to the EH Competitions Department at all times by the usual channels of communication. The name, address and telephone/fax numbers of the Liaison Officer and an email address must be advised to the EH Competitions Department. An email address for the Liaison Officer MUST be provided for entry to be accepted. 2.2. The home team must provide the EH Competitions Department with details of match arrangements at least 10 days prior to the match. (ie the Thursday that is 10 days prior to a Sunday) 2.3. The host/home team must contact the away team(s), by 8.00pm on the Thursday that is 10 days prior to the match. If the host team is unable to make contact they should advise the EH Competitions Department immediately. 2.4. If an away team has not been contacted by the host/home team then the away team must contact the host/home team. If no contact can be made then they must contact the EH Competitions Department to advise them of this. 2.5. EH main form of communication will be via email. Draws, results and other pertinent details will be communicated via email. It is the liaison officer s responsibility to check their email regularly for updates etc. Where a liaison officer has used another person s email address for contact purposes, it is the liaison officer s responsibility to check with that person for information sent by the EH. 2.6. The Competitions Section of the England Hockey Board website will be updated regularly with fixtures and results (www.englandhockey.co.uk). 4. ELIGIBILITY 4.1. Teams 4.1.1. All teams participating in a competition shall complete and return the relevant competition entry form by the due date. 4.1.2. All teams participating in a competition shall pay the following by the due dates: i. The England Hockey club affiliation fees ii. The England Hockey County and/or Regional affiliation fee (where appropriate) iii. The relevant competition entry fee 4.1.3. The competitions shall be open to one team of the relevant gender from any club affiliated to England Hockey. 4.1.4. No team may alter its title, nor incorporate any part of a sponsor s name therein, without the prior permission of the Board of EH. 4.2. Players Players shall be eligible to compete if they qualify as follows: Page 1 of 6
5. COMPETITIONS 4.2.1.1. For the U14 competition, players must be aged 13 or under on 31 August 2013. For the U16 competition, players must be aged 15 or under on 31 August 2013. 4.2.1.2. Players shall not represent more than one club in any one season in any of the following EH competitions. Men s & Women s Cup, Men s & Women s Trophy, Men s & Women s Vase, Men s & Women s 2nd XI Cup & Trophy, Boys & Girls U18 Cups & Plates, Boys & Girls U14/U16 Championships. Boys & Girls U10/U12 In2hockey Championships. 4.2.1.3. Players who have played for another club in an outdoor Saturday League match during the same season shall only be eligible if they have genuinely changed clubs during this period and severed all links with their previous club. (NB For further clarification of what constitutes a Saturday League match please contact the England Hockey Board Competitions Department). 4.2.1.4. Players shall not represent more than one age group in any England Hockey competition in any one Season. (nb this includes the U10/U12 In2hockey Championships).. 4.2.1.5. In exception to 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3, a club may play a maximum of two players, in a season, who have played Saturday senior league hockey for another club, providing that the player complies with the following: 4.2.1.5.1. The club for whom they have played Saturday league hockey has not entered the relevant age group competition. 4.2.1.5.2. Players that have represented England or participated in the EH Futures Cup in the same season of participation must be registered with EHB by the Thursday before the first date in the competition. 4.2.1.5.3. The player has not played for the club in either: 4.2.1.5.3.1. Any of the EHB competitions listed in 4.2.1.2 England Hockey Board KO Competition or 4.2.1.5.3.2. A Saturday league match in the EHL; or 4.2.1.5.3.3. A Saturday league match in the top Division of a Regional League. 5.1. The Competitions Department shall determine the leagues and fixtures for all stages of the competition and will immediately advise all participating clubs via email. 5.2. The U14 leagues will be arranged as follows: 5.2.1. All matches are to be played on a full pitch and are 11 a-side 5.2.2. Tier 1 - All entries will be collated nationally and will be split into 4 clusters. 5.2.3. Each cluster will be split into three or four leagues, with each league having an equal number of teams where possible. 5.2.4. All teams in each league will play each other in a series of one off or triangular matches over the four scheduled dates in the Centralised Calendar. 5.2.5. One-off matches will be 30 minutes each way and where one or more teams play two or more matches on any one day matches will be 20 minutes each way 5.2.6. When all matches have been completed, two or three teams (depending on cluster size) at the top of the league will qualify for Tier 2, the cluster finals (2 finals per cluster in total with four teams in each). There will be 8 teams qualifying from each cluster altogether. 5.2.7. Tier 2. The cluster finals will be played in a pool of four teams, with each team playing each other once (matches 20 minutes each way). The top team in the pool will qualify for the national finals (Tier 3) where there will be eight finalists. 5.2.8. Tier 3. The eight finalists in tier three will be split into two pools. Each team in a pool will play each other over with the top team in each pool playing off to be National Champions (matches 15 minutes each way). There will also be cross over matches for 3 rd and 4 th place. 5.3. The U16 leagues will be arranged as follows: 5.3.1. All matches are to be played on a full pitch and are 11 a-side. 5.3.2. Tier 1 - All entries will be collated nationally and will be split into 4 clusters. 5.3.3. Each cluster will be split into three or four leagues, with each league having an equal number of teams where possible. 5.3.4. All teams in each league will play each other in a series of one off or triangular matches over the four scheduled dates in the Centralised Calendar. 5.3.5. One-off matches will be 35 minutes each way and where one or more teams play two or more matches on any one day matches will be 25 minutes each way 5.3.6. When all matches have been completed, two or three teams (depending on cluster size) at the top of the league will qualify for Tier 2. There will be 8 teams qualifying from each cluster altogether. Page 2 of 6
5.3.7. Tier 2 - The eight teams qualifying from each tier one cluster will be split into two pools.. One pool will be played at a venue over one day with all teams playing each other (20 minutes each way). The top team in the pool will qualify for the national finals (Tier 3 where there will be eight finalists. 5.3.8. Tier 3 - The eight finalists will be split into two pools. Each team in a pool will play each other over two days with the top team in each pool playing off to be National Champions (25 minutes each way). The teams finishing second in each pool will also play off for 3 rd place. 5.4. In all leagues in the U14/U16, teams will receive 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss. 5.5. If teams are tied on points at the end of any league, the final placing shall be decided as follows 5.5.1. Goal Difference 5.5.2. The team having scored the greatest goals 5.5.3. The result of the match between the two teams 5.6. In a Tier 1 cluster where there are three leagues, and the final qualifiers go down to the third placed team with the best record, the placing shall be decided as follows 5.6.1. Points per game average 5.6.2. Best Goal Difference Average 5.6.3. The team having scored the most goals per game 6. REPORTING OF RESULTS For Tier 1 where matches are played in a triangular, it is the first named team in each fixtures responsibility to upload the result directly onto Fixtures Live. They will act as the home team for this fixture. In single matches, it is the home team s responsibility to upload the result directly to fixtures live. To do this, you must be set up as a club administrator on Fixtures Live and then go into your account and click enter a result in the club admin area. Failure to do so may result in a fine. Results must be submitted by 10:00am the day following your fixture. 7. MATCHDAY ADMINISTRATION 7.1. Dates of Matches All matches must be played on the dates set by the EH. EH will not enter into correspondence regarding requests for the postponement of fixtures from the date specified. Matches can be played before the set date if both teams agree but priority for players will be with the originally scheduled activity on that date, not the rearranged match. 7.2. Start Times Home teams should make every effort to avoid an early start time where the away team has a significant journey to make. 7.3. If one team is ready to start but the other is not, the umpire concerned shall blow the whistle for the game to start and the match shall be awarded to the team that is ready to begin. 7.4. A team must have a minimum of seven players on the pitch at the start of the game for the match to commence. 7.5. The first named team must provide a sufficient quantity of good quality hockey match balls, which must be of the same type and colour and suitable for the surface on which the match is to be played. If there is any dispute the rules of hockey shall apply. 7.6. Pitches 7.6.1. All matches are to be played on artificial turf pitches that are subject to the approval by the England Hockey Board (www.englandhockey.co.uk/facilities). 7.6.2. Hosts should book pitches for the following times: 7.6.2.1. For triangular fixtures 25 minutes each way pitches should be booked for at least 4.5 hours 7.6.2.2. For single matches 35 minutes each way pitches should be booked for at least 2 hours 7.6.2.3. For triangular fixtures 20 minutes each way pitches should be booked for at least 3.5 hours 7.6.2.4. For single matches 30 minutes each way pitches must be booked for at least 1.5 hours 7.6.3. There should be a 30 minute break between games for teams playing back to back matches 7.6.4. Every effort must be made to find a suitable replacement pitch should a team's regular venue be unfit. 7.6.5. Home teams must ensure a supply of ice at pitch-side for use by all teams. Page 3 of 6
7.7. Host teams should provide post-match hospitality at the shared cost of participating teams and appoint suitable liaison officers to ensure that guests are met on arrival and looked after for the duration of their visit. 7.8. Team Manager Each team must have a team manager present on the day as a point of contact for their team and will be responsible for the organisation and conduct of their players. 7.9. Match Report Form A match report form should be completed for every game, including the triangular matches. Not less than 30 minutes before the start of a match each team must complete the team details section of the Match Report Form and submit it to the Umpires. The Match Report Form must be signed by the Manager who in so signing will be deemed to vouch for and confirm that each player listed is eligible to play. A player whose name appears on any Match Report Form listing those players eligible to play in a match will be deemed to have played in that match. On triangular dates, teams can name 16 players on their team sheet to play in each game, but they do not have to be the same 16 players per game. On single match days, teams can have a squad of up to 16 players. On triangular dates, it is the host s responsibility to return the three Match Report Forms to Rebecca Hill at the England Hockey Head Office (Bisham Abbey, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1RR) by the Wednesday following the matches. In single matches, it is the home team s responsibility to return the form. 7.10. Blood Borne Diseases A player who is injured or bleeding must leave the field of play unless medical reasons prevent this and must not return until wounds have been covered: players must not wear blood stained clothing. 8. DRESS 8.1. The second named team shall always take alternative colour shirts and socks to a match and, if required by either Umpire to do so, shall wear them. 8.2. Goalkeepers must wear shirts contrasting in colour with those of both teams. 8.3. Players shall wear on the back of their shirts the numbers allocated on the team sheet. 8.4. The Captain must be identifiable by a band. 9. UMPIRES 9.1. Each team must provide one L1 umpire each. Umpires will be appointed to the National Finals by EH. 9.2. Where teams are responsible for appointing their own L1 umpire and are unable to do so, that team will be deemed to have forfeited the game. 9.3. Umpires authority Umpires shall have the authority permanently (red card) or temporarily (yellow card) to suspend any player or official from the team bench for in-discipline. This will require the relevant team to withdraw a player from the pitch for the duration of the suspension 10. POSTPONEMENT OR ABANDONMENT 10.1. All matches must be played on the scheduled date unless a postponement is caused by adverse weather conditions. 10.1.1. Once a game has started, the decision on whether it should be abandoned rests with the Umpires. 10.2. In the event of a match having to be abandoned as a result of a serious injury to a player, adverse weather conditions or the decision of the umpires, the EH Competitions Department will decide on the action be to taken after receiving a report from the relevant umpires and teams. Such a decision may necessitate a replay of the fixture, depending on the circumstances at the time of the abandonment. 10.3. In the event of a postponement or a replay of an abandoned match, England Hockey will direct when the match should be replayed. 10.4. Bad Weather Procedure 10.4.1. The following procedure should be followed by the home team. 10.4.2. It is the responsibility of the home team to inspect the pitch in enough time to inform the travelling teams of a cancellation before they set off. It would be prudent for teams to check Page 4 of 6
www.metoffice.gov.uk as a standardised reference for weather conditions - in advance and make plans for cancelling the fixture if the forecast is for bad weather. 11. FAILURE TO HONOUR A FIXTURE 11.1. If a team fails to honour a fixture or forfeits a game, it shall be deemed to have lost 0-5 and the opposing team shall be awarded three points and deemed to have won the game 5-0. If a team fails to honour more than two fixtures, its playing record will be expunged. 11.2. If a team is removed from the competition it 11.2.1. will forfeit its entry fee, 11.2.2. May be barred from participation in any the England Hockey Board knockout competition in the following season. 11.3. In addition EH shall at its discretion have the right to ensure that a team which fails to honour a fixture reimburses the opposing team, officials and EH for any expenses incurred in relation to the fixture. 12. BREACH OF REGULATIONS Any team found to be in breach of these regulations will be subject to any penalty imposed by a specific regulation and/or further penalties. 13. APPEALS PROCEDURE 13.1 Clubs and players have the right to appeal against a decision of the EHCD as set out in this Regulation. 13.2 In any case where the EHCD has made a decision in respect of any matter that is or has been the subject of a decision by a relevant Disciplinary Body pursuant to the provisions of the Red Card & MMO Regulations or the Disrepute Offence Regulations, a club and/or individual affected by the decision has the right to appeal the decision of the EHLC to the EHB Appeal Panel. 13.2.1 The Appeal to the EHB Appeal Panel must be commenced by an Appeal Notice marked for the attention of the EHB Appeal Panel sent to and received by the NDO not later than 7 days after the Appellant has been notified of the decision to be appealed against. There must be annexed to the Appeal Notice copies of all documents, including the written statements of any witnesses, that the Appellant intends to rely on in the Appeal. 13.2.2 Regulations 7.3.1, 7.3.2, 7.3.3, 7.3.7, 7.4(b)[deposit of 150] and 7.5 of the Red Card & MMO Regulations shall apply for the purposes of the Appeal to the EHB Appeal Panel and, as soon as reasonably practical after receipt of the Appeal Notice, the Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel shall give directions for the further conduct of the Appeal. 13.2.3 The decision of the EHB Appeal Panel shall be final. 13.3 In any case not covered by the provisions in Regulation 13.2 a club and/or individual affected by the decision of the EHLC has a right to appeal to the EHB Appeal Panel in the manner set out below. 13.3.1 The Appeal to the EHB Appeal Panel must be commenced by an Appeal Notice marked for the attention of the EHB Appeal Panel sent to and received by the EHCD not later than 3 days after the Appellant has been notified of the decision to be appealed against. There must be annexed to the Appeal Notice copies of all documents, including the written statements of any witnesses, that the Appellant intends to rely on in the Appeal 13.3.2 The Appeal Notice should be sent by ordinary first class post, fax, email or recorded delivery or hand delivered to the EHCD at the EHB Offices. A deposit of 150 must be sent within 7 days of the date of the sending of the Appeal Notice. This will be returned, all or in part, if the Appeal is successful. As soon as reasonably practical after receipt of the Appeal Notice, the Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel shall give directions for the further conduct of the Appeal. 13.3.3 The Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel may, upon the application in writing made by or on behalf of the Appellant, stay, suspend or vary any penalty that is the subject of an Appeal pending determination of the Appeal, and, in exceptional circumstances, may extend the time for appealing upon such terms, if any, as the Chairman may think fit. The decision of the Chairman shall be final. Page 5 of 6
13.3.4 Save where the Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel directs otherwise, all Appeals will be dealt with in writing by electronic communication unless the Appellant requests an oral hearing. In which case the Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel may direct an oral hearing as soon as reasonably practical after the receipt of the Appeal Notice, the Chairman of the EHB Appeal Panel shall give directions for the further conduct of the Appeal. 14.3.5 Any other team that may be directly affected by an Appeal shall, as soon as reasonably possible, be notified of the Appeal and subsequently the outcome of the Appeal. 14.3.6 Where there has been an oral hearing of an Appeal the decision of the EHB Appeal Panel may include a direction that the Appellant shall pay all or part of the costs of the Appeal to be summarily assessed by the EHB Appeal Panel. 14.3.7 If an Appeal is not allowed in full, the EHB Appeal Panel may impose any sanction that the EHLC could have imposed. 14.3.8 The decision of the EHB Appeal Panel shall be final. APPENDIX 1 - DATES FOR COMPETITIONS IN 2013-2014 APPENDIX 2 - PENALTY STROKE PROCEDURE 1. The Umpires shall together choose the goal to be used and the Captains shall toss to decide which team shall take the first penalty stroke. 2. Five different players from each of the teams, chosen from the players listed on the team sheet, but excluding any player who has been permanently suspended from the game (Red Card), shall take a penalty stroke alternately against one and the same goalkeeper of the other team. Only if that goalkeeper is, in the opinion of the Umpires, incapacitated through injury, or is suspended, shall a team be permitted to substitute the goalkeeper during the course of a particular series in the stroke competition. 3. The team which has been awarded the higher number of goals shall be the winner. 4. In the event of an equal number of goals having been awarded, another series of penalty strokes shall be taken under the above conditions and with the same five players (subject to any incapacitated player being replaced or a suspended goalkeeper being substituted) but on a sudden death basis, that is, the team having been awarded the most goals after an equal number of strokes have been taken shall be the winner. The sequence in which the players take the strokes for their team need not be the same as in the previous series. The team manager has freedom of choice at the time of each stroke as to which of the five nominated players will take the stroke although must use all five nominated players per round. The team which has taken the first penalty stroke of a series shall not take the first penalty stroke of the following series (if any). Page 6 of 6