Let’s fix this hockey problem together
In April, the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) released a memorandum about the treatment of match officials, players, and competitors, signed by Shaune Baaitjies, the Interim CEO of SAHA, and by Executive Board Member Rules and Technical, John Wright. It’s been a long time coming, in my opinion.
A common theme in chats I have had with different people in the schools’ hockey community is that behaviour on the pitch and alongside it has deteriorated to the detriment of the game. It’s something I have heard and something I have witnessed. And it puts an ugly damper on the fantastic matches we are seeing on the Astro.
Hockey, at schools’ level, is going from strength to strength, but if the community does not look after and respect one another, there will be a price to pay.
Everyone involved in the hockey community – players, coach, administrators, supporters – should read the memorandum and, then, adhere to it. Please be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
MEMORANDUM
TREATMENT OF MATCH OFFICIALS, PLAYERS AND COMPETITORS
Despite hockey being a sport that continues to grow in both participation and spectator interest with increasing marketing opportunities, engaging competitions, and events that foster lifelong friendships the abuse directed at match officials and players has reached unacceptable levels.
This behaviour is now bordering on being out of control and is bringing the game into disrepute.
Such conduct is negatively affecting the marketability of our sport, diminishing spectator enjoyment, and undermining the overall experience for both players and match officials.
Hockey must remain a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. There is no place for abusive or uncontrolled behaviour in our sport.
In particular, the abuse being experienced by match officials from coaches, managers, and players alike is deeply concerning. This relentless pressure is leading many officials to leave the game, creating a significant and lasting impact on hockey and the South African Hockey Association (SAHA) as a whole.
Abuse takes many forms, including sarcasm, swearing, persistent questioning, dissent, dismissive gestures, and negative body language. The perception that it is acceptable to abuse a match official, an opposition player, or even one’s own teammates is wholly unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.
While SAHA acknowledges that not all matches have qualified technical table personnel, where such officials are present, they are empowered to take appropriate action against offenders.
Effective immediately, the South African Hockey Association mandates the following actions and sanctions in response to misconduct:
- Warning – To be issued by technical officials or umpires.
- Repeat Offence – May result in a Yellow Card (15-minute suspension) or Red Card, depending on the severity.
o Yellow Card: Suspension served in the designated area.
o Red Card: The individual must immediately leave the ground and venue.
- Disciplinary Hearing – Any recipient of a Red Card must face a disciplinary hearing, conducted by the relevant school, club, or province within 7 days.
- Sanctions – Penalties may include, but are not limited to monetary fines, match suspensions, or bans from the sport.
Furthermore, it is mandatory that all provinces ensure that every participant in their region signs and adheres to a Code of Conduct and that the SAHA Safeguarding Policy is strictly implemented.
We request that this directive be implemented immediately, and trust in your commitment to upholding the values and integrity of our sport.
