Player's Conduct

Umpires' Associations have reported a number of complaints about unacceptable activities of some club coaches and spectators during games and after matches both on the pitch and the clubhouse. Umpires and Clubs are now required to report incidents through the appropriate channels. Umpires' Associations will be notified of any sustained verbal abuse or harassment during the course of a game by those (such as spectators) whom they are unable to discipline under the rules of the game itself. Prematurely retiring umpires are citing the general decline in standards of courtesy politeness and hospitality offered by clubs as a contributing factor in their decision to call it a day.

The Guidance Notes for Pitchside Conduct promulgated by the HA's Technical Committee are designed to ensure that good manners and courtesy prevail towards opponents and other officials before during and after the game. They include the possible warning to spectators of unacceptable conduct during the match and the prevention of wandering by children around the perimeter of the pitch whilst the game is in progress. Children must remain under the control of a parent or guardian at all times and small children's buggies or push chairs should not be left parked on the side of the pitch.