Senior Turf League By- Laws - revolutioniseSPORT

Senior Turf League By-Laws

Senior Turf League Rules Page 2

Senior Turf League By-Laws Table of Contents

Senior Turf League By-Laws: Intents & Purposes 3 1. Competition structure 4 2. Conduct of matches 4 2.1 Match conditions 4 2.2 Team conditions 5 3. Officiating 6 3.1 Technical Officials 6 3.2 Umpiring 6 4. Player qualification 6 4.1 Qualifying Season player qualification 6 4.2 Double Up Players 7 4.3 State Replacement Player 8 4.4 Permit Player 8 4.5 Finals qualification 9 5. Finals 9 5.1 Format for Finals 9 5.2 Tie breakers 9 6. Promotion and relegation 10 7. Situations not covered by these By-Laws 11 8. Seeking an unfair advantage 11 9. Fines table 11 Appendix A: Defined terms 12 Appendix B: Special Rules for Premier Divisions 14 1. Match conditions 14 1.1 Ball persons 14 2. Team conditions 14 3. Club uniforms 14 4. Forfeits 14 5. Umpiring 15 6. Player qualification – Core Players 15 7. Draft 16 8. Player qualification generally 16 9. Player Qualification - Import Players 16 10. Match reporting 17 11. Finals 18 12. Tie Breakers 18 Appendix C: Promotion and relegation guideline 19

Document Control

Version Date Approved by Board

Date approved by Members

Proposed review date Proposed reviewer

1 5 November 2019 8 December 2019 September 2020 Competition Rules Committee

2 17 February 2021 28 February 2021 September 2021 Competition Rules Committee


Senior Turf League By-Laws: Intents & Purposes

A Authority

These Senior Turf League By-Laws are made under clause 23 of the Constitution – 'By-Laws of the

Association'.

The Senior Turf League By-Laws should be read in conjunction with the Hockey WA Competition and

Events By-Laws and FIH Rules of Hockey. The FIH Rules of Hockey are an important source of

information regarding how matches should be conducted. However, where the Senior Turf League

By-Laws differ from the FIH Rules of Hockey, then the Senior Turf League By-Laws will apply.

To the extent of any inconsistency with any other rule or by-law of Hockey WA, these By-Laws

prevail regarding the Senior Turf League.

B Purpose

The Senior Turf League By-Laws are intended to:

(a) encourage the largest amount of participation at all levels of our sport;

(b) create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, equality and fair play; and

(c) penalise Clubs who seek to gain an unfair advantage.

The linear Competition model is a major change and therefore it is being introduced for a three (3)

year trial commencing in 2020.

The linear model will be monitored closely by Hockey WA during the trial period to ensure the model

meets the objectives of these By-Laws.

The Linear Rules Committee will review the linear model:

(a) at any time, an issue is identified by Hockey WA which requires a change to these By-Laws;

(b) at completion of the 2020 season; and

(c) annually thereafter.

C Special Rules

Special Rules apply to Premier Division One, Two and Three Teams. All Special Rules are attached

at Appendix B. The rules contained within the body of the Senior Turf League By-Laws apply to all

Clubs and Teams, regardless of their position within the Competition structure.

D Penalty Provision

Where there is a prescribed financial penalty for a breach of any of these By-Laws, the rule will be

designated in these By-Laws as a Penalty Provision.

E Definitions

The defined terms used in these By-Laws are set out in Appendix A.

Where these By-Laws incorporate any rule taken from the FIH Rules of Hockey, Hockey WA

Competition and Events By-Laws, Hockey Australia Australian Championship Operations Manual,

Hockey Australia Tournament Regulations, Hockey WA Codes of Behaviour or Hockey WA

Membership By-Laws, these By-Laws are taken to incorporate any updates or changes.

F Review

The Competition Rules Committee is responsible for determining the process by which these By-

Laws and any competition rules are reviewed on a periodic basis.

Hockey WA will seek and consider the Competition Rules Committee’s decisions when determining

the application of the By-Laws.


1. Competition structure (a) The Senior Turf League is to be divided in descending order as follows:

Premier Division One

Premier Division Two

Premier Division Three

Division Four

Division Five

Division Six

Division Seven (Black) Division Seven (Gold)

Division Eight (Black) Division Eight (Gold)

Division Nine (Black) Division Nine (Gold)

Division Ten (Black) Division Ten (Gold)

(b) Hockey WA may create additional divisional League Grades as required.

(c) In Divisions Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten, the Grades will be aligned to reduce travel time.

(d) The number of Teams and rounds will be as follows, unless otherwise determined by Hockey

WA:

Men's Division Teams Rounds

Premier Division One and Two Twelve (12) Twenty-two (22)

Premier Division Three Ten (10) Eighteen (18)

Divisions Four to Ten Nine (9) or Ten (10) Eighteen (18)

Women's Division Teams Rounds

Premier Division One and Two Ten (10) Eighteen (18)

Premier Division Three to Division Ten Nine (9) or Ten (10) Eighteen (18)

(e) No Club is permitted to have more than one (1) Team in any Senior Turf Division Grade

except the lowest possible Grade. If a Senior Turf Division is split into two Grades based

upon regional location, then a Club may have one (1) Team in each of these two (2) Grades.

2. Conduct of matches

2.1 Match conditions

Subject to the Special Rules for Premier Division One, Two and Three set out in Appendix B,

matches will be conducted as follows:

(a) All matches must be played on the date and time and at the ground nominated, unless

determined by Hockey WA.


(b) A match will consist of:

Four (4) periods of play

Timing of play Intervals of play immediately following the nominated period of play

Other match conditions

First quarter Seventeen (17) minutes

First interval will be two (2) minutes No end swap, same Team recommences with centre pass

Teams must remain on the pitch during the interval

Second quarter Seventeen (17) minutes

Half-time interval will be five (5) minutes Teams must swap ends after half-time, other Team recommences with centre pass

Third quarter Seventeen (17) minutes

Third interval will be two (2) minutes No end swap, same Team recommences with centre pass


Fourth quarter Seventeen (17) minutes

Fourth interval will be the end of the match

Not applicable

(c) A maximum period of ten (10) minutes may be added for delays or interruptions but the

match must conclude at a time which is the earlier of:

(i) five (5) minutes before the scheduled commencement of the next match scheduled to

take place on the same field; or

(ii) eighty-five (85) minutes after the commencement of play.

(d) Each Team must provide at least one (1) white hockey ball of standard requirements in

serviceable condition, to the satisfaction of the umpires. A coloured ball may be used by the

agreement of both Teams and both umpires.

2.2 Team conditions

Subject to any Special Rules for Premier Division One set out in Appendix B, the Team conditions

will be as follows:

(a) Teams can comprise of up to sixteen (16) Players. A maximum of eleven (11) Players are

allowed to play at one time. Players may be interchanged at any time except during penalty

corners.

Each Team must play with either:

(i) a goalkeeper wearing full protective equipment comprising of at least Protective

Headgear, leg guards and kickers and subject to Competitions and Events By-Law

2.1 (c); or

(ii) 11 field players.

• Any Team wanting to change between these options must make a substitution at a break in play when their Team is in possession.

(b) No Team is permitted to commence play with less than seven (7) Players.

(c) A Team with less than eleven (11) Players may add extra players during the progress of a

match until the full complement of eleven (11) Players is reached.

(d) No field player has goalkeeping privileges or may wear a different shirt. Protective Headgear

must not be worn by field players, other than a face mask when defending a penalty corner.

(e) If a Team has seven (7) or more Players, including any HAHPP draft Players absent for a

fixture due to hockey commitments endorsed by Hockey Australia (i.e. national squad

competition), Hockey WA, or School Sport WA, then consideration will be given for the

fixtures to be rescheduled to an appropriate time. A written request for a reschedule must be

received by Hockey WA at least ten (10) days prior to the original fixture date as published

and requests will be addressed on a case by case basis. Non-HAHPP draft Players must

have previously played for that Team within the current Winter Season.


3. Officiating

3.1 Technical Officials

(a) Hockey WA may appoint Technical Officials to control matches in any Grade. The function

and powers of Technical Officials are as outlined in the Hockey Australia Australian

Championship Operations Manual and as determined from time to time by Hockey WA.

(b) No Player may enter the playing arena without the consent of the Technical Official.

(c) Where a Technical Official is present, the captain or manager of each Team must accurately

complete the line-up sheet clearly indicating the starting eleven (11) and return it to the

Technical Official at least fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled start time of the match.

The Technical Official will record the time an interchange Player enters the field for the first

time.

(d) The Technical Official will allow up to a maximum of four (4) non-playing persons on a Team

bench during a game including the coach, assistant coach, manager and any medical staff,

plus up to five (5) reserve Players. All medical staff present on a Team bench must have

sufficient documentation of accreditation.

(e) The Technical Official can require any person on a Team bench who engages in loud or

offensive behaviour to withdraw from the playing arena, in addition to any consequence

referred to in Competition and Events By-Laws rule 5.1. (c).

3.2 Umpiring

Subject to any Special Rules for Premier Division One, Two and Three set out in Appendix B, the

umpiring rules are as follows:

(a) Hockey WA will allocate each Grade umpiring duties throughout the year. Wherever possible,

these will occur at Umpiring Byes scheduled through fixturing. However, if there is an even

number of Teams in a Grade, then Teams will be allocated umpiring duties by Hockey WA.

(b) Where the allocated umpire(s) fails to arrive by the scheduled starting time a replacement

umpire(s) must be sourced by the competing Teams. Failure to source a replacement

umpire(s) will result in the competing Teams nominating a Player(s) to undertake the

umpiring allocation.

(c) In the event that both Teams are required to nominate a Player umpire under sub-rule (b),

failure of one (1) Team to do so will result in forfeiture of the match.

(d) Failure of the allocated umpire(s) to attend the match does not give cause to request re-

fixturing of the match. For the Team that was allocated to umpire, this is a Penalty Provision.

(e) If the allocated umpire(s) arrive after the commencement of the match, they may take the

place of the replacement umpire(s) by agreement of both Teams.

4. Player qualification Subject to any Special Rules for Premier Division One, Two and Three set out in Appendix B, the

player qualification rules are as follows.

4.1 Qualifying Season player qualification

(a) A Player may only play in one (1) Senior Turf League match within the same Fixture Week,

unless:

(i) They are a Double Up Player, State Replacement Player or Permit Player under

rule 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4;

(ii) Competition and Events By-Laws rule 6.3 applies (which deals with playing more than

one (1) match in a Fixture Week across different age restrictions); or

(iii) More than one (1) match in the same Grade is scheduled to be played during the

same Fixture Week.


Note: An Umpiring Bye will be considered to be a Fixture Week. Any Player

participating in an Umpiring Bye, whether they actually umpire or just do not

play in a match that weekend, will be deemed by Hockey WA to have

participated in that Fixture Week for that Grade.

(b) A Player may play in any Grade for which they are qualified provided that when that Player’s

Regular Grade has a bye or forfeits a game, they cannot play in a lower Grade unless

permission has been granted by Hockey WA. Application for permission must be in writing

and submitted to the Hockey WA office two (2) full business days prior to the fixture.

This sub-rule (b) only applies after the first three (3) weeks of the Winter Season.

(c) A Player may not drop more than one (1) Club Grade within one (1) Fixture Week. The order

for determining Grade hierarchy is located in the Competition Structure in rule 1.

For the avoidance of doubt, a Player that does not play for consecutive Fixture Weeks may

drop the same number of Grades as the number of Fixture Weeks missed.

(d) Hockey WA may declare a forfeit where it deems that a Club, without a satisfactory

explanation to Hockey WA, has played a disproportionate number of regular Players from a

higher ranked Team in a lower ranked Team.

(e) During the Eligibility Period, a Team must not include more than two (2) Players whose

Regular Grade immediately prior to the Eligibility Period, was in a higher ranked Team. The

two (2) Players may only play one (1) match for that Fixture Week.

4.2 Double Up Players

(a) Subject to the Special Rules in Appendix B, a Team may list and play three (3) Double Up

Players, or four (4) if one of the Double Up Players is a goalkeeper.

(b) The rules about eligibility of Double Up Players are as follows:

Rules Result Procedure

A Player is eligible to be an Double Up Player if:

(i) one (1) game is in the Player’s Regular Grade; and

(ii) the other game is in the Grade immediately either side according to the Club’s hierarchy as referred to in rule 1; and

(iii) For Teams playing in Premier Division One, Two or Three, the higher-Grade Team has eleven (11) or more players, not including the Double Up Players.

A Double Up Player may play two (2) matches in a Fixture Week

Double Up Player(s) must be clearly indicated by a "D" in the player role column of the match report sheet in the higher graded match and by a “1” in the Double Up column on the Online Portal. This is a Penalty Provision

A Player is not eligible to be a Double Up Player if they are or have been:

(i) A member of a team playing in an open age national hockey competition in the previous two (2) years; or

(ii) a HAHPP Player; or

(iii) an open age national team representative in the previous twelve (12) months; or

(iv) listed in a Club’s Core Player list.

A Player, who is not a Double Up Player, cannot play two (2) matches in a Fixture Week.

Nil

(c) In the Eligibility Period, a Team cannot include a Double Up Player if that Double Up Player's

Regular Grade immediately prior to the Eligibility Period was higher than one (1) of the

matches the Team intends to play the Double Up Player in.

(d) When a Player has played in more than one (1) game in a week as a Double Up Player, then

only the match played in the lower Grade may be used for assessing that Player’s Regular

Grade.

(e) If a Club contravenes rule 4.2, then the Double Up Player(s) will be an ineligible player in that

Club’s lower Grade match and the appropriate penalty will be applied, as set out in rule 10 of

the Competition and Events By-Laws.


4.3 State Replacement Player

(a) The rules about eligibility of a State Replacement Player are as follows:


A Player is eligible to be a State Replacement Player if:

The Player is playing in place of another Player who is absent (Absent Player) due to being a member or official of a recognised National or State team or squad, or event official, and is participating in, or travelling directly to or from, an Official Activity associated with that role; Provided that:

(i) one (1) Team a State Replacement Player plays for in a Fixture Week is the Team in which the Absent Player usually plays;

(ii) the other Team the State Replacement Player plays for in the same Fixture Week is in a lower Grade and is or will be that Player’s Regular Grade; and

(iii) the Absent Player has not been replaced under this Rule more than six (6) times in the current Winter Season, unless permission has been obtained from Hockey WA.

A State Replacement Player may play two (2) matches in a Fixture Week.

State Replacement Player(s) must be clearly indicated by an 'S' in the player role column of the match report sheet in the higher graded match and by a “1” in the State Replacement column on the Online Portal. This is a Penalty Provision

(b) In the Eligibility Period, a Team cannot include a State Replacement Player if that Player's

Regular Grade immediately prior to the Eligibility Period was higher than one of the matches

the Team intends to play the State Replacement Player in.

(c) When a Player has played in more than one (1) game in a week as a State Replacement

Player, then only the match played in the lower Grade may be used for assessing that

Player’s Regular Grade.

(d) If a Club contravenes rule 4.3, then the State Replacement Player(s) will be an ineligible

player in that Club’s lower Grade match and the appropriate penalty will be applied, as set

out in rule 10 of the Competition and Events By-Laws.

4.4 Permit Player

(a) The rules about eligibility of a Permit Player are as follows:


A Player is eligible to be a Permit Player if:

(i) a Player has a Goalkeeper permit (automatic). That Player may take the field in one (1) match as a goalkeeper and in any other match as a field player; or

(ii) in exceptional circumstances, Hockey WA may grant a permit for a Player to play in two (2) matches in a Fixture Week. Permit requests must be received by close of business on the second last working day prior to the match

A Permit Player may play two (2) matches in a Fixture Week

Permit Player(s) must be clearly indicated by a 'P' in the player role column of the match report sheet in the match for which permission has been granted and by a “1” in the Permit column on the Online Portal. This is a Penalty Provision

(b) If a Permit Player plays as a field player and a goalkeeper throughout the Winter Season, that

Permit Player can qualify for two Finals, but can only qualify in a Final for the position in

which the Permit Player has played in that Grade throughout the year.

For example: if a Player has played as a goalkeeper in Premier Division One and a field

Player in Premier Division Two they cannot play as a goalkeeper in a Premier Division Two

game.

(c) If a Club contravenes rule 4.4, then the Permit Player(s) will be an ineligible player in that

Club’s lower Grade match and the appropriate penalty will be applied, as set out in rule 10 of

the Competition and Events By-Laws.


4.5 Finals qualification

(a) To play in a Final:

A Player must have played at least three (3) fixtures prior to Finals for the Club in the Senior Turf League or have obtained the prior permission of Hockey WA; and

The Player must have played greater than half of their matches for the Winter Season for that same Club in the Grade they are seeking to play Finals in or lower;

OR

If the Player's Regular Grade is higher, the Player must have played in the Senior Turf League in the Grade they are seeking to qualify for or lower, for the same Club, in the Eligibility Period. If a Team has an Umpiring Bye within the Eligibility Period, the Player must participate in this Umpiring Bye to qualify for Finals;

OR

The Player must obtain permission from Hockey WA, which will only be given if Hockey WA is satisfied no unfair advantage will be gained.

(b) In the event of an ineligible player playing in a Finals fixture, the outcome will be forfeiture of

the fixture in which the breach occurred, as set out in rule 10 of the Competition and Events

By-Laws.

(c) Players will be exempt from rule 4.5 if they are prevented from qualifying to play Finals due to

Australian representation.

5. Finals

5.1 Format for Finals

Subject to any Special Rules for Mens Premier Division One and Two set out in Appendix B, the

format for Finals will be as follows:

(a) The top four (4) Teams on the premiership table at the completion of the Qualifying Season

will play in the final series.

(b) The final series will comprise of:

Final Explanation Result

First semi-final The third and fourth placed Teams on the premiership table play each other

The losing Team is eliminated from Finals.

The winning Team will play the losing Team of the Second semi-final in the preliminary final.

Second semi-final

The first and second placed Teams on the premiership table play each other

The losing Team will play the winning Team of the first semi-final in the preliminary final.

The winning Team will play the winning Team of the preliminary final in the Grand Final.

Preliminary final

The winning Team of the first semi-final and the losing Team of the second semi-final play each other

The losing Team is eliminated from Finals.

The winning Team moves into the Grand Final to play the winner of the second semi-final.

Grand Final The winning Team of the second semi-final and the winning Team of the preliminary final play each other

The winning Team is the winner of the Grade.

5.2 Tie breakers

Subject to any Special Rules for Premier Division One, Two and Three set out in Appendix B, the

format for tie breakers will be as follows:

(a) If the score in a Finals game is level at the end of normal time then, after a five (5) minute

rest period, umpires will toss a coin with the captains and the winner will have the choice of

ends or possession of the ball to re-start the match. Two (2) periods of up to five (5) minutes

of extra time will be played, in between which Teams must change ends without a rest period.

(b) The first Team to score a goal in extra time is the winner of the game.


(c) In the event that the score is still level at the end of the two (2) periods of extra time then a

penalty stroke competition as outlined in the Hockey Australia Tournament Regulations will

be played to establish the winner of the match.

(d) In a penalty stroke competition, five (5) Players from each Team will take a penalty stroke

alternatively.

(e) Permanently suspended (red card) Players are ineligible to take part in a penalty stroke

competition.

(f) The umpires, after consultation with the Team captains and Technical Official if present, will

choose the goal to be used and will toss a coin with the captains, the winner having the

choice to take or defend the first penalty stroke.

(g) One of a Team’s nominated goalkeeper/s must defend for their Team unless unable to do so,

in which case another Player may replace them. This Player must wear approved goal

keeping equipment, including Protective Headgear.

(h) Once each Team has taken five (5) penalty strokes, the Team with the highest number of

goals is the winner of the game.

(i) In the event of an equal number of goals having been awarded to each Team during the first

penalty stroke competition, a second penalty stroke competition will occur as follows:

(i) the same Players as featured in the first penalty stroke competition will take part;

(ii) it will feature 'sudden death', which means that the winning Team will be the first

Team to have scored one (1) more goal than the opposing Team after an equal

number of penalty strokes has been taken by each Team;

(iii) the sequence of Players taking penalty strokes does not need to be the same as in

the first penalty stroke competition and the Team captain has freedom of choice at

the time of each penalty stroke as to which of the nominated Players will take it;

(iv) all five (5) nominated Players must take a penalty stroke before any of them are

eligible to take a further one;

(v) the Team which defended the first penalty stroke of the first competition must not

defend the first penalty stroke of this second competition.

6. Promotion and relegation (a) Hockey WA will apply the promotion and relegation guideline in Appendix C. The guideline

will be applied at the commencement of the Winter Season each year, starting from Premier

Division One and moving downward through the Grades.

(b) Where Hockey WA considers the application of the guideline will result in an outcome that is

not consistent with the objectives of these By-Laws, Hockey WA may apply its discretion,

taking into account the following principles:

(i) outcomes which encourage participation in hockey are to be preferred;

(ii) each Grade should consist of Teams of similar ability, so far as is possible;

(iii) the views of Clubs affected by a decision should be considered before the decision is

finalised.

(c) Where a Club fails to nominate a Team into a Grade or there are openings in Grades,

Hockey WA may apply its discretion to allocate Teams to Grades, taking into account the

principles in rule 6(b) above.

(d) A Club may request that a Team not be promoted. Promotion will not occur provided Hockey

WA considers that outcome is in the best interests of the Competition, taking into account the

principles in rule 11(b) above.


7. Situations not covered by these By-Laws (a) Hockey WA must consider the intent and purpose of these By-Laws so that they may be

applied in any given situation.

(b) Any situation not provided for explicitly in these By-Laws will be referred to Hockey WA for

consideration and determination.

8. Seeking an unfair advantage (a) Clubs or Teams who deliberately seek to gain an unfair advantage will be subject to a

penalty.

(b) For example, Clubs or Teams that collude or conspire to predetermine the results of any

match will be deemed to be seeking an unfair advantage.

(c) This rule 8 is a Penalty Provision.

9. Fines table Where any rule confers discretion on Hockey WA to determine a fine, Hockey WA will be guided by

the following decision matrix:

Level of breach Example

Minor breach Procedural breach only

Medium breach Has the potential to operate to the detriment of another Club or Team

Serious breach Wilfully attempting to gain an unfair advantage, to the detriment of another Club or Team


Appendix A: Defined terms

Absent Player is a Player who a State Replacement Player is replacing.

Advisory Group refers to an advisory group that is set up by Hockey WA to assist with the decision-

making process.

Association, WAHA, and Hockey WA all refer to the name of the Western Australian Hockey

Association Incorporated and its Staff, Board and Committees.

Australian Permanent Resident is defined as someone who is present in Australia at that time and

holds a permanent visa at that time.

Business Day means a day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or Public Holiday) in Perth, Western

Australia.

CEO refers to the Hockey WA Chief Executive Officer.

Club means any Club or Association, or any other group within Australia or overseas controlling the

playing of field hockey, according to the Rules of FIH.

Committee refers to a Committee that is set up by Hockey WA to carry out delegated functions or

powers of Hockey WA.

Competition means the leagues controlled by Hockey WA.

Core Player is a Player who has met the criteria in Section in rule 6 of Appendix B.

Division refers to the specific ways in which each League controlled by Hockey WA is separated.

These are outlined for each specific League within their own specific By-Laws.

Double Up Player is a Player who has met the criteria in rule 4.2.

Eligibility Period means the last four (4) rounds of the Qualifying Season for Premier Division One

and the corresponding Fixture Weeks for all other Divisions.

FIH refers to the International Hockey Federation.

Final refers to any of the series of matches played at the end of the Qualifying Season to determine

the Premier.

Fixture Week refers to a period during which a set of fixtures for that Competition takes place, as set

out in Hockey WA’s season calendar.

Grade refers to the specific ways in which each Division within each League controlled by Hockey

WA is separated, which is mainly done when divisions can be separated by location.

HAHPP refers to the Hockey Australia High Performance Program.

Import Player is a Player who has met the criteria in rule 9 of Appendix B.

League refers to one of Senior Turf League, Metropolitan League, Masters League, Junior League,

Senior Indoor League or Junior Indoor League which are conducted under the auspices of Hockey

WA.

Media means any form of media or social media such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter,

Blogs, Instagram, Tiktok or Flickr.

Members are the Clubs and regional associations affiliated with Hockey WA.

Official Activity refers to championship fixtures and all commitments associated with them, and rest

periods for athletes sanctioned by the governing bodies responsible for those athletes.

Online Portal refers to the online Competitions, fixtures and results portal used by Hockey WA.

Penalty Provision means a rule which if breached could result in the imposition of a financial

penalty (usually a fine).

Permit Player is a Player who has met the criteria in rule 4.4.

Player refers to any player regardless of their position, includes field players and goalkeepers.


Premier Division One refers to the highest Grade in the men’s and women's Competitions

conducted under the auspices of Hockey WA.

Protective Headgear refers to a full goalkeeping helmet, not just a facemask.

Protests and Disputes Tribunal and Protest Fee have the meanings given to them in the Hockey

WA Competition Rules.

Qualifying Period means more than sixty per cent (60%) of matches during the Qualifying Season

of the Winter Season.

Qualifying Season is the round matches played prior to the Finals series.

Regional Association means a regional association whose objects include the fostering, promotion

or management of the game of hockey and who apply to and are accepted by resolution of the

Hockey WA Board as affiliates of Hockey WA.

Regular Grade is the Grade in which a player has played most of their matches in the current

season at that point in time up to and including the last qualifying round. Where a player has played

an equal number of matches in more than one Grade, his/her Regular Grade will be the higher of

those Grades.

Rules of Hockey means current edition of the FIH Rules of Hockey.

Scholarship Holder means a player holding a HAHPP Scholarship.

Season Premier refers to the Team in each Grade that finishes on top of the premiership table at the

end of the Qualifying Season.

Special Rules refer to the Rules set out in Appendix B, and are special to a particular Grade or

Grades.

State Replacement Player is a Player who has met the criteria in rule 4.3.

Team means a number of players registered with a Club and designated by that Club to represent it

in a scheduled match in the Competition.

Technical Officials may be appointed by Hockey WA to any match and have the functions and

powers as outlined in the Hockey Australia Australian Championship Operations Manager.

Umpiring Bye is a Fixture Week in which one Team within a division does not have a scheduled

match, and instead has been allocated umpiring duties.

WA Player refers to a Player who is not an Import Player or Scholarship Holder. Also, a Player who

is employed by the Australian Defence Force ('ADF') and has been transferred by the ADF to reside

in Western Australia for the purpose of their military service will be deemed to be a WA Player (a

Club will be required to submit proof of the person’s employment with the ADF and transfer by the

ADF to Western Australia, to Hockey WA at least ten (10) days prior to their first game).

Winter Season means a Winter Season Competition run by Hockey WA or a Hockey WA affiliated

Regional Association, including junior Competitions, the first day of which will be the date of the first

match of the Competition and the last day of which will be the date of the grand final match of the

Competition for that season.


Appendix B: Special Rules for Premier Divisions

1. Match conditions For Premier Division One, Two and Three, matches will consist of:

Four (4) periods of play

Timing of play

Intervals of play immediately following the nominated period of play

Other match conditions

Penalty Corner conditions

First quarter Fifteen (15) minutes

First interval will be two (2) minutes No end swap, same Team recommences with centre pass


Forty (40) seconds of stoppage time will be allowed when a penalty corner is awarded. If a subsequent penalty corner is awarded when playing out a penalty corner, additional stoppage time is not allowed.

Second quarter Fifteen (15) minutes

Half-time interval will be five (5) minutes Teams must swap ends after half-time, other Team recommences with centre pass

Third quarter Fifteen (15) minutes

Third interval will be two (2) minutes No end swap, same Team recommences with centre pass


Fourth quarter Fifteen (15) minutes

Fourth interval will be the end of the match Not applicable

1.1 Ball persons

The following ball persons responsibilities apply to Premier Division One Teams:

Division and Team responsible Responsibility Hockey WA Compensation applicable?

All Premier One Division matches, the first named Team

Must provide four (4) ball persons

Yes, found within the Technical Official's match-kit

2. Team conditions For Premier Division One, the following Team conditions apply:

(a) Each Team must lodge with Hockey WA a list containing the names of its proposed squad of

sixteen (16) Players and their shirt numbers by 10.00am on the Business Day immediately

preceding each fixtured match.

(b) For Teams contesting the Grand Final, this list must be provided by 10.00am on the

Wednesday immediately preceding the Grand Final.

(c) Except in exceptional circumstances, this is a Penalty Provision.

3. Club uniforms For all Premier Division One, Two and Three Teams, the playing uniform is to be numbered. The

number is to be on the back of the shirt/body suit and clearly visible when the shirt is tucked in. The

number is to be in a contrasting colour to the shirt and be at least twenty (20) centimetres high.

4. Forfeits Should a Premier Division One, Two or Three Team forfeit any match, this is a Penalty Provision.


5. Umpiring (a) Hockey WA will appoint umpires from Hockey WA’s Panel to all Premier Division One, Two

and Three matches.

(b) Two (2) weeks prior to the start of the Winter Season, Premier Division One Clubs and Clubs

whose top Team is in Premier Division Two and Three must provide to Hockey WA the name

of two (2) suitably accredited Club people that will be added to the panel for appointment to

matches throughout the season. This is a Penalty Provision.

(c) Club nominees must not already be on Hockey WA’s Panel of umpires which will be

distributed to Clubs prior to the request for nominations.

6. Player qualification – Core Players This rule applies to a Club’s top Team in Premier Division One, Two and Three.

(a) It is intended that Players listed as Core Players should be the best six Players normally

selected first by each Club each week. These Players are considered the Club's Core

Players.

Core Player status will generally be a function of:

The Player's Skill level

The Player's playing record over the last three (3) seasons

Whether the Player has played in the national open age hockey competition in the previous two (2) years

Whether the Player has played in the national under 21 competition in the previous two (2) years

Whether the Player has played in another national competition in Australia or overseas, e.g. European Hockey League, Indian Premier League

(b) The Core Player Requirements, process of review and process of changes are as follows:

Core Player Requirements

Each Team must provide to Hockey WA ten (10) days before the commencement of the first fixture, or at a time advised by Hockey WA, a list of at least sixteen (16) squad players with six (6) Core Players clearly indicated on the list.

HAHPP players are not to be included as Core Players.

The list of Core Players is to include a goalkeeper.

If an HAHPP goalkeeper is either retained or drafted by a Club, then that Club’s Core Player list must not include a goalkeeper. In this instance, the Club should list six (6) field players as its Core Players.

Process of Review of Core Player lists

Coaches (or their representatives) will, prior to the fixture following the submission date, review the Core Player lists and approve or require modification of a Club’s list.

Process of changes to Core Players list

A Club may request a change to their own or any other Club’s Core Player list within the same Grade at any time during the Qualifying Season; or

Hockey WA may request a change at any time during the Qualifying Season.

• All changes require that the names of the Players to be included and excluded to be provided to Hockey WA by the requesting party no later than 10am on the second last working day prior to the Club’s next fixture.

• Hockey WA will refer all requests for changes to three (3) randomly selected opposition coaches. Should a consensus not be possible then Hockey WA may request consideration from additional opposition coaches.

This sub-rule (b) is a Penalty Provision.

(c) A Core Player must only play for the Club’s highest Team. This is a Penalty Provision.

(d) Hockey WA can investigate situations where a Core Player has been absent from fixtures for

at least three (3) consecutive Fixture Weeks. Unless due to injury or suspension, this will lead

to a request to change a Club’s Core Player List.


7. Draft A Hockey WA draft will be held each year. The draft will occur between the HAHPP, Hockey WA and

Premier Division One Clubs, under the Hockey WA Athlete Draft By-Laws.

8. Player qualification generally (a) HAHPP players and any Players that have competed in an Australian Hockey League

Competition within the previous two (2) calendar years must only play in a Club’s top Team

unless permission has been granted by Hockey WA. Application for permission must be in

writing and submitted to the Hockey WA office two (2) full Business Days prior to the fixture.

(b) A Premier Division One, Two or Three Player seeking to play in a hockey Competition held

outside of Western Australia during the period of that Winter Season must have written

permission from Hockey WA in order to return to play the remainder of the Winter Season in

that Grade.

(c) A Player who breaches sub-rule 8(b) of Appendix B by playing in a hockey Competition held

outside of Western Australia without Hockey WA's permission may return to play the

remainder of the Winter Season with their Premier Division One, Two or Three Team, but will

be deemed ineligible for a further period of time equal to the number of matches they played

in the other Competition.

(d) For Premier Division One, Two and Three, a Club’s top Team may list and play up to five (5)

Double Up Players including the goalkeeper. However, Double Up Players cannot be used

unless there are eleven (11) players listed who are not Double Up Players.

9. Player Qualification - Import Players This rule applies to Premier Division One, Two and Three Clubs.

(a) The following flow-through diagram depicts who will be captured as an Import Player:

Is the Player an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident?

YES NO

Within the previous two (2) calendar years, has the Player represented Australia, or represented a state other than Western Australia at a national under 21 or open age national hockey competition without express permission from Hockey WA?

Within the previous two (2) calendar years, has the Player played in a hockey competition outside of Western Australia, unless representing Western Australia at a national hockey competition?

YES NO YES NO

Has the Player played at least three (3) Qualifying Periods during the previous five (5) consecutive Winter Seasons?

The Player is not classified as an Import Player

The Player is classified as an Import Player


YES NO


The Player is classified as an Import Player

(b) For the avoidance of doubt, an Import Player is not a WA player or HAHPP player.


(c) The rules relating to Import Players are as follows:

Rule Further requirements

Import Players must be identified on the match card by placing the letter 'I' in the Player Role column.

Nil.

A Club wishing to field an Import Player during the current Winter Season must apply to Hockey WA for approval at least ten (10) days prior to the Import Player's first game.

Approval will only be granted for the Winter Season during, or before which, the application was made.

New Import Players must personally present themselves, by appointment, to a designated person at the Hockey WA office at least four (4) Business Days prior to their first match and provide photographic identification documentation, as required by Hockey WA, so that they can be clearly identified; or Import Players approved to play in a previous Winter Season are not required to present themselves to a designated person at Hockey WA, however they must be clearly identified to Hockey WA and a photograph of the Import Player must be provided with the Club’s application to Hockey WA.

A Team must not have more than three (3) Import Players listed on their match sheet for any one match.

Nil

To be eligible to play after round fifteen (15) of a Winter Season in Premier Division One or Two Men, an Import Player must have played at least five (5) matches to that date (not including matches played as a Double Up, State Replacement or Permit Player) for that Club, during that Winter Season.

Nil

To be eligible to play after round twelve (12) of a Winter Season in Premier Division Three Men or Premier Division One, Two or Three Women, an Import Player must have played at least four (4) matches to that date (not including matches played as a Double Up, State Replacement or Permit Player) for that Club, during that Winter Season.

Nil

Each Club has the onus of identifying and demonstrating to Hockey WA whether a Player is an Import Player, WA Player or Scholarship Holder. If a Player’s classification is changed during a Winter Season, then the subsequent classification will be applied retrospectively for that Winter Season.

Based on Club submissions, Hockey WA will determine whether or not a Player is an Import Player, WA Player or Scholarship Holder.

A Club has the right to appeal to Hockey WA against a determination by Hockey WA in accordance with Hockey WA Membership By-Laws rule 10(c).

(d) Breach of this rule 9 of Appendix B by a Club or Player will result in the offending player

being deemed to be an ineligible player. This is a Penalty Provision.

(e) When investigating a possible breach of this rule 9 of Appendix B, the onus is on the Club to

prove that the person who played for the Club was not an Import Player.

10. Match reporting This rule applies to Premier Division One, Two and Three Teams in addition those outlined in

Competition and Events By-Laws rule 9.

(a) Each match report must record - in addition to those outlined in Competition and Events By-

Laws rule 9(b):

(i) details of numbers assigned to each Player in the Team completing the match report.

(b) Specified Team match details on the Online Portal include – in addition to those outlined in

Competition and Events By-Laws rule 9(h):

(i) Player’s shirt numbers.

(c) This is a Penalty Provision.


11. Finals This rule applies to the Finals format for Men's Premier Division One and Two Finals.

(a) The top five (5) Teams on the premiership table at the completion of the Qualifying Season

will play in the Final series.

(b) The Final series will comprise of:

Final Explanation Result

Elimination final The fourth and fifth placed Teams on the premiership table will play each other

The losing Team is eliminated from Finals

The winning Team will play the losing Team of the qualification final in the first semi-final

Qualification final

The second and third placed Teams on the premiership table will play each other

The losing Team will play the winning Team of the elimination final in the first semi-final

The winning Team will play the first placed Team on the premiership table in the second semi-final

First semi-final The loser of the qualification final and the winner of the elimination final will play each other


The winning Team will play the losing Team of the Second semi-final in the preliminary final

Second semi-final

The first placed Team on the premiership table and the winner of the qualification final will play each other

The losing Team will play the winning Team of the first semi-final in the preliminary final

The winning Team will play the winning Team of the preliminary final in the Grand Final

Preliminary final The winning Team of the first semi-final and the losing Team of the second semi-final play each other


The winning Team moves into the Grand Final to play the winner of the second semi-final

Grand Final The winning Team of the second semi-final and the winning Team of the preliminary final play each other

The winning Team is the winner of the Grade

12. Tie Breakers (a) For Premier Division One, Two and Three, if scores are still level after the two periods of

extra time, then the match will go to ‘shoot-outs’ instead of ‘penalty strokes.'

(b) All other tie breaker rules outlined in rule 5.2 apply.


Appendix C: Promotion and relegation guideline

(a) This guideline applies to all Grades, as modified by the special guidelines below for

Divisions 6-10.

(b) The lowest finishing Team in a Grade will be relegated, provided a Team from the Grade

directly below is eligible for promotion.

(c) A Team can be promoted by being the highest finishing Team in the top four of a Grade,

subject to guideline (d).

(d) A Team cannot be promoted into a Grade in which there is already a Team from the same

Club.

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, the time at which the 'same Club' rule in guideline (d) takes

effect is the time of promotion. The effect of this is that if a Team from the same Club is

relegated under guideline (b), there is a vacant position for the Team in the next lowest

Grade from the same Club to be promoted into, should it be eligible.

(f) If a Team is relegated into a Grade where there is another Team from the same Club, and

that Team hasn't been promoted under guideline (e), that other Team will be relegated.

This process continues until there is a Grade where there is no other Team from the same

Club.

(g) If the effect of a Team being relegated as a result of guideline (f) is that the division they

were relegated from will have fewer Teams than required by rule 1(d), then the Team that

would otherwise have been relegated from that Grade due to being the lowest finishing

Team will not be relegated.

Special promotion and relegation guidelines - Divisions 6-10

1. To facilitate the splitting of Grades from Division 7 and lower, the two (2) lowest finishing Teams in Division 6 will be relegated provided a Team from each of the Division 7 Grades is eligible for promotion.

2. A Team can be promoted from each of the Division 7 Grades to Division 6 by being the highest finishing Team in the top four of the Grade, subject to guideline (d).

3. Guideline (e) applies to the lowest finishing two Teams in Division 6.

4. The promotion and relegation process for Divisions 7 – 10 will seek to align Teams based upon rule 1(c), which deals with limiting travel time for all Teams within each Grade.

Documents

Senior Turf League By- Laws - revolutioniseSPORT