CONSTITUTION Revised June 2009

CONTENTS

Clause

1 TITLE

2 AIMS AND OBJECTS

3 CONSTITUENT BODIES (Counties)

4 MEMBERSHIP 4.1 Full Membership (Clubs and Schools) 4.2 Honorary Life Membership 4.3 Individual Associate Membership

5 GENERAL MEETINGS (Annual & Special)

6 DISSOLUTION

7 OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS

8 FINANCE

9 THE COUNCIL (including emergency and arbitration powers 9.8)

10 COMMITTEES 10.1–1010 General to all committees 10.11 Competitions (Outdoor and Indoor) 10.12 Men’s League 10.13 Women’s League 10.14 Umpiring 10.15 Performance 10.16 Representative Masters

11 SELECTION COMMITTEES

12 PLAYING QUALIFICATIONS

13 CONDUCT

14 DISCIPLINE (Code and Committee)

15 INDEMNITY

WHA Constitution 2 Revised June 2009 WEST HOCKEY ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

1 TITLE

The Association shall be called the “West Hockey Association” (hereinafter referred to as “The Association”) and shall, subject to any over-riding powers of (EH) of which it is a constituent body, be the governing body for all hockey within the West (which is defined in Clause 3.1) played to the Rules of the Game authorised by the Hockey Rules Board and the International Hockey Federation, or to such other rules as approved from time to time by EH or The Association.

2 AIMS AND OBJECTS

These shall be to: - a) Promote, encourage and extend hockey (outdoor, indoor and mixed) for adults, young people and children in clubs and schools; b) Arrange such Leagues and other Competitions for all age levels as may be approved by the Council; c) Select and train squads of players to represent the West; d) Organise umpiring and maintain and improve standards of umpiring; e) Organise coaching and maintain and improve standards of coaching and playing; f) Support clubs and schools seeking to improve playing facilities; g) Raise funds by any means approved by the Council.

3 CONSTITUENT BODIES

3.1 The following County Hockey Associations, each of which shall abide by and be bound by this Constitution, shall be the constituent bodies of The Association. Except where stated below, each shall encompass men, women, girls and boys. In addition, each shall encompass any mixed hockey within its area. a) (women, girls and boys only) b) Channel Islands c) d) e) f) g) h) i)

3.2 The boundaries of the County Associations referred to in 3.1 shall be those obtaining on 31st May 1997.

3.3 A County within the boundaries of The Association obtaining on 31st May 1997 and having a minimum of three affiliated clubs may apply to The Association for permission to form a County Association. EH, in conjunction with The Association, shall have the right to confer or withdraw County status.

WHA Constitution 3 Revised June 2009

3.4 Only with the prior approval of the Council of The Association and of England Hockey shall any association or combination of clubs, schools or umpires within The Association be formed.

3.5 Duties of Constituent Bodies.

Each County Association shall: a) In any year, hold its Annual General Meeting on a date prior to the date of The Association’s Annual General Meeting; b) By the date(s) set by Council each year, submit to the Hon. Secretary of The Association any nominations for Selection Committees (Clause 11.2); c) By lst April each year, submit to the Hon. Secretary of The Association: - i. Any nominations for Officers and Officials (Clause 7.5) ii. Any nominations for appointed members of Committees (Clause 10.5) iii. Any proposals for the Annual General Meeting (Clause 5.1.5.) d) By 15th May each year, submit to the Hon. Secretary of The Association: - i. Names and addresses of its Officers and Officials for the subsequent season; ii. The names and addresses of its Representatives to the Council and to the Committees (Clauses 9.1.1.f and 10.6) e) Immediately inform the Hon. Secretary of The Association of any amendments to its list of affiliated members or to the name and/address of the Secretary of one of its clubs; f) Collect from each of its member clubs and schools, the affiliation fees for the County and The Association and forward The Association fees to the Hon. Treasurer. Counties may also be required to collect fees for England Hockey.

4 MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Full Membership, which shall be the only category of membership available to clubs and schools, shall be by affiliation to the relevant County Association, to The Association and to EH. No club or school shall be accepted as a member until its affiliation fees for the current season have been paid to all three associations.

All affiliated clubs and schools shall abide by and be bound by this Constitution.

A bona-fide member of any affiliated County Association (which, by derivation, includes County Hockey Umpires’ Associations), club or school shall be deemed to be a member of The Association.

4.1.1 Clubs 4.1.1.1 A club shall normally affiliate only through the County Association within whose boundaries its ground is situated. However, a) A club, or the men’s or women’s sections of a club, may continue to affiliate through the County Association of which it was a member on 31st May 1997; b) If a club moves to a ground within the boundaries of another County, it may continue to affiliate through the County of which it was first a member.

4.1.1.2 No club shall be accepted as a member unless its name clearly distinguishes it from any other club already affiliated.

4.1.1.3 No club shall change its name, nor incorporate any part of the names of a Sponsor in its title, without the prior permission of The Association and EH.

WHA Constitution 4 Revised June 2009 4.1.1.4 Without the prior permission of the Councils of The Association and EH, no affiliated club shall play a club not affiliated, unless the opposition is an invitation team raised for a specific event.

4.1.2 Schools A school shall normally affiliate only through the County Association within whose Boundaries its ground or building is situated. If, however, the school moves, or the location of its ground is changed, it may continue to affiliate through the County Association of which it was first a member.

4.1.3 On application from the club or school concerned, and with the agreement of the relevant County Associations, the Council of The Association and EH may permit a club or school to affiliate through any County Association.

4.2 Honorary Life Membership The Council may nominate as Honorary Life Members, past Officers of The Association or other persons who have rendered conspicuous service to The Association.

Nominations shall be submitted to the Annual General Meeting for approval. Life members of the Western Counties Women’s Hockey Association and Hon. Vice-Presidents of the Western Counties Hockey Association as at 30th June 2000 shall be given Honorary Life Membership.

4.3 Individual Associate Membership Individuals who wish to receive details of The Association’s activities and notices of General meetings, may, for an annual fee, be given associate membership. Individual Associate Members shall not be entitled to vote at General Meetings.

5 GENERAL MEETINGS

5.1 Annual General Meeting 5.1.1 The Annual General Meeting shall be held in each year on a date, in May or June, and at a venue to be decided by the Council.

5.1.2 Notice of the Annual General Meeting, together with a) A copy of the Agenda; b) A list of nominations for Officers and Officials as defined in Clauses 7.1 and 7.2; c) A copy of the Annual Accounts, shall be sent to Members of Council, Hon. Life Members, Individual Associate Members, Hon. Secretary of each County Association as defined in Clause 3.1, each affiliated club and each affiliated school and to the Reporting Accountant at least 21 days before the date of such meeting.

5.1.3 Business to be transacted: - a) Presentation of reports and accounts; b) Election of Officers and Officials as defined in Clause 7; c) Appointment of a Reporting Accountant; d) Consideration of any amendments to the Constitution; e) Determination of affiliation fees and Individual Associate Membership f) Annual fee for the following season; g) Any other business.

WHA Constitution 5 Revised June 2009 5.1.4 Except for those alterations arising from decisions which the Council is empowered to make, no clause of the Constitution shall be amended, nor shall any resolution passed at a previous General Meeting be rescinded, save by a resolution, notice of which shall be given on the Agenda, carried by an affirmative vote of at least two- thirds of those present, entitled to vote and voting.

5.1.5 Written notice of any proposed alterations to the Constitution and any other motion to be submitted to the Annual General Meeting shall be received by the Hon. Secretary no later than 1st April and shall be accompanied by the names of the proposer and seconder. Proposals from the Council or a County Association do not require a seconder.

5.1.6 Subject to the provisions of Clauses 5.1.4 and 6, all business at the Annual General Meeting shall be transacted by a simple majority of those present, entitled to vote and voting (in the event of there being an equal number of votes for and against a motion, the motion shall be deemed to have been defeated). However, on any matter concerning the Women’s League or the Men’s League, only those representing the gender concerned shall vote. The Annual General Meeting shall have the power to make a similar provision for any other matter it thinks fit.

5.1.7 The incumbent President shall be the Chairman. In the absence of the President, one of the Vice-Presidents shall take the Chair. In the absence of the President and both Vice-Presidents, the meeting shall elect a member of the Council to Chair the meeting.

5.1.8 The following shall be entitled to vote: a) The Officers and other voting members of the Council; b) Honorary Life Members; c) One representative from each County Association as defined in Clause 3.1; d) Two members from each affiliated club paying the full rate affiliation fee; e) One member from each occasional club paying only the occasional club fee; f) One member from each affiliated school.

No member may cast more than one vote.

5.1.9 Any other member of a County Association or of an affiliated club or an affiliated school may attend an Annual General Meeting, but shall not, unless by permission of the Chairman, take any part in the proceedings.

5.1.10 Twenty-five members present and entitled to vote shall form a quorum.

5.2 Special General Meeting 5.2.1 The Hon. Secretary shall convene a Special General Meeting at any time; - a) By order of the Council; b) Upon receiving a requisition signed by an Officer from each of at least ten clubs. Every requisition shall state clearly the reason for such request.

5.2.2 A meeting called under 5.2.1(b) shall be held within three calendar months of the receipt of the requisition.

5.2.3 Fourteen days notice of a Special General Meeting, and of all resolutions to be proposed thereat, shall be given to each member as defined in Clause 5.1.2. No other business shall be transacted.

WHA Constitution 6 Revised June 2009 5.2.4 The provisions of Clause 5.1.4 and Clauses 5.1.6 to 5.1.10 inclusive, shall apply to a Special General Meeting.

6 DISSOLUTION

A resolution to dissolve The Association shall be put to a General meeting and shall be passed only by the affirmative vote of at least three-quarters of those entitled to vote and voting. If it so decides, Council shall have power to order a postal ballot to be concluded on a prescribed date prior to the General Meeting. If the resolution is carried, the Council shall realise the assets of The Association and shall make provision for The Association’s liabilities. The remaining assets at the date of dissolution shall be distributed in such manner as shall be determined by a General Meeting or, if such a meeting so decides, by the Council.

7 OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS

7.1 The Officers shall be the President and two Vice-Presidents (of whom at least one shall be a man and one shall be a woman), the Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Treasurer.

7.2 The six Officials shall be (a) the Hon. Secretary of each of the Competitions, Umpiring, Performance Committee and Representative Veteran Committees; and (b) the Women’s League Committee Representative to Council and the Men’s League Committee Representative to Council, who need not necessarily be the Hon. Secretary of the respective Committee.

7.3 The Officers and Officials shall be elected at an Annual General Meeting, shall take office at the end of that meeting and shall hold office until the conclusion of the next following Annual General Meeting.

7.4 The Officers and Officials shall be eligible for re-election except that the President shall hold office for a maximum of three consecutive years and shall then be ineligible for re-election for one year.

7.5 Only a member of the Association may be nominated as an Officer or as an Official. Nominations for Officers and Officials may be made by the Council, a County Association or an affiliated club. Nominations shall be submitted in writing to reach the Hon. Secretary of The Association by lst April and shall include the written consent of the nominee. Nominations made by a club shall be seconded by another affiliated club or by the County Association through which the club is affiliated.

7.6 If an Officer or Official does not complete the term of appointment, the Council shall fill the vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting. Nominations may be made by the Council or by County Associations.

8 FINANCE

8.1 The assets of the Association shall be vested in the Hon. Treasurer who shall apply and deal with them in such manner as the Council or a General Meeting may, from time to time, direct.

The income of The Association shall be derived from the affiliation fees and subscriptions of members and, subject to the approval of the Council, from any other appropriate source. Such income shall only be used for the furtherance of the aims and objects of The Association as defined in Clause 2, and for such other purposes as a General Meeting or the Council may determine. Any profits of The Association shall not be distributed to the affiliated clubs or members.

WHA Constitution 7 Revised June 2009 8.2 Affiliation fees shall be determined by the Annual General Meeting and shall be due by 1st October in each year. The closing date shall be 1st. December in each year; failure to meet this date may incur disaffiliation. Fees for clubs and schools shall be forwarded annually to The Association by the Hon. Treasurer of each County Association.

8.3 The Hon. Treasurer may be required to act as agent for England Hockey in the collection of various fees.

9 THE COUNCIL

Subject to the over-riding powers of a General Meeting, The Association shall be governed by a Council. The Council may, however, delegate to a Committee or to an appointed person such of its powers as it may think fit.

9.1 Membership 9.1.1 The Council shall consist of: - a) The President, who shall be the Chairman; b) The two Vice-Presidents; c) The Hon. Secretary; d) The Hon. Treasurer; e) The six Committee Officials as defined in Clause 7.2; f) One representative from each County Hockey Association as defined in Clause 3.1 (irrespective of whether or not the County is one joint or two separate men’s and women’s associations).

9.1.2 If the nominated representative from a County Association or the Official of a standing Committee is unable to attend a meeting, the County or Committee concerned may appoint a deputy who shall be entitled to vote. The deputy must be a member of the Association.

9.1.3 If the President is unable to attend a meeting, one of the Vice-Presidents shall take the Chair. In the absence of the President and both Vice-Presidents, the voting members present shall appoint one of their number to be in the Chair for that meeting.

9.2 Voting Each member shall have one vote, irrespective of the number of capacities in which attending, other than the Chairman who shall also have a casting vote. Decisions shall be made by a simple majority. However, on any matter concerning the Women’s League or the Men’s League, only those representing the gender concerned shall vote. The Council shall have the power to make a similar provision for any other matter it thinks it.

9.3 Quorum Twelve voting members shall form a quorum.

9.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons The Council may co-opt or invite any person for all or part of any meeting. A co-opted or invited person shall not be entitled to vote.

9.5 Frequency of Meeting The Council shall meet at least three times in each Association year on dates to be notified in advance.

WHA Constitution 8 Revised June 2009 9.6 Agenda Notice of any matter which any member of the Council wishes to be included on the Agenda for any meeting, shall be received by the Hon. Secretary at least 21 days before the date of the meeting concerned. The Agenda shall be received by members at least 14 days before the date of the meeting. Unless with the permission of the majority of the Council, no business, other than that included on the Agenda, shall be discussed.

9.7 Business to be transacted The Council shall: - a) Prescribe the policies of The Association; b) Be responsible for the long term plans and budgets; c) Receive and consider reports from the standing Committees and take any necessary action; d) Appoint such members of standing Committees specified in Clauses 10.11 to 10.16, from nominations made in accordance with Clause 10.5, and have the power to amend the terms of reference of Officials and standing Committees and to make such other appointments of personnel and committees as it may think fit;

e) Prescribe the policies of The Association; f) Appoint the Regional Discipline Administrator and the Deputy Regional Discipline Administrator as defined in Clause 14.2; g) Appoint a panel of members for the Discipline Committee as defined in Clause 14.3; h) Appoint Selection Committees in accordance with Clause 11; i) Appoint the member on the Regional Consultative Council; j) Take any other action which it may think fit.

9.8 In an emergency, decisions may be made by the Officers of The Association (as defined in Clause 7.1). The Officers shall also act as the arbitration panel in the event of any disputes, other than those arising under Clause 14. Any decision made shall be reported in writing to Council members within 14 days.

WHA Constitution 9 Revised June 2009

10 COMMITTEES

10.1 The standing Committees shall be: - a) Competitions Committee; b) Men’s League Committee; c) Women’s League Committee; d) Umpiring Committee; e) Performance Committee. f) Representative Veteran Committee

10.2 The members of each Committee shall be appointed annually. They shall remain in office until a new Committee is appointed, or until such time as the Council may decide. If an appointed member does not complete the term of appointment, any replacement shall be appointed by the body which made the original appointment.

10.3 Each Committee shall elect its own Chairman from amongst the members of the Committee. If the Chairman is unable to attend a meeting, the voting members present shall appoint one of their number to be in the chair for that meeting.

10.4 The Hon. Secretary of each of the Competitions, Umpiring, Performance and Representative Veteran Committees shall be appointed, in accordance with Clauses 7.2 to 7.4, by the Annual General Meeting from nominations made in accordance with Clause 7.5 or by the Council in accordance with Clause 7.6. The Hon. Secretary of each of the Men’s League and Women’s League Committees shall be appointed by the respective Committee.

The Hon. Secretary shall: - a) Arrange the meetings of the Committee; b) Prepare Agenda and circulate to members of the Committee; c) Record the minutes of the meetings and circulate to members of the Committee;

d) Prepare and present reports from the Committee for meetings of the Council and for the Annual General Meeting; e) Prepare the annual budget for the Committee for ratification by the Council; f) Undertake any other tasks required by the Committee.

10.5 Nominations for the members appointed by Council may be made by the Council, a County Association or an affiliated club. Nominations shall be submitted in writing to reach the Hon. Secretary of The Association by 1st April and shall include the written consent of the nominee. Nominations made by a club shall be seconded by another affiliated club or by the County through which the Club is affiliated.

10.6 Each County Hockey Association as defined in Clause 3.1, (irrespective of whether or not the County is one joint or two separate men’s and women’s associations), shall appoint one representative to each of the Competitions, Umpiring, Performance and Representative Veteran Committees. The names shall be submitted to the Hon. Secretary of The Association by 15th May.

If the nominated representative from a County Association is unable to attend a meeting, the County concerned may appoint a deputy who shall be entitled to vote.

10.7 The President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer of The Association shall be ex-officio members of all Committees but shall not be entitled to vote in this capacity.

10.8 Voting

WHA Constitution 10 Revised June 2009 Each member of a Committee shall have one vote, irrespective of the number of capacities in which attending, other than the Chairman who shall also have a casting vote. Decisions shall be made by a simple majority.

10.9 Co-opted/Invited Persons Each Committee may co-opt or invite any person for all or part of any of its meetings. A co- opted or invited person shall not be entitled to vote.

10.10 General Terms of Reference for all Committees Each Committee shall: - a) Be responsible to Council; b) Act on terms of reference prescribed by Council; c) After each of its meetings report to Council; d) Make recommendations to Council on any matter within its terms of reference and deal with any matters referred to it by Council;

e) Not introduce new, or change, policy without approval of Council; f) Not incur any expenditure outside the annual budget without the approval of the Hon. Treasurer of The Association

10.11 Competitions Committee 10.11.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see Clause 10.3) b) An Hon. Secretary (see Clause 10.4) c) An Hon. Outdoor Events Manager appointed by Council (see Clauses 10.5 and 10.12.6) d) An Hon. Indoor Events Manager appointed by Council (see Clauses 10.5 and 10.12.6) e) One Representative from each of the nine County Hockey Associations (see Clause 10.6) f) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer (see Clause 10.7)

10.11.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8.

10.11.3 Quorum Five voting members, of whom at least two shall be from 10.12.1(a) to (d) above, shall form a quorum.

10.11.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons In accordance with Clause 10.9.

10.11.5 Terms of Reference

WHA Constitution 11 Revised June 2009 The Competitions Committee shall: - a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2; b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10; c) Keep under review matters relating to outdoor and indoor competitions for (i) county teams, except those which have an age limit of under 21 or younger; (ii) club teams of all ages, except the outdoor leagues; (iii) school teams; d) Organise the West events described in (c) above; e) Receive reports from County Representatives; f) Liaise with the Umpiring Committee.

10.11.6 The Hon. Outdoor and Indoor Events Managers Shall, within the Guidelines prescribed by the Competitions Committee, be responsible for a) The organisation and administration of the events under the control of the Competitions Committee as specified in 10.12.5(a);

b) The liaison with the appropriate member of the Umpiring Committee regarding the provision of umpires and technical personnel; c) The pre and post event press and publicity.

10.12 Men’s League Committee The Men’s League shall be under the joint jurisdiction of the West Hockey Association and the South Region (Men) of the Welsh Hockey Union to both of which the Men’s League Committee shall be responsible.

10.13.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see Clause 10.3); b) An Hon. Secretary (see Clause 10.4) c) The Men’s League Committee Representative to West Council (see Clauses 7.2 to 7.6) d) An Hon. Treasurer appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.13.6) e) A Press Officer appointed by the Committee f) Four Area Secretaries g) One representative from each participating English County h) Two Representatives appointed by South Region (Men) of the Welsh Hockey Union i) One Umpiring Representative appointed by West Umpiring Committee j) One Umpiring Representative appointed by South Region of the Welsh Hockey Umpires Association k) Up to three members appointed by the Committee l) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer (see Clause 10.7) and the three equivalent Officers of the South Region (Men) of the Welsh Hockey Union who shall also be non-voting.

10.12.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8.

10.12.3 Quorum Seven voting members from 10.13.1(a) to (k) above shall form a quorum.

10.12.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons

WHA Constitution 12 Revised June 2009 In accordance with Clause 10.9.

10.12.5 Terms of Reference

The Men’s League Committee shall: - a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2 b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10 and to similar provisions with the South Region (Men) of the Welsh Hockey Union c) Organise and administer the men’s and South Wales League; d) Liaise with the West Umpiring Committee and the South Region of the Welsh Hockey Umpires Association regarding the provision of and matters relating to league umpires and technical personnel.

10.12.6 The Hon. Treasurer of the Committee Shall administer the finances of the Men’s League; prepare annual accounts; prepare a budget and make recommendations regarding the annual league fees.

WHA Constitution 13 Revised June 2009

10.13 Women’s League Committee 10.13.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see Clause 10.3) b) An Hon. Secretary (see Clauses 10.4 and 10.14.6) c) The Women’s League Committee Representative to West Council (see Clauses 7.2 to 7.6) d) An Hon. Treasurer appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.14.7) e) An Hon. Administrative Officer appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.14.8) f) Two Hon. Area Division Secretaries appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.14.9) g) Six Regional League Secretaries appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.14.9) h) Four Members appointed by the Annual League Meeting i) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer (see Clause 10.7)

10.13.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8.

10.13.3 Quorum Seven voting members from 10.14.1 (a) to (h) above shall form a quorum.

10.13.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons In accordance with Clause 10.9.

10.13.5 Terms of Reference The Women’s League Committee shall: - a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2; b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10; c) Organise and administer the West Women’s League; d) Liaise with the Umpiring Committee regarding the provision of and matters relating to league umpires and technical personnel.

10.13.6 The Hon. Secretary of the Committee Shall, in addition to the duties prescribed in Clause 10.4, organise the Annual League Meeting; prepare and present a report from the Committee to the Annual League Meeting.

10.13.7 The Hon. Treasurer of the Committee Shall administer the finances of the Women’s League; prepare annual accounts; prepare a budget and make recommendations regarding the annual league fees.

10.13.8 The Hon. Administrative Officer Shall prepare league tables for all divisions of the Women’s League; liaise with the Hon. Secretary of the Committee on all matters relating to the circulation of information to clubs within the Women’s League.

10.13.9 The Hon. Area Division Secretaries and the Hon. Regional League Secretaries

Shall carry out the day-to-day administration of the Women’s League.

WHA Constitution 14 Revised June 2009

10.14 Umpiring Committee 10.14.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see Clause 10.3) b) An Hon. Secretary (see Clause 10.4) c) An Hon. Treasurer appointed by the Committee (see Clause 10.15.6) d) A Men’s Outdoor Appointments Secretary appointed by the Committee e) A Women’s Outdoor Appointments Secretary appointed by the Committee f) An Indoor Appointments Secretary appointed by the Committee g) A Chair of Umpire Selectors appointed by Council (see Clauses 10.5 and 10.14.8) h) A Regional Young Umpires Action Group Co-ordinator appointed by Council i) A Regional Technical Officiating Leader Officer appointed by Council j) One Representative from each of the nine County Hockey Associations (see Clause 10.6) k) One Representative from the West Hockey Umpires Association l) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer (see Clause 10.7)

10.14.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8.

10.14.3 Quorum Five voting members, of whom at least two shall be from 10.14.1 (a) to (e) above, shall form a quorum.

10.14.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons In accordance with Clause 10.9.

10.14.5 Terms of Reference The Umpiring Committee shall a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2; 10.3 b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10; c) Train, monitor and develop West outdoor and indoor umpires, umpire coaches and technical officials at all levels; d) Observe the progress and administration of the Level 1 Umpires Register; e) Maintain and administer the Level 2 Umpires Register; f) Appoint a Selection Panel to cover Listings, Assessment, Selection and Appointments for events as requested; g) Appoint the Umpiring Representative to the Men’s League Committee; h) Liaise with the Competitions, Men’s League, Women’s League and Performance Committees regarding the provision of umpires and technical personnel for West outdoor and indoor activities. i) Hold the Official List of umpires for the West Men’s League and Women’s League and, as required, organise appropriate schedules. j) Make nominations for EH events: k) Receive reports from County Umpiring Representatives.

WHA Constitution 15 Revised June 2009

10.14.6 The Hon. Treasurer of the Committee Shall administer the finances of the Committee and prepare annual accounts to be presented to Council.

10.14.7 The Appointment Secretaries and Assistants as in Clause10.14.1 shall be appointed by the Committee. Each Appointment Secretary or their Assistant may attend Umpiring Committee meetings.

WHA Constitution 16 Revised June 2009

10.15 Performance Committee

10.15.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see clause 10.3); b) An Hon.Secretary (see Clause 10.4); c) Junior Performance Centre Managers; d) Two Members with special interest in Coach Development. Appointed by Council(see Clause 10.5); e) Two Competition Organisers/Liaison Officers appointed by Council; f) One Representative from each of the County Hockey Associations; g) Centrally Contracted Lead Coach (non voting); h) One Representative from the Umpiring Committee (non voting); i) The EH Regional Manager (non voting); j) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon Treasurer (see Clause 10.7);

10.15.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8

10.15.3 Quorum Five voting members, of whom, at least two shall be from 10.15.1 a) to d).

10.15.4 Co – opted /Invited persons In accordance with Clause 10.9

Terms of Reference 1015.5 Performance shall be defined as those players under the age of 21 as defined by the England Hockey Single System.

The Performance Committee shall a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2,10.3; b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10; c) Be responsible for the development of youth players; d) Organise and administer the Junior Regional Performance Centres including training and assessment; e) Recruit, retain and develop coaches; f) Advertise for and appoint Managers, Coaches and Assessors for the Junior Regional Performance Centres; g) Organise and administer the Centralised Calendar Competitions, as appropriate, for the Junior Academy Centres with an age limit of under 21; h) Liaise with the Umpiring Committee regarding the provision of umpires and technical personnel as required for (g); i) Maintain kit, equipment and resources for Youth development; j) Receive reports from County representatives

WHA Constitution 17 Revised June 2009

10.16 REPRESENTATIVE MASTERS COMMITTEE

10.16.1 Membership a) A Chairman (see Clause 10.3) b) An Hon. Secretary (see Clause 10.4) c) Managers for each of the West Masters Squads (Men and Women) to be appointed by Council (see Clause 10.5) d) One Representative from each of the nine County Hockey Associations (see Clause 10.6) e) The Association President, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer (see Clause 10.7).

10.16.2 Voting In accordance with Clauses 10.7 and 10.8.

10.16.3 Quorum Five voting members, of whom at least two shall be from 10.17.1 (a) to (c) above, shall form a quorum.

10.16.4 Co-opted/Invited Persons In accordance with Clause 10.9.

10.16.5 Terms of Reference Masters shall be defined as those over the age of 40 (no upper age limit)

The Representative Masters Committee shall a) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.2; b) Be subject to the provisions of Clause 10.10; c) Be responsible for the playing of masters players; d) Organise and administer the West Masters teams, including training and assessment; e) Advertise for, and appoint, the Managers and Coaches for the West Masters teams; f) Liaise with the Umpiring Committee regarding the provision of umpires and technical personnel required for (d); g) Maintain kit, equipment and resources for the West Masters teams; h) Liaise with the Coaching Committee for their recommendations re the appointment of coaches for (d) and (e); i) Receive reports from the County Representatives.

11 SELECTION COMMITTEES

11.1 The Council may appoint such Selection Committees as it may think fit.

11.2 Nominations of Selectors

WHA Constitution 18 Revised June 2009 Nominations may be made by the Council or by a County Association. Nominations shall be submitted in writing to reach the Hon. Secretary of The Association by the date set by Council and shall include the written consent of the nominee. Nominations made by a County shall be seconded by another County.

Nominees shall have served as a County Selector or Assessor.

In the event of there being insufficient nominees, no further nominations shall be accepted unless the nominee is present or has given consent in writing.

11.3 Appointment of Selectors The members of each Selection Committee shall be appointed annually by the Council. They shall remain in office until a new Committee is appointed or until such time as Council may decide. If a Selector does not complete the term of appointment, any replacement shall be appointed by Council.

11.3.1 Each Selection Committee shall consist of three members.

11.3.2 No person shall be a Selector and a player for the same team.

11.3.3 No more than one member from any one County shall be appointed to any one Selection Committee.

11.3.4 Any two Selection Committees may have only one Selector common to both.

11.4 Chairmen 11.4.1 Each Selection Committee shall elect its own Chairman from amongst its Members. In the event of a tie, the Officers of the Association shall have a casting vote.

11.4.2 No person shall be the Chairman of more than one Selection Committee.

11.5 Terms of Reference 11.5.1Each Selection Committee shall a) Be responsible to Council; b) Act on the terms of reference prescribed by Council; c) Not introduce new, or change, policy without the approval of Council; d) Not incur any expenditure outside the annual budget without the approval of the Hon. Treasurer of the Association e)Attend relevant trials, centres, matches and tournaments in order to make selections; f)Liaise with other Selection Committees.

11.5.2 During his/her period of service, no Selector shall play in, umpire for, or report for the news media on matches or tournaments at the level at which he/she is selecting.

WHA Constitution 19 Revised June 2009 11.5.3 The Chairman of each Selection Committee shall a) Conduct the meetings of the relevant Committee; b) Inform the President and the Hon. Secretary of The Association and, for age group squads, the Hon. Secretary of the Performance Committee, of those selected for the Squad;

11.5.4 The Chairmen of Selection Committees, for players under the age of 21, shall be members of the relevant gender Sub-Committee of the Performance Committee.

12 PLAYING QUALIFICATIONS 12.1 West Squads To be eligible for a West Squad, a player shall be a member of a club or a school affiliated to EH. Other qualifications shall be in accordance with those laid down in the regulations for the relevant competition.

12.2 Senior County Squads The qualifications shall be in accordance with those laid down in the regulations for the relevant competition.

12.3 Youth County Squads The qualifications shall be as the Council shall decide from time to time.

13 CONDUCT

The Code governing the conduct of all players, coaches, managers, umpires and officials and Regulations governing Contracts shall be as prescribed in the Constitution of England Hockey.

14 DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

14.1 The Disciplinary Code of England Hockey shall apply.

14.2 The Council shall appoint annually a Regional Discipline Administrator and a Deputy Regional Discipline Administrator. The Regional Discipline Administrator or, if the Administrator is unavailable, the Deputy Administrator, shall a) Administer the Code (Clause 14.1) b) If required under the terms of the Code, or at the request of Council, convene a meeting of the Discipline Committee (Clause 14.3).

14.3 The Discipline Committee shall comprise the Regional Discipline Administrator or Deputy Administrator, and two members from a panel of six appointed by Council.

15 INDEMNITY

The association shall indemnify each of its Officers and officials against any claim, which may arise from any action taken with the authority of The Association. For the purposes of this Clause an “official” shall be deemed to be (a) any member of The Association serving on any committee or sub- committee of The Association; and (b) any person appointed by and acting on behalf of The Association.

WHA Constitution 20 Revised June 2009