Code of Conduct
Cairns Underwater Hockey
Cairns Crays Underwater Hockey Club Code of Conduct
1. Respect and Sporting Conduct
a. Treat all participants, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect and courtesy.
b. Always display good sporting conduct, win, or lose.
c. Encourage and support teammates and opponents alike.
2. Safety First
a. Prioritize the safety of yourself and others during all activities.
b. Follow all safety guidelines and rules set forth by the club and its officials (AUFQ Concussion Policy and CUA Pool Safety Policy).
c. Ensure all club equipment is looked after an installed safely into the pool (goals, barriers, cages, pucks).
d. Report any unsafe conditions, incidents, or broken equipment to club officials immediately.
e. Maintain all personal equipment to a standard that cannot injure others or damage the pool.
f. When in the care or presence of minors, ensure that all steps are taken to ensure their safety and protection from harm or abuse.
3. Fair Play
a. Play by the rules of underwater hockey and uphold the spirit of fair competition.
b. Accept decisions made by referees and officials without argument or dispute.
c. Avoid any behaviour that could be interpreted as cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct.
4. Inclusivity and Respect for Diversity
a. Embrace and respect individual differences, including age, gender, race, and skill level.
b. Avoid discriminatory or offensive remarks or actions towards others.
c. Create and maintain an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
d. Communicate openly and respectfully with teammates, coaches, and club officials.
e. Report any concerns around the treatment of other players or instances of potential abusive behaviour to one of the club committee members.
5. Commitment and Attendance
a. Attend practices, games, and events regularly and punctually.
b. Notify coaches or leaders in advance if unable to attend scheduled activities.
c. Make a commitment to personal improvement and the overall success of the club.
6. Upholding the Club’s Reputation
a. Represent the club positively and professionally in all interactions and competitions.
b. Avoid behaviours that could bring the club into disrepute.
c. Support fundraising, community events, and club initiatives to strengthen its presence.
d. Recognise that actions are a member of the CUA may reflect poorly on organisations such as the Australian Underwater Federation of Queensland (AUFQ), Underwater Hockey Australia (UHA) and the Australian Underwater Federation (AUF).
Consequences of Breaching the Club Code of Conduct.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, which could include;
a. Warnings
b. A requirement to complete extra training (inside or outside the pool)
c. Suspension of membership from the club.
Disciplinary actions will be decided by club officials and communicated transparently to all parties involved within 14 days following a complaint being made.
Acknowledgement
By participating in our underwater hockey club, all members, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. This ensures a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
This Code of Conduct is designed to promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the underwater hockey club, ensuring that all participants can enjoy the sport to the fullest extent while respecting each other and the rules of the game.
Cairns Crays Underwater Hockey Club Pool Safety Policy
Training
a. A player should not train if they have had a concussion in the previous 30 days. They can return to play with a doctor’s certificate clearing them to play.
b. Players should not swim further than 24m underwater on a single breath.
c. Players should not practice hyperventilation prior to submerging, nor should they practice extended breath holds. Extra supervision is required for this as is clearance with the pool facility management.
Game Play
a. Players should not use excessive force or physical contact during games as Underwater Hockey is a non-contact sport. It is acknowledged that unintentional contact should occur, but this will be minimal if aggression and intensity levels are appropriate for the level of game being played.
b. Team captains and/or referees should stop the game and call up unnecessary dangerous or physical play (e.g., rough play, dangerous flicks, striking) and ensure the appropriate penalty is applied.
c. Where necessary, players may be instructed to attend skills sessions to develop alternative strategies and abilities to assist their development and avoid or reduce the level of force/contact applied in games.
Equipment
a. Players should refrain from dropping the puck on the bottom of the pool as it can crack tiles which creates sharp edges that are hazardous to play on.
b. When setting up the pool, goals and barriers should be placed parallel to the edge of the pool to prevent creating a hazard to members of the public and should then be swum into place to prevent injury to anyone swimming or damage to the pool facility.
c. All club equipment should be stored in the club gear trolleys (and bins) which should be locked and returned to their storage location at the end of each training.
d. It is expected that members have their own set of gear and any usage of club equipment (e.g. masks, snorkels, gloves, sticks & fins) are discussed with club leaders prior to removal from the cage and then returned to the cage at the end of the session. Our equipment is to help new players access the sport and should not be frequently used by regular members.
While CUA members are training individually in their own time, they are not bound by our club rules. However, these rules have been adapted from best practice policies based on our UWH Risk Assessment, Pool Rules and expertise from qualified members. These rules are developed with the safety of our club and its members in mind, and it is expected that our members adhere to them. Failure to do so may result in appropriate sanctions from the club and/or facility management as avoidable incidents in the pool reflect poorly on our sport.
Cairns Crays Underwater Hockey Subcommittee