Castletroy Hockey Club

Policies > Our Club Ethos

Castletroy Hockey Club was established in 2019 with a strong focus on player development, enjoyment, and respect. Our ethos ensures that every member, from players to parents and volunteers, understands and upholds the values we stand for.

As a Club, We Believe In:

  • Fair Play and Game Time - We keep squad sizes small to ensure players get fair and ample game time.
  • Player Welfare and Enjoyment - Our priority is the well-being and enjoyment of our players, rather than solely focusing on results on the pitch.
  • Skill Development and Well-being - We aim for players to develop their hockey skills within their own abilities while enjoying training from both a physical and mental well-being perspective.
  • Respect for All - We promote respect for teammates, opponents, volunteers, and umpires at all times.
  • Fun Over Winning - While competition is encouraged, the primary goal is to have fun, play well as a team, and enjoy the game, regardless of the outcome.

Expectations for Players

  • Respect Your Coaches and Volunteers - Listen to instructions, appreciate their efforts, and contribute positively to the team environment.
  • Give Your Best Effort - Always try your hardest in training and matches, never give up, and strive for improvement.
  • Enjoy the Team Spirit - Have fun and embrace playing as part of a team, no matter the score.
  • Stay Positive - A positive attitude goes a long way in fostering a supportive and enjoyable team atmosphere.
  • Respect for Umpires - Players should respect umpires and accept their decisions as final. Do not question or argue with officials. Understand that umpires are volunteers who dedicate their time to the game, and while they may make mistakes, they deserve respect and support. For young umpires, allow them to learn in a safe and encouraging environment.

Expectations for Coaches

  • Be Prepared - Coaches should be well-prepared for training sessions and games.
  • Stay Positive and Organised - Ensure training sessions are well-structured and engaging for players while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Fair Game Time - Coaches should strive to give all players fair game time during matches.
  • Implement the Club Ethos - Coaches should uphold the club's values and create a fun, encouraging environment for all players.
  • Game Day Management - Allow players to make mistakes, avoid yelling from the sideline (unless positive reinforcement), and focus on providing guidance during quarter and halftime breaks.
  • Respect for Umpires - Coaches should respect umpires and accept their decisions as final. Do not question or argue with officials. Understand that umpires are volunteers who dedicate their time to the game, and while they may make mistakes, they deserve respect and support. For young umpires, allow them to learn in a safe and encouraging environment.

Expectations for Parents / Guardians

  • Respect Our Volunteers - Coaches, team organisers, and all volunteers dedicate their time to the club. Please treat them with the utmost respect.
  • Commitment to Fixtures - As a club, we have fixtures we are committed to fulfilling. Parents should be prepared to assist with travel to away games and ensure player availability for matches. Arranging fixtures requires significant effort from team organizers. To support them, it is essential to honour commitments to matches whenever possible. Missing fixtures can result in fines, loss of league points, and additional travel obligations in the following season.
  • Reliable Communication - Once committing to a game, please ensure availability. If circumstances change, inform the team organiser as soon as possible. Please don’t simply not show up, or remove yourself from the Game Poll without first contacting the team organiser, as this creates pressure on both the organiser, the coaches and the team itself.
  • Respect for Umpires - Coaches should respect umpires and accept their decisions as final. Do not question or argue with officials. Understand that umpires are volunteers who dedicate their time to the game, and while they may make mistakes, they deserve respect and support. For young umpires, allow them to learn in a safe and encouraging environment.

At Castletroy Hockey Club, we are more than just a club - we are a community built on fairness, respect, and a love for the game. Let’s play, learn, and grow together!

Last Updated: 29th August 2025