Competition/ Rules

• FULL PITCH SHORT CORNERS: standard hockey rules apply

• HALF PITCH: matches to be played across the width of the pitch CIRCLE: full size circle on half pitch with all appropriate markings

• HALF PITCH SHORT CORNERS: standard hockey rules apply
• HALF PITCH MATCHES: defending players not involved in the short corner to go to the opposition end line
• Hip Hop, Rock & Rave: 50 minutes, 12.5 mins a quarter with 2 mins break per quarter, 5 mins break at half time.
• Rock & Rave blitz format: 40 minutes, 10 mins a quarter with 2 mins break per quarter, 5 mins break at half time.
• Unless otherwise stated normal rules apply.
• Penalty corners; full protective equipment for defenders is strongly recommended.
• Winners will be decided by a points system as follows:

• • 0–0 Draw 1 point
  • Score Draw 2 points
  • Win 3 points

• At the end of the normal season in the event of two teams or more achieving the same number of points there will be a play-off.
• It is recommended that where a club enters more than one team in a league that all teams are of equal playing standard

Registration of players:

• players must be registered prior to playing their second match, if not adhered to following sanction will apply:

1. a) The opposition is awarded a win in the match.
2. b) For league matches they shall be deducted one extra point for each offence in the season.
3. c) If a Club has more than one offence in a season, a fine of €50 will be issued to the club for each additional offence

Nomination of players:

• Clubs to nominate players for every team and the players remain on that team for the remainder of the season. Nominations unlimited to a point. Players can only play on their nominated team, if not adhered to the following sanction will apply:

1. a) The opposition is awarded a win in the match.
2. b) For league matches they shall be deducted one extra point for each offence in the season.
3. c) If a Club has more than one offence in a season, a fine of €50 will be issued to the club for each additional offence

Eligibility

• Eligibility: players in First and Second Year are eligible to play
• Players in Hip Hop cannot play in Rock and Rave*
• Players can play a maximum of two matches at a higher level i.e. Hip Hop and/or U16/U18 and on playing a third match can no longer play in the lower league*
• Players who have played in Hip Hop for more than two games cannot play in the Rock and Rave league again in their time playing underage hockey*.

• INTERPROVINCIAL players cannot play in the ROCK & RAVE leagues
• Players are not eligible to play adult hockey until they reach their 15^th Birthday (U16 & U18 exempt)
• Where a Club has 3 or more teams entered, at least 1 team must be entered in the Hip Hop or Rock league

* other than that allowed by the Goalkeeper rule

Goalkeepers:

• Goalkeepers can play outfield on a team to the next level down ie Hip Hop to Rock or Rock to Rave but not Hip Hop to Rave.
• Where a club only has teams at the one level the Goalkeeper can play outfield on one of the other teams at the same level
• The player is to be nominated as Goalkeeper & outfield player on the respective teams & are not interchangeable.

Match Cards:

• HIP HOP & Match Cards; Home team to email the match card to jwhittaker197@gmail.com within 2 days of playing
• Rock Match Cards: Home team to email the match card to alanwol@gmail.com or Whatsapp 086 8130365 within 2 days of playing
• Rave Match Cards; home team to send to: Nuala O’Sullivan, 5 An Duiche, Scallagheen, Co. Tipperary or by email to nualaosullivan7@gmail.com within 2 days of playing
• Match card shall include the names of the panel (full first and surname names on match card) the name of the competition, the venue and date of the fixture The Goalkeeper & any player playing up is to be marked
• Match card must be handed to one of the umpires before the match and the umpire shall enter the score and the number of scorers. Actual result to the recorded on the match card. A score greater than five goals, or a difference greater than five goals, shall be reduced accordingly by the relevant Fixture Secretary.

Hip Hop League:

• Weekends are assigned for Hip Hop league fixtures, matches can be played on the Friday night, Saturday or Sunday. Friday night games are for clubs within a 20 mile radius. The match must be played on assigned weekend unless a postponement is granted. (see postponement rules under separate link)
• Sanction for non-fulfillment is:

1. The opposition is awarded a win in the match.
2. For league matches they shall be deducted one extra point for each offence in the season.
3. If a Club has more than one offence in a season, a fine of €50 will be issued to the club for each additional offence
4. For the next game where the forfeiting team is scheduled to play at home against the team they forfeited to, the fixture will be reversed and the forfeiting team will have to travel (this may carry to the next season if there is no home game remaining in the current season).
5. Clubs that forfeit more than three matches in a season shall be deemed to have brought the game into disrepute, and the matter reported to the Management Committee who shall deal with the matter in accordance with article 27 – Discipline of the Branch Constitution.

• 11-a-side – squad maximum of 18

Rock & Rave Leagues:

• 8-a-side – squad maximum of 12
• Matches to arranged between teams
• Sanctions for non fulfilment of matches:

1. The opposition is awarded a win in the match
2. For the next game where the forfeiting team is scheduled to play at home against the team they forfeited to, the fixture will be reversed and the forfeiting team will have to travel (this may carry to the next season if there is no home game remaining in the current season).

• INTERPROVINCIAL players cannot play in the ROCK & RAVE leagues

Coach/Manager Responsibilities:

• The captain on the day must wear a distinctive armband
• Each team should have a fully kitted goalkeeper on the pitch at all times. In the event of a team not having a full kitted goalkeeper than all players play outfield
• Home club is responsible for making sure that the pitch is marked with drop down lines and the “D” set up correctly. The use of Munster Branch mini goals is allowed, otherwise please use standard goals

• Teams must wear the same colour tops i.e. t-shirts or polo shirts
• Shin pads and gum shields are strongly recommended to be worn by all players
• Teams must to bring their own first Aid kits
• Each team to bring their own drinks and packed lunch etc.
• Host Club to supply match balls etc.
• Each Club to provide an umpire
• Umpires decisions are absolutely final and abuse of the umpires will not be tolerated
• Clubs are responsible for their own players at all times

• Encourage players to thank their opponents and umpires at the end of every match

Branch Trophies

• All Branch Trophies shall be perpetual challenge trophies and cannot be won outright
• All Branch trophies shall be signed for using the MBHI Trophy Receipt form.
• All Branch trophies shall be returned to the Youths Fixture Secretary, clean & engraved, no later than 31st January the following year.
• Clubs failing to adhere to this rule shall be subject to a €50 fine.
• Where a Club permanently mislays a Trophy, the Club will reimburse the Branch with its replacement.