“Of most alarm is the verbal abuse and intimidation of umpires, particularly some of our younger umpires by both players and officials in the dugout,’’ association chairman Frank Birkefeld and secretary John Surtees said in a joint statement on the association’s website.

“The association’s Code of Conduct applies to all coaches, parents, players and spectators. This has been the association’s policy for the past few seasons and it appears that there are people who have forgotten the essence of why we play the game.

“The board of management and its sub committees do not and will not condone the abuse of our umpires, officials and other players. If people are unable to restrain themselves from making derogatory and hurtful comments to or about other people within this association, and cannot keep within the guidelines of the code of conduct, then we encourage them to reconsider their participation in hockey in the Manning Valley.

“We are responsible for teaching our younger members the skills, the mental strength and the sportsmanship of the game. This cannot occur if they are continually observing poor behaviour by some coaches, officials, spectators and players. Should it come to the notice of the board of management that a breach of a Code of Conduct by a member/s those involved will be required to appear before the association’s judiciary and investigative committee and they risk being suspended or even expelled from the game.

“We consider this to be a very serious matter and as such members of the committee will be actively involved to see that Codes of Conduct are adhered to and will note any misconduct by members and will cite them to appear before the judiciary and investigative committee.

“A meeting will be convened soon comprising of all executives of the association sub committees and the club officials of our affiliated clubs to discuss strategies that can be put in place to solve the issues.’’