‘Shocking behaviour’ and ‘bullying’ rocks U/18 NSW women’s hockey team

Parents have slammed Hockey NSW’s response after members of the NSW under-18 female hockey team were reduced to tears by teammates amid bullying claims.

Elite teenage hockey players will be ordered to undergo ­respectful behaviour programs in light of bullying allegations that surfaced among NSW under-18 women’s players at the ­recent Australian titles.

Reports have emerged of young players being reduced to tears due to poor behaviour from some teammates and forced to move from their hotel rooms during the Australian Championships in Launceston in April.

One of the tournament favourites, the NSW girls ­finished seventh and were ­impacted “by shocking behaviour, bullying and bickering”, according to one parent.

The Sunday Telegraph understands at least two girls have threatened to walk away from the game.

It is another black eye for elite sport pathways in this country, following on from ­allegations of misbehaviour, bullying, body shaming and harassment within the Hockeyroos and Australian swimming and gymnastics.

There have been reports of bullying within the NSW under-18’s women's hockey team.

Hockey NSW chief executive David Thompson has ­revealed all under-18s players will be required to undergo programs in relation to behaviour expectations and culture.

“There were some girls who were a little bit upset, although nothing was reported to us officially,” Thompson said of the Australian titles.

David Thompson - CEO of Hockey NSW. Picture: AAP IMAGE/Carmela Roche

“We spoke to the coaches. There are a few girls that aren’t friendly with each other … I think it’s girls being girls, kids being kids.

“We’re learning off the back of the Hockeyroos inquiry and taking it seriously.”

Parents have slammed Hockey NSW’s response.

“This has been a long-term problem,” one parent said.

“Launceston was the last nail in the coffin … It was so ­unpleasant there are girls who now want to quit the sport.”

Parents are reluctant to identify themselves because of fears of a backlash from coaches and representative selectors.

Thompson, however, insists he is taking appropriate steps.

“I’ve worked with AIS to use their respectful behaviour programs and we will introduce them for all our future under-18 teams,” he said.

Parents are calling on the Hockey NSW board to take further action at its monthly meeting next week.