As we head towards the summer the sport stands on the cusp of the biggest changes to the administrative structures in hockey in a generation, for information please see the Governance Review.
On the back of the membership voting in support of the ‘Structure Fit for the Future’ proposal a vast array of volunteers have been working tirelessly to develop and agree the detail of the changes ready to start to be implemented from next season.
At the heart of the work have been a range of Area transition teams and national working groups that have helped shape the transition nationally and locally including the development of new committee structures, league and competition structures and in some cases new organisations.
Alongside this we would also like to recognise those that have acted with great integrity continuing with existing roles or making preparations for transitioning their existing organisations towards the new structures.
This update sets out what the next phase of the changes mean for everyone in the sport.
The Headlines
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This process will start in coming weeks with general meetings and the necessary governance arrangements put in place for the new organisations. To cover this process the England Hockey Board has issued ‘Transition Regulations’ to Regions, Counties and Hockey Umpiring Associations that set out the process and powers of organisations.
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For the majority of counties there isn’t significant change immediately with alignment to the new governance required over a longer period before the end of 2022. A national working group of representatives of Counties (Sub Areas) is working up the necessary advice and guidance to support the changes. Information on the talent pathway expectations for next season has also recently been shared with Academy Centre administrators. A provisional date for the next national county forum has been set for 15th June and invites will be circulated soon.
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Around the country clubs are receiving drafts of league structures and improvements being made based on club feedback. Not all requests can be accommodated and steps are being taken to apply consistent principles to proposals. Crucially clubs are being requested to confirm team entries in the next week. If you haven’t received this information please contact clubs@englandhockey.co.uk . Adult Leagues will start on the 18 or 25 September.
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A revised Junior Club Competition Framework has been developed to help guide the future provision of junior competition – there is a summary of which you can watch here. Areas are consulting with Counties (Sub Areas) and clubs on the proposals in coming weeks. If you haven’t received this information please contact clubs@englandhockey.co.uk
The Schools Competition Framework is also being revised ready for the 2021-22 season and will be communicated in June.
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The proposed officiating structure aligning to a jointly developed vision for officiating has been developed with new Area committees for officiating forming and consultation with local Umpiring Associations. If you would like to see this document please contact umpiring@englandhockey.co.uk
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Masters changes will start to be introduced from the summer of 2022 with revisions to the existing Regional Tournament moving from 5 to 8 teams. Club masters activity is being explored in Areas in ways that are complementary to the wider club game.
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The discipline structures are being updated to align to the new governance structure.
Clubs are recommended to attend the general meetings of the new organisations and support the volunteers that are leading the changes locally. The support of clubs will be key in establishing the new organisations as the local committees establish themselves.
What does this mean for my organisation?
Clubs
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- Adult League structures being shared locally and club leadership teams should be receiving these. There may be some tweaks as teams challenge decisions or review their team numbers, as happens every year, before final leagues are issued.
- Information has been sent to all club secretaries and chairs if you haven't received this information please contact clubs@englandhockey.co.uk Answers on team entries would be appreciated as soon as possible with the deadline next week.
- Once this has been done and data checked then fixtures for the new Area Leagues will be generated in June.
- Leagues will start on the 18 or 25 September 2021.
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- Areas will be holding consultations on the Junior Competition Framework. A presentation outlining this proposal is available here and linked to this clubs are being asked to indicate the number of junior teams they expect to have in 2021-22.
- Information has been sent to all club secretaries and chairs if you haven't received this information please contact clubs@englandhockey.co.uk. Answers on team entries would be appreciated as soon as possible with the deadline next week.
- Once entries are known structures can be developed for consideration by clubs with fixtures being finalised later in the summer as is usual for most junior competitions.
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- The support for competitions will be managed by a new Competition Management System that Areas will be working with England Hockey to introduce. This system is being tested and training will be provided later in summer for users. Look out for updates from England Hockey on this.
Counties and Regions (including HUAs)
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- The England Hockey Board of Directors has approved Transition Regulations that manage the transition from existing structures to the new. These have been shared with County and Regional organisations including Hockey Umpires Associations with a summary of their implications.
- Reserves guidance has also been issued by England Hockey to organisations that are looking to dispense with any existing funds. This is available to download on this page.
If you have any questions please get in touch with agm.resolution@englandhockey.co.uk
