Hi All

Hope you are all staying well? As communicated last week, England Hockey are continually reviewing our stance to “Return to Play” in England along government advice. As there was an announcement last night, please see below our latest update:

“Latest Government Announcement
After the latest government announcement allowing groups of 6 to meet together outdoors from Monday 1 June following strict social distancing guidelines, we are now updating the guidance for hockey.

Roadmap to Return to Play
When England Hockey took the decision to suspend hockey on the 17 March, it was clear that exactly when and how the sport would be able to return would take time to resolve. Until recently the focus has rightly been on the hockey family, demonstrating our collective spirit through support for charities, key workers in our clubs and looking out for our local communities or other club members as well as engaging within the hockey community and beyond on social media. The focus has not been on returning to hockey until the last week.

With so much uncertainty the aim has been to make decisions on key issues at the right times. Getting the timing right on this has been particularly tricky and will continue to present challenges over the coming months. The aim of this message is to share what we believe the probable steps are likely to be, and in headline terms, the possible implications for the 2020-21 season.

The considerations set out here are all dependent on the ongoing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and relevant government guidance. We would encourage our players, clubs and associations to interpret these as a guide and support and align to the work that will need to be done if plans change. At this stage it is not possible to make definitive plans.

What will be allowed?
The government alert levels announced on 10 May (link here) set out the first clear steps to emerging from lockdown. These alert levels will not relate directly to hockey activity and having reviewed the information from other countries and other sports we have set out 5 steps to returning to ‘normal’. Three relate to training, and two relate to match play activities. These are as follows:

Phase
Step
Train
1. Training - One to one / household group
2. Socially Distanced Training - Small groups but with social distancing in place
3. Small Group Training – Small group training allowed with some closer contact allowed. Allowing for tackling/marking etc. (some age groups may be allowed to start this stage earlier)
Play
4. Local Match Play – Intra club / local matches can happen but restrictions stop leagues / main competitions resuming (e.g. if travel is still an issue due to car sharing or local lockdowns are in place)
5. Full Competitive Match Play – Full leagues / competitions resume

For the last two weeks we have been at Step 1 with one to one coaching or household groups allowed to play. We will move to the initial stages of Step 2 from Monday 1 June. Detailed information on this will be released as soon as possible after government guidance is made available.

We do not know exactly when we will be able to progress through each step but hope this outline will assist clubs and organisations scenario plan their return to hockey. Crucially it is clear that facility providers are taking different approaches to the current restrictions and not all clubs are able to access pitches. This is a situation we will continue to monitor and take into account linked to the steps above.

England Hockey will issue the necessary advice and guidance and share good practice with as much notice as we reasonably can in the circumstances.

What are the implications of this?
Depending on the timing and pace of progression through the steps there are different implications for the 2020-21 season. These implications are interlinked and complex across the game and decisions need to be coordinated across key stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences. The timing of decision-making is important to allow adequate planning time but also decisions should not be taken too early in case circumstances change.

For the next 6-8 weeks we recommend continuing to plan for the 2020-21 season as normal (option A below). There is a risk that some pre-season activity may be lost and we recommend organisations aim to minimise financial risks where possible in pre-season. If the season cannot start on time but is only delayed for a short period (a few weeks), we will aim to extend it beyond its traditional late March/early April finish (option B below).

If neither of the above scenarios are possible we will consider a revised calendar for the 2020-21 season (option C). This would apply if there was insufficient time to run a normal length season. There could also be a time by which a viable competitive season has to start. A range of scenarios are being developed for this and will be consulted upon over coming months with the relevant stakeholders. Option C would only be enacted if there was a delay starting competitive hockey into mid-November (or later) or a second wave of infections caused more significant disruption.

Finally, there is the possibility an even later start may only allow for a shortened season to take place (option D). The likelihood of implementation of Option C or D will be assessed over coming months.

A
Normal
Season runs normally from end September 2020 to April 2021. League fixtures as usual. Adjustments made to league and competition structuring and regulations to cater for managing potential disruption including incomplete season.
B
Delayed
(Similar calendar)
Season runs normally but starts later and finishes later than usual, for example the end of October to end of April. Adjustments made to league and competition structuring and calendar depending on time lost. Regulations adjusted to cope with disruption including incomplete season.
C
Revised
(New calendar)
A significantly revised calendar is created for season running in a reduced window – e.g. end November 2020 to end of April 2021. Some activities may be removed in this scenario depending on the circumstances.

Alternative formats for competitions and leagues will be developed including potentially splitting leagues in the latter part of the season to create playoffs.

Consultation on this approach will be undertaken in coming months with this scenario only implemented if there is confidence the timing will allow.
D
Shortened
The season runs in a severely reduced window – e.g. end January 2021 to end of April 2021.
In this scenario in adult leagues it could be that all play all but only once either home or away.

Beneath these high-level scenarios there are layers of detail that need to be considered and recommendations made including the different implications for different sections of the sport such as the impact on officiating in each scenario, leagues adapting to issues such as possible localised lockdowns and also for indoor hockey (given indoor sports rules are likely to be different to outdoor).

Given the complexity of this and the need to communicate at the right time, England Hockey will review the position every three weeks around key government announcements, and will update the position for hockey in England whenever the circumstances change.

Chief Executive of England Hockey, Nick Pink said, “As we all continue to navigate this evolving landscape, the England Hockey team have been working hard to prepare the sport for a return to play and to manage the challenges ahead. By sharing our thoughts openly, we hope it enables the hockey community to work together, to plan ahead, and to help us to come back stronger. We plan to engage with you as much as possible as we look to set a course and encourage as much alignment as possible to ensure the sport as whole can thrive. The long-term health of the overall sport will always remain at the heart of our decisions.”

If you have any comments, feedback or input please email: clubs@englandhockey.co.uk

Our updated guidance will be available on the England Hockey website early next week.”

Please also be aware that as this is such a complex issue, groups of volunteers ranging from Regional League administrators and the Elite Domestic Game Panel, through to club reps from small clubs across the country are being spoken with about their situation and viability of returning to hockey.

For umpiring and officiating, there could be differing challenges concerning availability, fixture timings, congestion of calendar and I would recommend speaking with your committees about what challenges could be in place if hockey is unable to restart “as normal” from the 1st September and some of the barriers that you may face. If you have any questions or would like some more guidance, please let me know.

Apart from that, please have a good weekend and stay safe.

Kind Regards
David.

David Elworthy
Officiating Relationship Manager
Direct: 01509 228672 | Mobile: 07712 306967
England Hockey, Hockey Pavilion, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU
Tel: 01509 228674 | www.englandhockey.co.uk

Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you to all those who participated in the first 'Virtual AGM' with online voting for the HHUA.

Of all the votes cast, the overwhelming majority (a couple of no's and abstentions) were in favour of all the proposals.

Therefore, the reports were accepted and the changes to the constitution are agreed.

Your Committee for the next year are:

Chairman - Richard Wood
Secretary - Phil Gibbs
Treasurer - Mike Robinson
Membership - Jo Gordon
Logistics - Mike Robson

For the 4 Non-Portfolio Positions, the voting was very close, and it has been decided by the Officers of the Association to invite all 4 nominees to join the Committee and they will be asked to take on additional roles as we move towards the next season. In the constitution we have 3 NPM, but can co-opt others as necessary to bring their experience to the committee, and that is the official mechanism by which the 4th member will join the committee.

The four Non-Portfolio Members are: Graham Beck, Jason Holford, Tim Clay and Alan Dow

The Committee will meet for the first, time, on-line, on 26 May, at 1915, so if you have any input to what you wish your new committee to look at in the next Association year, please contact me, or any members of the committee and your views will be presented to the Committee.

Phil Gibbs
Secretary@hhua.org.uk

WInchester HC is looking to build on the success of the 2019-20 season with the appointment of three leading coaching roles; Men’s 1st Team Coach, Ladies 1st team Coach and a new position of Director of Coaching - Juniors. For full details of these roles visit the Clubs website - http://bitly.ws/8vGP or contact the Chairman Andy Craig – chairman@winchesterhc.co.uk

Further to the adjourned England Hockey AGM on 17 March 2020, England Hockey is now in a position to advise on the proposed next steps. The AGM agenda included a number of regular items that are addressed every year as well as the significant matter of seeking membership approval of the Structure Fit for the Future proposals (see www.englandhockey.co.uk/agmresolution).

The England Hockey articles do not allow for an AGM to be held electronically. In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, the government are making allowances for companies regarding the filing of the relevant end of year paperwork. Having made the necessary enquiries with our auditors, the 2018-19 England Hockey accounts have been filed at Companies House, noting they are subject to membership retrospective approval when the adjourned AGM is eventually reconvened, allowing for amends to be filed if necessary.

A new date has not yet been set for the England Hockey AGM. When the situation allows, a time and date will be published to reconvene the adjourned AGM in the appropriate manner with sufficient notice in line with the articles of England Hockey.

Obviously without the vote from the membership taking place at the AGM, the Structure Fit for the Future proposals are not yet approved. The Board of England Hockey still has the appetite to pursue the work against the initial timescales due to the level of engagement and support from the membership in the run up to the adjourned AGM. The staff at England Hockey will therefore start to develop the next stages of the proposals in line with the timeline set out. Clubs, Associations and other membership bodies can expect to be invited to provide information to develop the next level of detail in the proposals. The Board is clear that the implementation of this work will only progress subject to membership approval.

We hope that those that have supported the work so far and provided advice and feedback will continue to do so with the aim of helping to ensure that the proposals can best deliver against the benefits they will bring to the game for generations to come.

If you have any questions please email agm.resolution@englandhockey.co.uk. More information on the Structure Fit for the Future Proposals is here: www.englandhockey.co.uk/agmresolution

SURBITON CROWNED DOUBLE CHAMPIONS AS ENGLAND HOCKEY RECONCILES 2019/20 SEASON

Following the suspension of domestic hockey in March and the decision that no domestic hockey would be played before 30 June, this morning the England Hockey Board met and is now in a position to confirm how the 2019-20 England Hockey League season will be concluded. This varies from the standard League regulations.

Following a full analysis of all possible options and a period of discussion, the key points are summarised below:

i. League Finals – As the league semi finals and final were unplayed the Champions of the League and qualification for European competition will be determined by the standings at the end of the regular season . This means that Surbiton are both men’s and women’s league champions.

ii. Promotion & Relegation – Teams’ standings when the league stopped will be their final standings. Existing promotion and relegation regulations will be applied based on these standings (subject to iii below), including promotion from Regional Leagues.

iii. League Play-offs – It is judged that there is no fair method to resolve the league play-offs in line with regulations. Under normal circumstances, the play-offs would see the two Division One North & South winners and Premier Division ninth-placed team play off for two Premier Division places. For 2020-21 season only the Premier Division will run with eleven teams, all of these three teams will play in the Premier Division. This also means that one team is reprieved relegation at both Division One and Conference levels. Existing relegation regulations at these levels have been extended to determine which teams are reprieved. These are, based on teams’ playing records in parallel divisions, where the 9th placed team with the highest number of points retain its position and the other 9th placed team(s) relegated

England Hockey took this decision guided by the following principles. These were in priority order:

To retain the integrity of the competition and use existing regulations relating to promotion and relegation where possible - the outcome to be as close as possible to likely outcome for teams had the season concluded and therefore to be seen as fair
A consistency of decisions for teams at different levels within the league
Teams not to be disadvantaged by games that were not played.
There is of course no perfect solution to resolve an unprecedented issue such as this, but the decisions best complement these principles and affect the fewest teams. Ultimately, decisions have been based on what has happened in 85 out of 90 games in a Division, not what might happen in five out of 90 games. A number of promotion and relegation issues were ordinarily resolved prior to the last round of matches not being played.

Nick Pink, England Hockey Chief Executive stated, “These are unprecedented times for all of us, and we are grateful to clubs for their patience while we finalised the fairest course of action. We have undertaken a very thorough process and have arrived at a solution that gives us a roadmap of how we can get the Leagues back up and running as soon as possible. We congratulate all teams who have won their division. We commiserate with relegated teams and others negatively impacted by the season being curtailed.”

England Hockey has fully considered other sports’ decisions at this time, as well as other possible options open to us before coming to these solutions. Compared to other possible alternatives these are judged to negatively and positively impact a smaller number of teams.

For that reason it was felt it was not appropriate to declare the season null and void, a decision other sports and some other hockey leagues have taken. It was also agreed that scheduling the outstanding matches in the league finals, play-offs and league at some time between the end of June and the beginning of the 2020-21 season, even though small in number, was not practical for reasons as outlined as follows:

It would not be possible for players’ eligibility to be based on the 2019-20 season when some players will be likely to move clubs and train with them in the summer and pre-season. Although planning for next season is on the basis it will go ahead as normal, this is not guaranteed and fixtures may need to be rescheduled. This would be further complicated if matches relating to 2019-20 also needed to be rescheduled and played before the league could restart. For most of the outstanding key League matches the outcome is only critical to one of the teams and the availability of the opposition might not be consistent with a fixture played on the scheduled date in terms of preparation and availability. The make-up of Division1 North & South and the three Conferences is determined by teams’ geographic locations. Fixtures and venues need to be planned well in advance of the season. Teams could not be easily slotted into the relevant Division after the completion of additional fixtures.

Another possible solution was to have no relegations from the Conferences, noting that, if passed, the proposed changes in ‘A Structure Fit for the Future’ relating to the governance of the sport would see the league increase in size from 60 to 70 teams in 2021-22 season. However this would see a number of teams, who would have been unable to avoid relegation had the season concluded normally, being reprieved and of course the decision on the ‘A Structure Fit for the Future’ proposal has itself not been able to be concluded due to the adjourned England Hockey AGM.

One more possible solution was, based on the final round of matches, promote all teams who could possibly be promoted and reprieve all teams who could possibly avoid relegation. However in solving some issues it would also create new issues - requiring additional subjective decisions, not based on existing regulations, to set some of the Divisions in 2020-21, increasing the number of teams impacted by not playing the final round of league matches as well as leading to an imbalance of promotion and relegation-avoiding opportunities for teams from parallel divisions.

As part of the discussion process, England Hockey provided information on this matter to a small number of people. We are very disappointed in the breach of trust that has led to this information reaching the public domain earlier than intended. We are particularly sorry that we did not have the chance to give the clubs affected by our decision the courtesy of a call before the information went public. Interested parties should also note that an article published elsewhere was not accurate and errors should be disregarded.

Investec Women’s League
Premier Division Champions & 1st ranked European Club Championships – Surbiton
Runners-Up and 2nd ranked European Club Championships – East Grinstead
9th place and retain status – University of Birmingham
10th place and relegated – Bowdon Hightown

Division One North Champions & promoted – Swansea
9th place and retain status – Belper
10th place and relegated – Leeds

Division One South Champions & promoted – Wimbledon
9th place and reprieved relegation – Isca
10th place and relegated – St Albans

Conference East Champions & promoted – Wimbledon 2s
9th place and relegated – Broxbourne
10th place and relegated – Ipswich

Conference North Champions & promoted – University of Nottingham
9th place and reprieved relegation – Doncaster
10th place and relegated – Beeston 2s

Conference West Champions & promoted – Surbiton 2s
9th place and retain status – Team Bath Buccaneers
10th place and relegated – University of Bristol

Men’s Hockey League

Premier Division Champions & 1st ranked EuroHockey League – Surbiton
Runners-Up and 2nd ranked EuroHockey League – Hampstead & Westminster
9th place and retain status – University of Exeter
10th place and relegated – Reading

Division One North Champions & promoted – University of Durham
9th place and reprieved relegation – City of Peterborough
10th place and relegated – Leeds

Division One South Champions & promoted – Oxted
9th place and retain status – Teddington
10th place and relegated – Fareham

Conference East Champions & promoted – Cambridge City
9th place and retain status – Bromley & Beckenham
10th place and relegated – Bedford

Conference North Champions & promoted – Deeside Ramblers
9th place and relegated – Wakefield
10th place and relegated – Alderley Edge

Conference West Champions & promoted – Old Cranleighans
9th place and reprieved relegation – Cheltenham
10th place and relegated – University of Exeter 2s

You can see the final standings overleaf [insert link]

Impact on planning for season 2020-21
The standard requirement on the conclusion of the league and any play-offs is to agree the geographic make-up of the Divisions 1 North & South and Conferences based on the teams at each level. This will now be undertaken. Planning for the 2020-21 season, in the first instance, is that it will run as normal. Currently the first rounds of matches are due to be held on 26 & 27 September 2020 however we will also start planning for different scenarios should that not be possible.

Regulations relating to promotion and relegation for 2020-21 season will be revised to reduce the size of the Premier Division to normal, maintain ten-team divisions at all other levels of the league for 2021-22 and to incorporate any changes in line with the AGM Resolution if agreed.

Conclusion
As noted this is not a straightforward situation for the league in unprecedented circumstances. In doing so decisions relating to promotion and relegation are based on what has happened in 85 out of 90 games in a Division, not what might happen in 5 out of 90 games.

England Hockey, whilst recognising that not all parties will agree with the rulings, believes it has followed a robust process to reach the most appropriate outcomes that means teams and leagues can start planning for a resumption of our great sport which we of course all hope will be later this year.

--

Ladies and Gentlemen

The HHUA AGM is planned for 12 May 2020, at Trojans Hockey Club.

In the light of the current COVID-19 situation, it has been decided to keep this date in the calendar, and the relevant calling notice will be issued on 21 April 2020 (21 days before the AGM) if it will proceed, or if delayed, a proposed new date will be promulgated.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At last night's Management Meeting it was agreed to publish some simple guidelines on your actions in the light of the perceived 'threat' from COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The latest NHS information, with a link to the Government advice, is at the link below, and you should refer to that for the verified information, rather than random social media posts.

Your health and safety is the prime concern and if any any stage you have either been diagnosed with the virus, or you feel that you have to self-isolate and therefore can no longer undertake Hampshire appointments, please let the Appointers know as quickly as possible so they can manage the situation. Also, for our more mature members, or those with underlying medical conditions, who feel you are at risk, you are quite entitled to ask the Appointers to remove you from games to prevent any potential exposure. This is a personal choice.

The known precautions, as elucidated at the link, of good personal hygiene and "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it" remain the best way to prevent transmission.

Pre and post match greetings are at your discretion. You may choose to eschew handshakes and give an elbow bump, friendly nod of the head or a gentle wave in place of them and no one will mind.

The Government, through the NHS, remain the authority on the response to the virus and your Management Committee will continue to review the information provided and if the advice changes you will be informed if necessary. ... More

Hi All

Over the past few weeks, a lot of you have been in touch concerning the finalised proposals for the AGM Governance Review, which is due to be voted on by the members of England Hockey in March 2020. Please find a link to the booklet below, which will be shared with HA’s, Leagues and Clubs within the next hour:

www.englandhockey.co.uk/astructurefitforthefuture

Over the past 24 months, representatives from the NPUA and Regional HUAs have been working with us at England Hockey to create the “Vision of Umpiring”. This is a whole game approach, which includes reviewing all pathways, educational offers and the relationship of Umpiring Bodies with the proposed Areas, as well as with England Hockey. In the booklet, we have made reference to some of the work that has been completed so far by the group, however there is still a lot to discuss and finalise. We intend to communicate more from this group early in 2020 on the future of Umpiring and Officiating.

Due to this, I’d like to draw your attention to section 6 where we have extended this timeline by an extra season to include County HUA’s at a later date, allowing time for us to focus on setting the structure correctly for Umpiring (in line with the above), whilst working through the impact per area and allowing us to communicate correctly, accurately and clearly to all of our umpiring colleagues and members.

Please feel free to review the booklet and feel free to contact me in the New Year with any thoughts or questions. In the meantime, thank you for your input and energies this year in Umpiring across the country to support our game at all levels.

Have a very Merry Christmas and look forward to an exciting 2020.

Best wishes
David

David Elworthy
Officiating Relationship Manager
Direct: 01509 228672 | Mobile: 07712 306967 ... More

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Management Committee has reviewed the situation with regard to shirt supply as there are a limited number of possible suppliers. Adidas currently supply a new range of blue and orange shirts, with a possible white shirt in the offing, to the NPUA. At the moment, there is no intention for South to change their colours, so HHUA will remain with the current options while the higher-level decisions bottom out.

HHUA will continue with Tempest for new members/replacement Orange and Green HHUA LOGO'd shirts for at least the next 12 months, available through the HHUA Website. The White version remains available though CMP from the website

Club Umpires may purchase the same shirts from Tempest, with the same logo, but CLUB Umpire underneath, for use within the County to increase the corporate look of all umpires.

Members are to be reminded that HHUA Policy is that they will wear a current County Badged Shirt for all Appointments in the county or region (including those of Higher Bodies making themselves available for County/Regional appointments). Notwithstanding this regulation, for the 2019/20 season ONLY, for those who do not currently have a white HHUA shirt, members may wear a white polo shirt (with non-controversial logo (ask Sec/Mike Robson for guidance if you are not sure whether your logo is permitted)) for the rare occasions when green/orange will not suffice.

If you need guidance on any of this information please contact Mike Robson before next season.