PREMIER LEAGUE 2016Hockey SA Presidents Forum – 14th January 2015

WELCOMEThe purpose of tonight’s forum is to discuss the changes to the format of the competition for the 2016 season. In particular it is an opportunity for the clubs and Hockey SA to explore ways of moving forward in a positive direction, that will be of overall benefit to the sport in the metro area.

Housekeeping

Please turn your phones to silent or flight mode.

AGENDA• Welcome• CEOs Remarks• Chair of Hockey SA Board Remarks• Overview of 2016 competition format• High Performance perspectives• Small Group Discussion• Group Discussion• Summary and Close

CEOS REMARKS

Andrew Ellis

CHAIR OF HOCKEY SA BOARD REMARKS

Helen Stone

OVERVIEWDuring 2013 the Board of Hockey SA decided that changes were needed to improve the overall standard of the Premier League Competition in years to come. This follows on from the work originally done by the ‘Future Directions Committee’ in 2012.

The Metropolitan Competition Committee and then CEO were tasked with developing a set of proposals that would shape the Premier League in years to come.

This work was guided by a series of aims developed by the Board.

AIMSThe Hockey SA Board is looking to re-model the existing competition structure with the intention that the following aims can be achieved.

1. Increase the overall level of competition in the elite metropolitan competition.2. Generate a flow on effect where the overall standard of competition is increased in lower divisions.3. Provide opportunities to enhance the development of skills in the junior divisions through programmes such as

pathways, academies and zone championships.4. Improve the standard of players being selected for High Performance programs in all age groups.5. Improve the overall experience for players and officials by creating a competition that is accessible and

equitable.6. Attract more players to the game7. Secure the long term viability of both the competition and clubs.8. Hockey SA is taking steps to ensure that the Zone Championships can be a developmental opportunity for

players and officials. The Hockey SA Athlete and Coach Development Manager is revising the criteria for appointment of coaches to bring this championship in line with other representative programmes.

AIMSThese were a set of overarching principles that informed the suggested structure of the competition and the associated grading of teams and team entry criteria are:1. That there should be junior development growth;2. That there should be no byes in any grade except the lowest grade;3. That the competition is open at each grade (e.g. any club can

potentially have a team in any grade);4. That teams play competitively at the appropriate grade; and that the

promotion and relegation of teams facilitates the strongest possible overall competition.

PROCESSThe MCC explored a range of models drawing on local experience, and looking to overseas competitions, liaising with SASI and Hockey SA High Performance Managers. A number of potential competition models have been put forward during the last few years. These have been discussed at MCC level and it is suggested that the model presented to clubs represents the best compromise in terms of allowing the competition to move forward, whilst protecting the needs of the existing members, and allowing opportunities for growth in the future.The Board of Hockey SA endorsed this recommendation for introduction in 2016 and beyond.

2016 SEASONPremier League will consist of teams representing the current 9 clubs.1. A new division, Premier League Reserve will be introduced between PL

and M1 and will consist of teams from the 9 Premier League Clubs.2. PLR will be played to the same rules as PL. (pending review of 2015)3. Teams currently in Metro 1 who are without Premier League

representation, will continue in Metro 1.4. Membership of the PL/PLR is contingent on clubs being able to meet a

set of KPI’s5. Clubs not currently in PL/PLR may apply for entry

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED1. 6 Team PL competition2. 6 Team PL competition, rebranded under zones3. 8 Team PL competition4. 10 Team PL competition5. Introduce PL/PLR with 9 clubs6. Status Quo

POTENTIAL RULESHockey SA and the MCC have been exploring possible changes to the competition rules to allow clubs the greatest opportunities to field the strongest sides they can. Changes may also make player management easier.

1. Clubs to name a PL squad of 25 to 30 players.2. Clubs to name a ‘Super 7’ who will normally only be able to play PL3. The remainder of the squad and play PL or PLR or both in a given week (abolition of

the 20 minute rule in PL, and removal of the prohibition on playing twice in a competition week)

4. Clubs would be able to make 3 changes to the whole squad without recourse to permits.

5. Permits would be a vehicle for moving players due to injury, attitude or suspension.6. Clubs would be required to have one Panel umpire per PL squad.

BENEFITS1. PL/PLR would be fixtured in pairs2. Squad connections and management3. Marketing opportunities through PL/PLR wrap4. Player Development5. Improvement in overall competition standard 6. Improved governance at club level7. Improved facilitation of club days

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Hugh Purvis

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

Question“What would the clubs like from Hockey SA to help them meet the challenges of the

2016 season and beyond?”

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION