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Club Matters Update - Teams
Donna Sutton18 Oct 2018 - 12:07
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By Alistair Nichols - Club Chairman
Teams
This season we, as a Club, decided to maintain three Women’s and three Men’s league teams. We did so to give players of all abilities the opportunity to play competitive adult hockey.
As many of you will know, over these first few weeks of the season we have had real difficulties in fielding all six teams. This situation has been discussed on a number of occasions, between the Club and Team Captains as well as by the Committee.
Club membership, in terms of numbers, is of course part of the issue (it appears that we are not alone in this amongst local clubs). However, players’ lack of availability, especially when playing for another team or in an away game, is compounding the issue. This is a statement of fact and not a criticism – we all have to juggle commitments and make judgements on our priorities.
If the Club cannot continue to field all six teams the only solution will be to cut the number, which in effect would mean the Women’s 3s and the Men’s 1898s. This would affect the Club and its members in both positive as well as negative ways: such as reducing the opportunities for all members to play – especially new players or those returning to the game – but also the ability to field the most competitive teams, with substitutes, we can.
At this stage, it has been decided to continue to try to put out six teams but not to the detriment of the ‘higher’ teams (so the 1s and 2s will have full teams first). This decision will be reviewed at the next Committee Meeting (19 November).
In short, if we have the numbers to make it work we can continue with all six teams. If we do not have the numbers we will have to cut one or two teams and manage the consequent situation – such as in terms of opportunities to play etc.
The decision will rely on how many players have been available over the next weeks as well as the number of paid-up members we have at the time.
Young people in adult hockey
All our adult teams include and rely on players who are under 18. All adults in the club are reminded of their responsibilities in terms of conduct towards these young players. If anyone would like further information or guidance please refer to England Hockey’s ‘Safe-D’ guidance or ask Club’s Safeguarding Officer, Karen Thomson.
This season we, as a Club, decided to maintain three Women’s and three Men’s league teams. We did so to give players of all abilities the opportunity to play competitive adult hockey.
As many of you will know, over these first few weeks of the season we have had real difficulties in fielding all six teams. This situation has been discussed on a number of occasions, between the Club and Team Captains as well as by the Committee.
Club membership, in terms of numbers, is of course part of the issue (it appears that we are not alone in this amongst local clubs). However, players’ lack of availability, especially when playing for another team or in an away game, is compounding the issue. This is a statement of fact and not a criticism – we all have to juggle commitments and make judgements on our priorities.
If the Club cannot continue to field all six teams the only solution will be to cut the number, which in effect would mean the Women’s 3s and the Men’s 1898s. This would affect the Club and its members in both positive as well as negative ways: such as reducing the opportunities for all members to play – especially new players or those returning to the game – but also the ability to field the most competitive teams, with substitutes, we can.
At this stage, it has been decided to continue to try to put out six teams but not to the detriment of the ‘higher’ teams (so the 1s and 2s will have full teams first). This decision will be reviewed at the next Committee Meeting (19 November).
In short, if we have the numbers to make it work we can continue with all six teams. If we do not have the numbers we will have to cut one or two teams and manage the consequent situation – such as in terms of opportunities to play etc.
The decision will rely on how many players have been available over the next weeks as well as the number of paid-up members we have at the time.
Young people in adult hockey
All our adult teams include and rely on players who are under 18. All adults in the club are reminded of their responsibilities in terms of conduct towards these young players. If anyone would like further information or guidance please refer to England Hockey’s ‘Safe-D’ guidance or ask Club’s Safeguarding Officer, Karen Thomson.
Further reading