20th September 2016: The Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation met for the third time in 2016 over the weekend in Brussels, Belgium.
The Board was in full attendance with the exception of Leonardas Caikauskas who unfortunately was unwell and unable to travel – the Board passed on their best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
The meeting opened with a report from Annie Panter (co-chair of the FIH Athletes Panel) and Angus Kirkland on the plans for an EHF Athletes panel. Annie spoke to the Board about her role, and the benefits of the Athletes panel on committee and board level. The EHF hopes to establish its own Athletes panel before the end of 2017.
The Executive Board then received reports from:
Development Projects Committee
Gianni Rossi, Chair of the Committee updated the Board on various Development activities including EHF/KNHB Sharing Knowledge and Twinning Programme, ParaHockey activity in Essen (GER) in June 2016, and Amsterdam 2017, Club of the Year Presentations, Turkey TAP and EHF Youth Panel.
The 6 Nations ParaHockey tournament in Brasschaat at Dragons was highlighted, with Gianni sharing a video. It is clear that ParaHockey is evolving and maturing with growth in numbers participating and enjoying being a part of the Hockey Family.
Education Committee (Coaches, Umpires & Officials Working Groups)
Inez Cooper, Chair of the Committee presented the reports from the 3 Working Groups:
Coaches – updates on Top Coaches Programme (TCP) Coaches 4 Europe (C4E) and SNG (Supporting National Growth)
Umpires – updates on the new EHF Umpiring Pathway which ties together Umpires 4 Europe (U4E) and Umpires Development Project (UDP), as well as Supporting National Growth activities. She reported on another successful event in Breda PUSH, where U4E umpires were evaluated for places on UDP next season – the successful applicants will be announced in the coming weeks.
Officials – a report on the recent TD Seminar held in London in June and the TO Seminar held in August in Breda alongside Umpires and Coaches seminars.
Director General
Angus Kirkland updated the Board on Strategic Plan 2017 -2024 which will be presented to the General Assembly at the meeting in November in Dubai. The plan is aligned to the FIH Hockey Revolution, with a European slant and sharing the same ambition for passion for our sport that is reflected through our values. The format follows the FIH format and the Key Initiatives outlined in the plan will be fully detailed in the annual Operations Plans.
He also updated the Board on progress with the KNHB for the EuroHockey Championships 2017 and the ARBH for the EuroHockey Championships 2019.
He outlined our continuing effort to improve our position in the media and communication world and that as we strengthen in this area it will be of direct benefit to our members.
He informed the Board on discussions with clothing suppliers and proposed partnership agreement.
Indoor
Walter Kapounek (Chair Competitions Committee Indoor) presented a report updating the Board on progress for the Indoor Junior Championships’ and Indoor Club tournaments 2017. The Board were then asked to approve the Committees recommendations for hosts for Indoor Championships 2018 which will be announced in the coming weeks on the website.
Outdoor
Bjorn Isberg (Chair Competitions Committee Outdoor) presented the report from his committee, including some recommended changes from the Regulations Working Group.
An update on the Youth tournaments which took place during the summer (all results and rankings etc. have been published on the EHF website)
Bjorn informed the Board of the venues chosen by the committee to host the Club tournaments in 2017 which has already been announced on the EHF Website.
The Board approved the proposed venues for EuroHockey5s U16 Youth Championships in 2017 – these will be published on the EHF Website in due course. The Committee asked the Board to approve Switzerland as the host for the EuroHockey Junior U21 Championship III (Men) 2017, this was not done at the last Board meeting as no offers to host were received. The Board wished to thank Lithuania and Switzerland for subsequently offering to host.
Euro Hockey League
Jorge Alcover updated the Board on the progress with planning for EHL Season 2016/2017 which will start in Banbridge (IRL) with Round 1 in October. The Club are making a fantastic effort to make it the biggest Round 1 ever – click here for details on EHL
Communications Committee
Simon Mason, Chair of the Committee presented his report, updating the Board on fan engagement and streaming projects, and details on recent website changes. He also informed the Board on plans for selection of Hall of Fame inductees for 2017.
FIH
The Board discussed the forthcoming FIH Congress and the nominees for election. The Board also discussed the current status and plans for the FIH Global Home and Away League for 2019 onwards.
The Finance Committee also met in Brussels the day prior to the Executive Board meeting, and Hon Treasurer Mika Rihtila presented a full report on this meeting, where the Audited Accounts for 2015 were approved. The Board were updated on the Budget to date for 2016 and an outline for the 2017 Budget, as well as a number of Member Associations overdue on their payments to EHF.
Appointments Committee
Angus Kirkland presented the report from the Appointments Committee which included an analysis of appointments from the recently completed outdoor nations (youth) season.
Should you wish to have more details on any of the above items, please contact us.
EHF Office 19/09/2016