The Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation met for the fifth and final time in 2016 over the weekend in Brussels, Belgium.
The Board was in full attendance with the exception of Gianni Rossi.
The Executive Board then received reports from:
Director General
Angus Kirkland presented a report from Tim Ollerenshaw on any Disciplinary issues. He also reported on the International Sports Convention which he recently attended, the European Games 2019, and the EuroHockey Championships.
Communications Committee
Siobhan Madeley and Simon Mason, Chair of the committee presented their report, updating the Board on fan engagement and communications channels and analysis. They updated the board on the successful live streaming of EHF tournaments in 2016 a highlight being over 4 million minutes were viewed this year! Plans for 2017 were presented with a priority on creating added value for spectators, growing our fan base and increasing the profile of the sport. The nomination process for new Hall of Fame inductees has now closed, and the next step is to produce a short list which will then be open for the public to once again vote in February 2017.
Outdoor
Bjorn Isberg (Chair Competitions Committee) presented the report from his committee, including updates an all outdoor competitions in 2017 – Clubs, EHL, Youth (U16 Hockey5s), Junior and Senior.
The Board confirmed that the EuroHockey Junior Championships in 2019 will be the qualifiers for the Junior World Cup in 2020.
Indoor
Walter Kapounek presented a report updating the Board on progress for the Indoor Junior Championships and Indoor Club tournaments 2017.
Euro Hockey League
Jorge Alcover updated the Board on the progress with the plans for EHL KO16 in Oranje Rood.
Hon Treasurer
Hon Treasurer Mika Rihtila presented an update on the Budget to date for 2016 and an outline for the 2017 Budget. In addition he updated the Board on some Member Associations who are overdue on their payments to EHF and proposals on how to proceed.
Education Committee (Coaches, Umpires & Officials Working Groups)
Inez Cooper, Chair of the committee and Norman Hughes presented the reports from the 3 Working Groups:
Coaches – A full report on what was achieved by the coaches taking part in TCP and C4E and the mentors who helped them was presented, along with plans for 2017. Inez presented proposed changes to the current Supporting National Growth (SNG) system for 2017. In 2016 85 coaches passed through the EHF Education programmes, and it is hoped to increase this number to over 100 in 2017
Umpires – Inez presented on UDP Groups 8, 9, 10 and the new group 11 along with their activities in 2016 and plans for 2017. She went on to talk about the successful U4E Programme and in particular the event in Breda, a video summary of the event was shown to the Board. 2017 plans for Supporting National Growth were also presented.
Officials – Lastly a report was presented on the activity which took place for Officials Education in 2016, which included a TO Seminar (advanced level), a TD Seminar (High level in conjunction with the FIH Academy) and Judges Seminar (basic level) in Breda.
Development Projects Committee
Norman Hughes presented on behalf of Gianni Rossi, Chair of the committee. He updated the board on various Development activities including EHF/KNHB Sharing Knowledge and Twinning Programme, Club of the Year Presentations, EHF Youth Panel and ParaHockey. National Associations are encouraged to nominate a Youth Leader for the panel and it was highlighted that ParaHockey Forum was taking place straight after the board meeting.
Appointments Committee
Sylvie Petitjean presented on behalf of Ray O’Connor, Appointments Committee Chair.
She reported issues faced by the Appointments Committee, including inconsistency on feedback forms. Sylvie highlighted the need alongside the Education Committee to ensure a pathway for our Umpires to reach the highest level of International Umpiring.
EHF 50th Anniversary 2019
Jorge Alcover presented his initial ideas to mark the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the European Hockey Federation in 2019. Jorge was formally appointed by the Board as the Chairperson of the 50th Anniversary celebratory committee.
The President, Marijke Fleuren, closed the meeting thanking everyone on the board, our committees and our staff for their hard work and dedication to EHF and wishing them a Happy Christmas and a Shining 2017!
EHF Office: 12/12/2016