21st June 2017 – The Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation met for the second time in 2017 over the weekend in Brussels, Belgium.
The Board was in full attendance and received reports as follows:
President’s Report – Marijke Fleuren congratulated all participating teams in the recent EuroHockey Club tournaments over Whitsun where 41 men’s teams and 36 women’s teams took part in 12 different events, and in particular wished to thank the hosts of the tournaments. She also reported on her work in the FIH and the procedure that had taken place for awarding entry into the new Hockey Pro League.
Communications – Simon Mason (Chair) and Siobhan Madeley (Communications Manager) reported on the recent activities of the Communications committee and an overview of the social media data. They then gave an update on the Live Streaming plans for the upcoming Nations tournament, in particular for the Junior Championships in Valencia.
A presentation was received from Felix Blank of Sport Radar with regard to a proposed OTT platform for the EHF where we plan to create a “home for European hockey” at which all our streamed content can be viewed.
Director General – Angus Kirkland reported on progress with the EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam, an ongoing Organisational and Operational Review within the EHF Office, the proposed Athletes Committee and next steps, a Commercial Update and plans for the General Assembly in August 2017. He informed the Board that the deadline has now closed for nominations to Election of the Executive Board, and the list of those standing will be published in a separate bulletin in the coming days. The Board agreed that the proposed statute changes, if approved at the General Assembly in August, will come into effect on 1st January 2018
Competitions – Bjorn Isberg (Chair) and David Voskamp (Competitions Manager) reported on the recently completed outdoor clubs season, including a very successful first Junior EuroHockey Club Cup for girls. They were disappointed to note a number of significantly late withdrawals in recent weeks, which the Disciplinary Commissioner is currently examining. An update on plans for the Nations tournaments taking place this summer was also presented along with some changes in Regulations which were approved.
Walter Kapounek (Chair) and David Voskamp reported on plans for Indoor 2018 season, they also received approval for hosts for the Junior Indoor 2019 tournaments, details of which will be published in a separate bulletin. The Competitions Coordination’s committee met the day before the Board meeting and David Voskamp and Jorge Alcover gave an update on this meeting.
EHL – Jorge Alcover presented a review of 2016/2017 season and plans for next season.
Development – Gianni Rossi (Chair) presented an update on Twinning and last few months of KNHB/EHF Sharing Knowledge Programme, including plans for Youth Leadership Festival & ParaHockey events which will take place in Amsterdam over the course of the EuroHockey Championships. He noted that not many National Associations have fully completed the Development survey. The EHF would like to stimulate more responses to this survey as it is essential for gathering information on growth which we can share with our fellow National Associations at the General Assembly in August.
Education Committee – Inez Cooper (Chair) presented an update on plans for Coaches, Umpires & Officials. The Board were delighted to see new plans for Umpires Supporting National Growth(SNG) programme in close cooperation with the FIH Academy – National Associations will receive information in the coming weeks.
Hon Treasurer report – Mika Rihtila presented the Budget for 2018 and accounts for presentation to the General Assembly for approval. He also updated the Board on the meeting of the Finance Committee the previous day which included a discussion on Income and Expenditure Strategy & Goals.
Appointments – A report was received from the Appointments Committee presented by Angus Kirkland.