12th June 2018: The Executive Board had its second meeting of 2018 in the EHF office in Brussels.
The President, Marijke Fleuren, was pleased to see that the outdoor club events all were well organized at 10 excellent venues.
The President and other Members of the Executive Board had the opportunity to travel to some of these events. Vice-President Carola Meyer witnessed a top class EHCC in Surbiton HC. It was really well organised and showcased the EHCC and U14 EHCC attracting strong sponsorship partners. The venue was packed everyday, especially Thursday when about 1,000 schoolchildren from the surrounding schools attended, cheering on all the teams.
The EHL continues to go from strength to strength and this year’s KO16 and Final 4 provided thousands of fans with club hockey at its best. The President also visited the Mamis Festival at Club Egara. 400 women from all over Europe participated in this wonderful women’s event!
The President was pleased to meet the new FIH CEO Thierry Weil during the EHL Final 4. She will attend the FIH Executive Board meeting next weekend.
In addition, during June and July, the President will visit, together with the Director General, Angus Kirkland, Italy and Russia and meet their Executive Boards and National Olympic Committees.
The Board thanked Graínne Corry for all her hard work in covering Yamila Conill’s maternity leave.
The Board received the following reports:
Marketing & Communications:
Simon Mason (co-chair) updated the Board on the last figures and performances of all our social media channels. Angus Kirkland outlined the ongoing work on a partnership proposal and the approach to bring in new partners.
Competitions:
Walter Kapounek (chair) reported on the recent Outdoor club season. The new ranking tables for EHL and EHCC have been updated after the events.
The recommended venues for the Indoor club tournaments in 2019 (already announced) and the Indoor Championships in 2020 were discussed and agreed. Details of the 2020 events will be published in a separate bulletin.
Walter presented to the Board the new European and International calendar for the next years, which will be very congested with the Hockey Pro League and the Hockey Series Final coming in 2019. He also explained the new world ranking system, introduced due to the appearance of new competitions at international level.
EHL:
Marijke Fleuren reported on a successful event at Bloemendaal with the Final4. As mentioned, the discussion regarding the impact of the FIH calendar and the Pro League on future calendar dates of the EHL is still ongoing.
Development:
Peter Elders (chair) updated the Board on recent and future activities of the Committee. Three funding bids have been submitted to the Erasmus+ Program by the Education and Development Manager, Tom Pedersen-Smith. All decisions should be made by September 2018. Tom has reviewed the biennial survey ‘The State of the Game’ and will adapt it for 2019. He will visit a number of our Members over the summer months.
Education:
Inez Cooper (chair) presented the reports of the 3 working groups (umpires, coaches, officials). She gave an update about the recent activities and upcoming events of the 3 groups.
Director General’s Report:
The Director General, Angus Kirkland, updated the Board on the recent meetings with Belgium Hockey regarding the EuroHockey Championships 2019 and the next steps for the bids for the EuroHockey Championships 2021. He also reported on the Continental Federations meeting and the EHF Facilities Committee meeting. He went on to give an update on the General Assembly 2018 and some general office matters.
FIH Report:
Pamela Michaelis, International Relations representative, presented the program of the Olympic week across Europe. The Olympic flag will be carried around different European cities as Manchester, Minsk, Breda, Barcelona and Montjuic on Olympic Day. Our Development Manager, Tom Pedersen Smith is attending a number of the Olympic themed events during the week, with a fantastic day of ParaHockey ID and Olympic spirit on Montjuic on 23rd September.
The President reported to the Board about the upcoming FIH Congress and the ongoing work of the FIH under its new CEO.
Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
Mika Rihtila updated the Board about the actual income and expenditure of 2017 and updated the Board on the forecast for 2018. An initial 2019 budget has also been prepared and will be finalized in September, ready for the General Assembly in November.
Ophélie Duquesne, Administration Manager, presented the new financial system.
Alain Chaerels, EHF Auditor, presented the 2017 cut off.
Appointments Committee:
Angus Kirkland presented the report on behalf of the Appointments Committee.
The next meeting of the Board will be held in Brussels on September 21st and 22nd.