The last Executive Board meeting of 2018 took place on 21st December in the EHF Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium.
The President was very happy to be in Belgium straight after the Red Lions became World Champions in India. She felt it was an amazing performance and was pleased to see this great group of friends bring the cup back home. On behalf of the Board, Marijke Fleuren congratulated Hockey Belgium. She looks forward to the Belfius EuroHockey Championships coming up in August 2019 in Belgium.
Patrick Keusters (BEL) told in more details the beautiful story of the how Hockey Belgium has written history.
The Board reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting and approved them.
The Board received the following reports:
Commercial & Communications:
Siobhán Madeley (Communications Manager) and Simon Mason (Co-Chair) presented the year-end figures and performances of all our social channels for the past year. Siobhán Madeley also presented the new project to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the EHF through the story of 50 hockey people from around Europe. All stories are welcome and should be emailed to Siobhán on communications@eurohockey.org.
Discussions with potential new partners and sponsors are ongoing.
Competitions:
Walter Kapounek (Chair) updated the Board on the upcoming Indoor season and presented the review of the past season. He also updated the Board on the new entries and withdrawals for the 2019 Outdoor season since the last meeting. The Committee received applications to host for the EuroHockey U18 Championships 2020 and will make a proposal to the Board at the next meeting.
Development:
The Chair, Peter Elders, updated the Board on recent and future activities of the Committee. The outcome of the Club of the Year will be announced in the New Year. He also updated the Board on the recent NA’s visits of the Development and Education Manager, Tom Pedersen-Smith, since the last meeting.
The annual ParaHockey forum was held in the EHF office on the 7th December and it was a success. It was the highest attended meeting, with 14 NAs and representatives of Special Olympics, the University of Liverpool and the Flyers from England. Peter also congratulated Tom for his successful EU Erasmus+ funding applications.
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:
Angus Kirkland gave an update on new partnerships: Mercian as a stick partner and Grays as a clothing partner. He also presented the report of the Disciplinary Commissioner and went on to give an update on some office matters. He was delighted that Grainne Corry had re-joined the staff to take over from Yamila Conill.
The Facilities Committee had had a Skype meeting before the Executive Board. Angus also updated the Board on recent meetings with Hockey Belgium regarding the Belfius EuroHockey Championships 2019.
FIH Report:
The President reported about the outcomes of the different FIH EB meetings. Peter Elders presented the new rules published by FIH for the upcoming season. The international calendar (inclusive the EHF Calendar) until 2022 will depend on the schedule of the Pro League.
Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer, Mika Rihtila, presented the updated forecast for 2019 to the Board and reported the forecast for the 2018 figures which have improved since the last meeting
Appointments Committee:
Ray O’Connor, Chair, presented the report of the Committee. He demonstrated the appointments web system and explained to the Board the new feedback system for all officials after an event.
The next meeting of the Board will be held in Brussels on the 22nd & 23rd March 2019.