The Executive Board met for the second time in 2019 at its offices in Brussels on Friday June 21st.
The President opened the meeting with comments on all the work being done by Board members –and made special note that it was Leonardas Caikauskas his last full Board meeting, having served for 16 years as a member!
The President was particularly pleased with the launch of the #EquallyAmazing, which received appreciation from many quarters, including the IOC and EU Sport. The campaign is raising awareness of the EHF Gender Balance Charter, that we will be looking to National Associations to sign up to, during the General Assembly.
Angus Kirkland updated the Board on the Strategic Plan 2017-2024 and the Operations Plan 2019.
The Board received the following reports:
Communications & commercial:
Simon Mason updated the Board on all the streaming content that had been delivered since the last meeting and gave an overview of the Statistics of our communications channels. Siobhan is working hard on delivering stories celebrating 50 years of the EHF in the run up to the General Assembly and 50th celebration.
The Hall of Fame received 21 public nominations which have been shortlisted to 7 with two to be chosen for induction. Voting is due to close on Friday 28th.
Angus Kirkland updated the Board on the Commercial approach and informed them that Joko De Wit has been appointed to support the Commercial drive for partnerships.
Competitions:
Walter Kapounek reported on the Indoor meeting held in Minsk where the Committee where well hosted. Work is ongoing preparing for the 2020 Indoor Championships. Walter informed the Board of the hosts for the club Indoor tournaments and Indoor Club events. Indoor 2021 Championships host recommendations were approved by the Board.
Walter reported that the planning and preparation for the busy Nations Outdoor season was all in hand.
EHL:
Angus Kirkland updated the Board about EHL. The next EHL Board meeting is scheduled for June 28th. The season was a success on and off the field with a great win for the Belgium side Waterloo Ducks and ABN signing on as Presenting Partner for the next three seasons. Work is underway for the new KO16 format to be held in Barcelona in October and the EHL Board will discuss, budgets, sponsorships, and the format for Easter at its next meeting. The branding of EHL is currently being updated to a more modern fresher look.
Development:
The President reported on her visit to Small Club of the year Mladost – she was very impressed with the activity and commitment in the club in all areas to include everyone. Peter Elders reported that despite there being no committee meetings since the last Board meeting a lot of work had been undertaken. All preparations for the Youth Festival and ParaHockey event at EHC are ongoing.
Education:
Inez cooper updated the Board on the activity of the Coaches, Officials and Umpires groups. As ever there is a lot of activity and thanks were expressed to the leads of those groups. Preparation for the Breda event is well underway and promises to be another quality programme for participants.
Director Generals’ Report:
Angus Kirkland updated the Board on progress on the Eurohockey Championships, Discipline, General Assembly and Appointments. He was pleased to report that there has been a good response to the formation of a new Athletes Committee and informed the Board of the voting process that will take place over the U21 and Senior tournaments this summer.
FIH Report:
The Board discussed the consequences of the Hockey Series Opens and Finals finishing after this year and the options for future Continental events to replace them.
The Board discussed the new Officials age limit and decided that for events under EHF jurisdiction that we would maintain the original status quo of no age limit.
Hon. Treasurer’s Report:
Mika Rihtila presented the 2018 audited accounts which were approved by the Board. The preliminary budget for 2020 was presented to the Board and approved for presentation to the General Assembly. Year to date figures were presented.
The President closed the meeting thanking everyone for their contributions and looking forward to an exciting summer ahead for the EHF!
The next meeting will be held on August 15th, 2019 in Antwerp.