England Hockey AGM Resolution information. This will affect us.

Whilst normally we wouldn't bother you with mail from England Hockey the Committee feel that all members should have the opportunity to be made aware of what is happening regarding the restructuring of hockey in England.

Please read the attached letter from Liz Pelling, EH Vice President, and look at the links. You may also wish to complete the survey.

To roughly precis England Hockey is planning to reorganise hockey in England from 5 regions ( South, East, Midlands, West and North) to 8 new, smaller regions ( as yet to be determined). EH are currently collecting feedback and there will be a vote at the AGM in March 2020. Our understanding from feedback already gathered from EH Roadshows is that there is an appetite for change and the resolution will be passed. The plan is for all regions will have the same rules and the same league dates. It will also mean that cup competitions are effectively regionalised until quarter final level where the regional winners will go into the hat. All sounds very sensible.

The problem will arise with drawing the boundaries of regions and you can bet your bottom dollar Northants will be a 'border' county. We could have a situation whereby KHC/Oundle go Eastish, Saints Midlandsish and Towcester/Wootton South Midlandsish. We understand clubs will be put in regions that reduce travelling to a minimum. Assuming the resolution is passed at the AGM Clubs 'on the fringes' will still have an opportunity to decide where they wish to play their hockey.

One thing is certain though and that is that the Club may have to decide as a whole which region to play in. Obviously, we currently have Ladies in Midlands and Men in the East. The new rules will mean we cannot maintain the current set up unless the Mens and Ladies sections in effect 'divorce' and the Committee see no benefit in this happening. County Leagues, as they are currently structured, will disappear. There will be a more logical, nationally based progression through the pyramid. For example, our Ladies 4th would play in (something called) East or Midlands Divison 5 (NW, SE whatever); the structure for all Ladies hockey will be similar to the Mens leagues. We will still play local teams as long as they are in our region. So, if Wootton Ladies go south (like their men) our Ladies will no longer play Wootton (unless in a friendly).

Obviously this has implications for hockey both at Kettering and in Northamptonshire as a whole. Your Committee are working hard behind the scenes to secure the best outcome for hockey at Kettering and we will endeavour to make sure our membership is fully informed before any important decisions have to be made. If you have any questions please contact Jaime, Barry, Liz, Claudia, Mark or Sophie.