Stakeholders' Meetings
Key issues affecting areas such as competitions, umpiring, clubs and even Scottish Hockey’s executive structure were discussed at the half yearly general meeting held in Perth in January 2008.
Scottish Hockey Chief Exec Brent Deans said: “This recent half yearly general meeting provided some good debate across a number of areas. Those attending felt the meeting gave an opportunity for a sharing of views.”
Board Director Colin Manderson presented a paper outlining the process the Board has recently gone through in reviewing Scottish Hockey’s organisational structure. The biggest change could be in a split Presidency. Deans explained: “The paper detailed how the Board and Management will look to operate in the future and under what type of structure. It also outlined executive roles, with the President’s role split; with one President being strategically focused on delivery whilst the other would see the introduction of an honourable President for PR and membership links.”
Clubs were advised to adopt a new process for the second half of the outdoor season in the matter of match notification. Clubs raised the issue of only having to notify opposition and umpires five days prior to a match. Deans said: “The clubs felt that there was no reason why this process could not be carried out twelve days prior. This extra time would allow any umpire changes to be made earlier. This received a positive response at the meeting and it was agreed that this could be put into practice immediately.”
Also facing changes was umpires, it was accepted for National Division 1 and 2, four umpires will now be required while for Division 3 and Reserve Leagues, two umpires will suffice for season 2008/9. In 2009/10, all leagues will be required to nominate four umpires. Deans clarified underlying reasons for this decision: “This subject created a good deal of debate and some healthy feedback was received. It was felt this process would be a more practical way to enabling teams and clubs to develop their umpires, which is important in Scottish Hockey as we have a gap in the pool.”
The area of competitions was also explored as Competitions Convenor Bill Garland gave an informative presentation in areas that effect the development and running of domestic competitions. Deans commented: “We all found it very informative and we gained more understanding of the overall process.”
These are the main issues discussed at the half yearly general meeting which aims to keep communication lines open between all areas of the sport and business. Please see Colin Manderson’s Half Yearly Presentation and Bill Garland’s Competitions Presentation.
About Scottish Hockey's Half Yearly Meetings
The concept of having a Half-Yearly Stakeholders' meeting was born out of issues raised at the 2006 AGM, and further discussed thereafter.
The Scottish Hockey Board took a lead on the subject of communication and consultation and recognised the need for the membership to have an appropriate annual open form to discuss and raise issues. It was recognised that the change Scottish Hockey made to become a Limited Company has had an impact on how member clubs raise issues and put forward motions. As such, the inaugral Half-Yearly meeting was scheduled for 14th January 2007 in Perth.
This meeting will be held annually and will be in addition to the formal business meeting that is the AGM of a limited Company such as Scottish Hockey Union Ltd.
In September 2006, Scottish Hockey held the first ever 'Stakeholders' Forum' in Dunblane, the primary purpose being a key consultation opportunity towards building Scottish Hockey's new Business Plan 2008-14.
Presentations and documents noting outcomes from the meetings are available as downloads by clicking the links on the right. The next stage is building on the issues and analysing them and producing solutions for incorporation and delivery through the new Business Plan, and its five action areas of: Leadership, Governance, Communications, Performance and Development.
This is ongoing, and we will publish updates throughout the year.