Short Life Working Group proposes new league structure

A Short Life Working Group (SLWG) focusing on the Scottish Hockey league structures, chaired by former Scottish Hockey President Martin Boag, was formed in June 2020 and has carried out significant work to propose a league structure for Scottish Hockey’s leagues, based on current club footprint, from 2022 onwards. The proposal can be viewed HERE.

A consultation process will now begin with clubs on the proposal ahead of a vote on whether to accept or reject the proposal.

Former President of Scottish Hockey, Martin Boag, was asked by current Scottish Hockey President, John MacKenzie, to chair the SLWG to review Scottish Hockey’s adult competitions, and to propose any alternative league structures, should its findings permit, to the Scottish Hockey Management Committee.

As chair Martin Boag was given permission to form the SLWG and reached out to several people from across the Scottish Hockey family to include participants from a wide range of geographical locations; age groups; playing experiences; coaching experiences; technical and volunteer experiences to join the process.

The members of the SLWG were:

  • Martin Boag – Chair, former president of Scottish Hockey
  • Gordon Black – Helensburgh Hockey Club, West District Men’s Outdoor Competition Convenor
  • Euan Cowan – Western Wildcats, Scotland U18 Internationalist
  • Chris Duncan – DOH Edinburgh Academy, Inverleith Men’s Coach, Scotland Women asst. coach
  • Jamie Frail – Head of Domestic Game, Scottish Hockey
  • Fraser Munro – Umpire
  • Siobhan Penman – Stirling Wanderers
  • Becky Ward – PE High School of Glasgow, Western Wildcats, Scotland Women Internationalist
  • Alex Williams – Gordonians Merlins Ladies, Umpire

Minutes of the meetings of the SLWG can be found HERE.

The SLWG proposal was presented to the Scottish Hockey Management Committee, and after a thorough process, it has now been approved for hockey clubs to view as a proposal for starting season 2022/23. The proposal can be viewed HERE. It should be noted that the work of the SLWG was completed late in 2020, but has been held back before issuing to members, until we had a clearer view of the current season.

Clubs can give initial feedback and ask questions prior to an online consultation meeting. Please send your questions and feedback to [email protected] and these will be raised and answered at an online meeting. In any feedback, please make it clear which club you represent.

A representative from each club will be invited to an online consultation meeting to discuss and feedback on the proposal. The online consultation will be held on 12/4/21 at 18:00, and chaired by John MacKenzie (Scottish Hockey President and chair of the Scottish Hockey Management Committee) with Martin Boag (Chair of the SLWG). Scottish Hockey will be in touch with club trustees to arrange invites to the consultations.

Any significant feedback received during the consultation will be considered by the Scottish Hockey Management Committee, with any final revisions taking place ahead of the proposal going to vote.

Two votes will then be held, one for league structure and one for cups, with all clubs invited to decide whether to put the proposed structures in place, or continue with the current structures.

The votes are indicative, which is normal process, to inform the management committee as it considers the wider picture. The final decision rests with the Scottish Hockey Management Committee.

Chair of the SLWG Martin Boag said, “I was asked to form a group to look at potential future adult competitions. I believe we have concluded with innovative suggestions which give each team within a club two league options and return some additional value to the cup competitions.”

Timeline

Tuesday 23rd March – Document released.

Thursday 1st April – Deadline for any questions.

EASTER (SH office shut 2nd and 5th April)

Monday 12th April – Consultation Zoom call with clubs.

Monday 19th April – Additional management committee meeting to discuss consultation and decide any changes.

Monday 26th April – Final document sent out to clubs.

W/C 3rd May – Vote (timings for vote to be confirmed)

Thursday 6th May – Announcement.

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