England Hockey – Regional Consultative Committee

Since the AGM last July this committee has met on three occasions and one additional meeting which was a strategic planning meeting. The dates of these meeting were 3^rd September 2007, 3^rd December 2007 which was turned into the strategic planning meeting We were due to meet on the 3rd March 2008, but this was brought forward to the 10^th February because certain things had to be discussed prior to the England Hockey AGM on Sunday 16^th March This was primarily the question of Philip Kimberley becoming Executive Chairman with a full time Chief Executive being appointed., and other changes to the England Hockey constitution. Fortunately as I was away the deputy President stood in for me at this quickly convened meeting. As last year the meetings are chaired by Andy Tapley and on every time this year Martin Gotheridge has been present. At various times different members of the England Hockey Staff are asked to attend to answer any relevant questions on Finance, Competitions, or direct questions for the Chief Executive. At all times the representatives from the five regions plus the Combined Services plus the two Vice Presidents of England Hockey are in attendance.

Many matters are discussed informally by the various Regions and on most occasions we do have similar views. A lot of questions were asked regarding the finance surrounding the European Hockey Championships in Manchester in August where England Hockey made a contribution of £173,000 which was considerably above budget. Although this was a very well run event and many Foreign Visitors were impressed it did not for various reasons attract the support of many of the Hockey Family. It did succeed in getting our Ladies Team a direct ticket to Beijing and while the Men were disappointing they put everything to right and qualified in Chile in March 2008. This means for the first time for some while GB will be presented in China by both the Men and Ladies which is very creditable .Probably as a result of the September meeting it was decided to make the December meeting a strategic planning meeting covering the next four years. It was agreed that it was beneficial to Hockey to have such International Hockey events in England and that England Hockey would have to budget into future Championships a yearly figure in the accounts. The Indoor event in Sheffield in January 2008 made a comparative small loss. It has now been agreed that England Hockey should bid for the Ladies Champions Trophy in 2010, and the FIH and EHA have accepted our offer which of course is supported by funds from the Lottery, UK Sports and other sponsors. This event will take place in Nottingham .

Much discussion has centred on the development of the Single System and its implementation which seems to be going to plan. There are in my mind still certain questions regarding the financing of this project after three years when the major investors have an opportunity of reviewing the money put in. At the recent meeting last month a lot of questions were being asked by ALL regions for the funding and administration of England Hockey events around the Regions. This year, we on behalf of England Hockey, hosted the Men’s County Championship Finals at the Old Loughtonians H.C. Their input and assistance was greatly appreciated, but from a financial point of view was not a great earner for the Old Louts. It was exactly the same in 2007 when we hosted at Chelmsford H.C. the Ladies County Finals and I have no doubt that in 2009 when we host the Under 21 finals we shall again be looking at the financial angle. I shall be writing to Clubs very shortly asking them if they are willing and able to assist us in the EAST on the 23/24 May 2009, In the meantime the Competitions Department of England Hockey are looking at, and reviewing the whole question of finance for competitions.

I do trust this has given you an insight to what happens at RCC Meetings and if anybody wishes to raise any particular points which I can bring up on behalf of the EAST the next two meeting are scheduled for 1^st September and 1^st December 2008

Bill Felton