The full Council of the Midland Region Hockey Association met on Wednesday 10th January 2007. One of the agenda items was consideration of the implications of the Rules of Hockey in which new regulations were implemented by the F.I.H. which came into effect on 1st January 2007.
The South Region had already issued a directive following England Hockey's decision to insist on fully equipped goalkeepers in Mini Hockey. Both Midland Boys and Girls Schools' and Youth Committees had endorsed the action taken by the South.
The MRHA Council understood that the rationale for the change in the F.I.H. Rules of Hockey was primarily to encourage the playing of hockey in those countries where hockey was still in its infancy and where any form of protective equipment was largely unavailable.
The MRHA Council were concerned that if it just adopted the approach that had been taken by the South Region, that this would still offer not protection for any 'junior age' (i.e. U18) who were playing in adult games.
It was therefore decided that the attached Directive would apply to ALL hockey that came within the jurisdiction of the Midland Region Hockey Association and would be effective immediately. Clarification would be sought from England Hockey as to the wider implications for all hockey within England.
This Directive would be communicated to all Council members to communicate to their counties and to the respective Umpire Associations. The Directive would be posted on the Midland Hockey web sites.
The full Directive (a Word Document) can be viewed or downloaded by clicking this link.
Laurie Alcock.
Hon Secretary.
Midland Region Hockey Association.
Amended directive to all Midland counties and clubs.
With effect from Thursday 1st February 2007.
You all may be aware that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) introduced an amendment to the rules of hockey on 1st January 2007 for the years 2007/08 which allows teams the option of playing with 11 outfield players. Previously teams had to play with a goalkeeper in full goalkeeping kit or use a 'kicking back'.
Concern about the safety of players using the new rules was brought to the attention of the MRHA council who discussed the issues at their meeting on 14th January. These concerns led the council to issue a directive to the effect that all matches being played under the jurisdiction of MRHA must have a fully kitted keeper.
This decision was communicated to England hockey who raised the matter at the EH board meeting this week. England hockey sought independent legal advice on the issues raised and similar advice has been sought in the past on safety issues to ensure that England Hockey and its membership are fully protected.
Following that legal advice the MRHA officers have considered the matter and have invoked rule 9.8 of the MRHA constitution to rescind the directive that was issued on 15th January. This is the only method that could be used to change a decision of MRHA council. Therefore with immediate effect the amendments to the rules of hockey as issued by the FIH on 1st January 2007 apply to all.
However MRHA strongly recommend that all matches have a fully kitted keeper, especially at schools' & youth level.
Posted - 1 February 2007
Laurie Alcock
Hon Secretary
Midland Regional Hockey Association.
