News for 13 March 2020
All the news for Friday 13 March 2020
Opening day of IPT produces a few standout results
Image - Southern Gauteng Hockey Association
The first day of the 2020 South African Indoor Hockey IPT did not waste time in producing some fantastic hockey while the teams battled one another, the humidity and of course load shedding. At the end of day 1 of the 2020 tournament some teams were happier then others. Here is what went down in Durban.
Men’s Tournament – Ashton College – Ballito
The standout result from day 1 of the tournament was undoubtedly Southerns Wits, in essence the Southern Gauteng B side, holding the hosts KZN Raiders to a pulsating 2-2 draw. The game produced more yellow cards than goals, something that would have disappointed the two coaches, but ultimately Reza Rosenberg was the happier of the two. The Raiders had stormed to a 2-0 lead through national players Lungani Gabela and Keegan Hezlett before Keenan Wax and Armand Scorgie restored parity.
The KZN Robins, essentially the “C” team for the host region, produced their own moment of magic as they beat KZN Inland 7-4 despite a hat-trick for David Gerrard. Keegan Maccullam netted three for the Robins while Michael Baker got himself a brace.
Western Province began their own quest to retain their title with a workmanlike 5-2 win over Mpumalanga, two goals for Gareth Tate, while Northerns managed to see off their Eastern Gauteng neighbours 7-2 with Ignatius Malgraff being the star of the show. In the “B” team battle WP Pens produced a five-goal final quarter to make a comfortable 8-4 win over the KZN Mynahs.
Women’s A Section – Danville Park Girls School – Durban North
The four favourites opened the 2020 with victories with varying degrees of ease. The defending champions Southern Gauteng opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Pens thanks to goals from Erin Haupt, Gabriella Desai and Malikah Hamza. Having lost three players to the outdoor national side its going to be a tough challenge for the Joburg girls.
Western Province laboured to a 2-1 win against the KZN Mynahs. Kayla de Waal showed the value of international experience as she got the brace to give AJ Spieringshoek’s team an opening day win, while SPAR KZN Raiders opened their quest to regain the title with a convincing 4-0 win against Mpumalanga. Kelly Reed got herself a brace on her return from her maternal absence, while Daniella De Oliviera made an instant mark on her Raiders debut.
KZN Inland were given a scare by the Northern Blues after romping to a 4-0 lead, as it was pegged back to 4-2. Ultimately Keagan Walters team had done enough thanks to Jenna Fyvie’s brace to start with three points.
Women’s B Section – Danville Park Girls School – Durban North
Eastern Gauteng caused the most eye-raising result on day 1 of the B Section when they finished 2-1 victors over Eastern Province. Aimee Kockott and Cassie Coutsides scored for the East Rand side to give them an unlikely but very happy win. Elswhere there were convincing wins for SG Wits (5-2 over Free State), North West (6-2 over Mpumalanga B) and KZN Robins (8-0 against Northern Blues B).
SA Hockey Association media release
Junior Asia Cup joins Covid-19 'casualty' list
By Jugjet Singh
Lailin Abu Hassan. -- NSTP File Pix
WITH the Covid-19 pandemic knocking down sporting activities around the globe like tenpins, the Women’s Junior Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, has become the latest casualty.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) yesterday called off the tournament, which also acts as a women’s Junior World Cup Qualifier, which was originally scheduled for April 6-12.
Its statement said: “The Asian Hockey Federation formally announce the postponement of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup Gifu Kakamigahara 2020 due to the complications caused by the Covid-19 epidemic.
“New dates for the event are being discussed and will be confirmed as soon as possible. AHF foresee the new dates will be after the Olympic Games and before Dec 31, 2020, as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) require the confirmation of all Junior World Cup 2021 qualifiers by the end of 2020.”
The news came as a blow to Malaysia’s preparation but national women’s junior team coach Lailin Abu Hassan took it positively.
“The coronavirus has forced many sporting events around the world to be postponed. The AHF’s announcement has thrown a spanner into my plans, but it also gives me more time to prepare the team.
“I foresee one problem though, I have players who will be sitting for SPM this year and I hope the new dates do not clash with their examinations,” said Lailin.
And the other factor could be the return of China, who withdrew from the Women’s Junior World Cup Qualifier last month following the Covid-19 outbreak.
China, the defending champions, were knocked out of the tournament in Kakamigahara, a qualifier for the 2021 Junior World Cup — by a virus.
“Yes, China could come back into the tournament and that would be a big hurdle for Malaysia to overcome. But I am prepared for any eventuality,” said Lailin.
Only the top three teams in Kakamigahara will qualify for the Junior World Cup. China finished 10th in the last World Cup. Malaysia, who will be playing in Group A, have never qualified for the women’s Junior World Cup.
The Sultan Azlan Shah was earlier postponed to September for the same reason. A number of Pro-League matches around the world have also been been axed.
New Straits Times
EHL FINAL8 put on hold
After careful consideration, the Euro Hockey League (EHL), AH&BC Amsterdam and our main sponsor ABN AMRO have made the difficult decision to put on hold the EHL FINAL8 Men and Women and the ABN AMRO EHL U14 Boys and Girls events which were due to take place from April 9 to 13, 2020.
Given the growing concerns over public health due to the developing coronavirus (COVID-19) global situation, the EHL has consulted at length with the relevant public health authorities and our partners. The unanimous consensus is to put the EHL FINAL8 on hold.
Hans Erik Tuijt, chairman of the EHL board, said: “We know that the EHL FINAL8 ranks as one of hockey’s highlights for the teams, their staff, officials, volunteers and fans. We have considered different options but we are deeply disappointed that current circumstances beyond our control mean we have no alternative but to put the event on hold.”
“We know that the levels of excitement for the ABN AMRO EHL U14 tournaments were high, too. To the girls, boys, their staff and parents, we are so sorry that your event has had to be placed on hold as well.”
“The health and well-being of everyone involved in the EHL must be our primary concern during this unprecedented time. We are also conscious of our responsibilities to the world around us. Placing the EHL FINAL8 on hold we believe, is the wisest decision that we can make in these extraordinary circumstances.”
“Please be patient with us while we discuss with the stakeholders the best way forward. Hockey fans who have purchased tickets will receive an email in the next seven days from our ticket partner Eventim and will receive a full refund into their bank accounts within three weeks.”
“I would like to thank all our partners, especially AH&BC Amsterdam, the City of Amsterdam and the Province Noord Holland for their incredible support and collaboration. Finally, I wish the hockey family well as we all face this testing time together.”
FAQs
Q: I have tickets for EHL; how do I get a refund?
A: Ticket-holders will receive an email in the next seven days from our ticket partner, Eventim, and will receive a full refund into their bank accounts within three weeks.
Q: When will the EHL FINAL8 now take place?
A: At this stage, we do not have a confirmed replacement date for the EHL FINAL8. We will be monitoring the situation to see if and when an alternative date can possibly be put in place.
Q: Can I use the tickets at the postponed event?
A: As the postponed date is not available as yet, we have decided to refund all tickets, please read the statement from EHL with regard to ticket refunds?
Q: I have flights and hotel booked for EHL, will EHL refund this?
A: The EHL takes no responsibility for monies lost through flights and hotel bookings, we recommend that you check with your travel insurance company and check with the hotel regarding their cancellation policy
Q: Did you consider playing the EHL FINAL8 “behind closed doors” on the original dates?
A: This was considered but, with the likelihood of further travel bans being implemented and other logistical issues, it was not deemed a viable option.
Euro Hockey League media release
England Hockey statement in relation to COVID-19 virus
Surbiton's Alice Sharp and Loughborough's Maddie Pearce in action, Sept 14 2019. Credit Andrew Smith
As elsewhere in society, the Coronavirus is impacting the current and future activities of England Hockey. Below details England Hockey’s position in relation to community hockey, the England Hockey AGM, international fixtures and England Hockey offices.
Community hockey
Community hockey will continue to take place unless we are advised otherwise by government, and we will continue to update the Hockey Family on the situation. Please check with your local league if you are unsure if the game is going to take place. We would encourage all players to follow the widely available guidance of public health with regards to people maintaining good hygiene to avoid spreading of the Covid-19 virus.
In a hockey context, we would advise clubs and other hockey venues to ensure washing facilities have appropriate provision of hygiene products and urge players to follow the public health guidance in environments where they are in close proximity to others. If any players, officials or coaches are feeling unwell, please follow the government’s advice to self-isolate and therefore do not take part in hockey-related activities. We also recommend our more elderly players and officials consider whether they should take part in hockey activity.
All players and officials are responsible for their own safety equipment (goalkeeping kit, facemasks, mouth guards, whistles, shin pads etc) and we would encourage everyone to ensure they are clean and not shared amongst team-mates.
Instead of the traditional handshake at the start and end of the game, we are encouraging players to tap sticks: https://twitter.com/Xenioshockey/status/1235819830562832384. A warm smile and thanks of appreciation to officials may be more appropriate at this current time.
England Hockey AGM - Tuesday 17 March
The AGM will take place as planned unless circumstances change. The meeting at Bisham Abbey begins at 7:30pm. If you are uncomfortable attending in the circumstances then duly authorised representatives are advised that you can instruct a proxy to cast your votes until 7:30pm on Sunday 15 March. Please click here for more information.
FIH Hockey Pro League & England Hockey domestic Finals
England Hockey is continuing to monitor government advice in relation to the hosting of events. At this juncture, there are no changes to our advertised programme. We will keep participants, ticket buyers and other stakeholders informed if this position changes.
International teams' tour to South Africa
The GB men’s and women’s squads were both due to travel to South Africa on Sat 13 Mar for warm weather training camps (with match play for the women) as part of their Tokyo preparations. After due consideration, it has been concluded that this is not in the best interest of players and staff, and they will not be travelling. With no international programme activity over the weekend of 13 and 14 Mar, players are available for selection for the final Men's and Investec Women's Hockey League matches of the season.
England Hockey Offices
England Hockey offices remain open for business. In the event the situation escalates and we need to close the offices, we are confident we have the capability to continue to provide services to our customers, through home working and mobile applications.
England Hockey Board Media release
Hockey Ireland Coronavirus (COVID-19) UPDATE No. 2
As the possibility of the COVID-19 virus spreading in Ireland increases, Hockey Ireland is continually monitoring the situation.
Hockey Ireland continues to follow the advice of the Government and Sport Ireland and has noted the announcement by An Taoiseach this morning that some measures will come into effect from tomorrow morning until the 29th March 2020, with schools, colleges and childcare facilities closing from tomorrow (Friday 13th March).
The Hockey Ireland Board, after consultation with its branches, has decided the following in the interest of the health and safety of the hockey community and all people on the island of Ireland:
- Hockey Ireland together with its four provincial branches are suspending all hockey activity with immediate effect until the 29th March 2020 and is directing all clubs and schools to do the same. All hockey activity including training and education across clubs and schools must now cease. We understand that this decision is disappointing to all hockey players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters, but in light of the circumstances, Hockey Ireland believes this is in our members’ best interests.
The above will not apply to the Senior Women’s team, who are in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Alternative arrangements for league and cup matches will be reviewed by Hockey Ireland in coming weeks and decisions will be communicated as appropriate.
The Hockey Ireland offices are situated on the UCD campus which will be closing this evening, and from tomorrow, 13th March, all staff will be operating from their homes. We apologise for this disruption, however staff continue to have access to our server remotely and are set up to respond to emails as usual.
As the situation is changing very quickly, we will continue to closely follow developments and issue further information approaching the 29th March Date.
Please keep safe. For further information on Covid-19: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
If you have any further queries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irish Hockey Association media release
Irish hockey activity off until March 29 as Pegs and Loreto Euros on hold
Hockey Ireland postpones hockey activity until March 29th while Pegasus and Loreto have seen their Euro campaigns placed on hold
Both Pegasus and Loreto’s European competitions have been placed on hold. Pic: Adrian Boehm
Hockey Ireland has confirmed – in conjunction with the provincial branches – that all local hockey activity will cease until March 29th at the earliest due to the ongoing coronavirus situation.
In a statement announcing the decision, a Hockey Ireland said it has “noted the announcement by An Taoiseach this morning that some measures will come into effect from tomorrow morning until the 29th March 2020, with schools, colleges and childcare facilities closing from tomorrow (Friday 13th March).
“The Hockey Ireland Board, after consultation with its branches, has decided the following in the interest of the health and safety of the hockey community and all people on the island of Ire
- Hockey Ireland together with its four provincial branches are suspending all hockey activity with immediate effect until the 29th March 2020 and is directing all clubs and schools to do the same. All hockey activity including training and education across clubs and schools must now cease. We understand that this decision is disappointing to all hockey players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters, but in light of the circumstances, Hockey Ireland believes this is in our members’ best interests.
The above will not apply to the Senior Women’s team, who are in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Alternative arrangements for league and cup matches will be reviewed by Hockey Ireland in coming weeks and decisions will be communicated as appropriate.
The Hockey Ireland offices are situated on the UCD campus which will be closing this evening, and from tomorrow, 13th March, all staff will be operating from their homes. We apologise for this disruption, however staff continue to have access to our server remotely and are set up to respond to emails as usual.”
Among the first victims of the cancelation were Loreto and UCD’s Jacqui Potter Cup semi-final where players were in situ in Beaufort ahead of their Thursday night fixture.
A similar situation occurred at the Bangor Aurora where Bangor were due to take on Ballynahinch in the Ulster men’s Premier League.
Leinster’s annual St Patrick’s Day festival – set for next Tuesday – is also off the agenda.
There was further bad news for both Pegasus and Loreto whose respective European competitions were cancelled on Thursday afternoon.
Pegs were set to take part in the potentially ground-breaking first EHL Women’s competition in Amsterdam over Easter while Loreto were bound for Sant Cugat in Spain for the Euro Trophy but both placed “on hold” with a review of whether they can be refixed in due course.
The Hook
Coronavirus: Ireland women's training camp in South Africa to go ahead
Katie Mullan and Roisin Upton celebrate. Ireland qualified for the Olympics by beating Canada in a play-off
The Ireland women's training camp in South Africa is set to go ahead next week after all other hockey activities in Ireland were suspended.
Hockey Ireland announced that the suspension, due to the spread of coronavirus, will take place with immediate effect until 29 March.
The governing body said the suspension does not apply to the women's team, who are preparing for this summer's Olympics.
They leave for Durban on Monday.
The Great Britain men's and women's teams have cancelled their South African training camps. The men's team includes Northern Ireland players Ian Sloan and David Ames.
"Hockey Ireland, together with its four provincial branches, is suspending all hockey activity with immediate effect until 29 March, and is directing all clubs and schools to do the same," the Hockey Ireland statement said.
"Alternative arrangements for league and cup matches will be reviewed by Hockey Ireland in coming weeks and decisions will be communicated as appropriate."
BBC Sport
Scottish COVID-19 advice
Schools’ Cup 2020
Following current government advice we respectfully ask that anyone who has any cold or flu like symptoms does not attend the Senior Schools’ Cup Finals at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on Friday.
The event will go ahead as planned, based on current guidelines, and this precautionary measure is intended to protect the health and well being of all those who attend the finals in line with current advice.
We will now live stream all matches from Pitch 1 to allow anyone not attending the event to still watch the matches live. The live stream will be hosted on Scottish Hockey’s YouTube page as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Domestic fixtures
As it stands all domestic fixtures are going ahead this weekend as planned based on current advice and guidelines.
Government advice is ongoing and subject to change, and we will provide any updates as and when necessary.
There are numerous scenarios in which games may be postponed including advice from government; facility/school closure; and any confirmed cases within a team. We will update you should these situations arise.
As a reminder the use of traditional handshakes between opposition players; coaches; umpires and officials across all leagues is still suspended.
Please continue to follow advice to reduce risk by maintaining good hygiene steps such as washing hands frequently and thoroughly after coughing; going to the toilet; and before eating and drinking; as well covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues.
Coronavirus symptoms and health advice
Common symptoms of coronavirus include:
high temperature or fever
cough
shortness of breath
Public health advice can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform.
A free helpline has been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general advice: 0800 028 2816.
For more information and advice on COVID-19, please read the following webpages:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/
Scottish Hockey Union media release
Trip of a lifetime for ‘Aspire to be Deadly’ group
The recent Pro League weekend in Perth was memorable for a host of reasons but for seven Indigenous girls from Far North Queensland, it was an experience almost beyond words.
As part of Hockey Australia’s first dedicated Indigenous weekend, students from Cairns Hockey’s Aspire to be Deadly program were given the opportunity to be a unique part of the celebrations.
The Indigenous students selected for the trip were chosen from Cairns West State School and acknowledged by their peers prior to their departure for their leadership and commitment to meeting and exceeding their goals, including excellent school attendances, respect and responsibility at school, at home and through the hockey program.
All but one of the girls had never flown that far and three had never flown before, so what a way to take your first flight by travelling the breadth of the country from Cairns to Perth.
Attending both of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras’ FIH Pro League match days against Argentina, the students were an integral part of the weekend’s festivities.
Highlights included playing alongside current members of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras in modified games during half time of the Pro League matches, meeting dual Olympian and former Hockeyroo Nova Peris OAM, and given prime viewing positions to watch Australia’s national teams in action.
There was also the chance to get autographs from the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras players, while Argentina’s women’s team also proved popular.
Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier was thrilled to be able to support the initiative that provided these young Indigenous girls an opportunity of a lifetime.
“Considering all of the various elements and activations that took place around our first Indigenous themed round, having these young Indigenous girls from Cairns part of it and providing them with this experience was certainly one of the best things to come from the weekend,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.
“To see the smiles on their faces and the fun they had during their time in Perth is evidence of the positive difference and impact the Aspire to be Deadly Program is having in Far North Queensland.
“Huge credit to Julie McNeil and her team for what they are doing in this region, both from a hockey sense but more importantly from a life and wellbeing perspective.”
McNeil, who is the General Manager of the Aspire to be Deadly Program, said the leadership the girls demonstrated set them apart to be chosen to represent Cairns and Far North Queensland, the school and the program.
“The students wore new uniforms that were specially designed for them in representing the country of Torres Strait, Cape York, Cairns and Far North Queensland,” said McNeil.
“These girls enjoyed experiences that were never before possible, while also continuing to teach them to live, learn and lead well, but most importantly empowering them to look after one another.”
“Without the support of Hockey Australia, this would never have become a reality. For many of the students this is a life changing opportunity and we thank Hockey Australia for the collaboration and support that has been shown for the Aspire Team at Cairns Hockey.”
For more information on the Cairns Aspire t be Deadly program, visit www.cairnshockey.com.au/aspire
Hockey Australia media release
Inside Coaching: Two’s company, three’s a crowd in hockey
Todd Williams
You’ve got a brilliant game lined up at training, an even number of players and then suddenly another player turns up, or even worse, someone gets injured. What do you do?
Add purpose
Well, of course you can play with uneven teams, but you can add even more purpose to that depending on what you are trying to develop.
First of all, instead of one team just having one more player, you can play a game where either the attacking or defending team always has the extra player.
So, in a game of 4v4 with a team in red and a team in blue, you can have the extra player in an orange bib who is then always attacking or defending – whichever you want – no matter whether that’s the red or blue team.
This is really useful if you want to develop the relationships between players and a specific striker (who would be in orange). It’s also a good way of enhancing the effectiveness of one of your best scoring options as well as developing new ones e.g. a midfielder who isn’t converting as many chances as they should.
On the flip side, you simply might want to make the game tougher for the attacking team to score by having them outnumbered. Again, if you have an established striker, you might use a player to be their man-to-man marker, which will replicate the sort of pressure an opposition team might out them under.
You might also limit the extra defender to the defensive circle in order to increase the pressure and limit the time and space in that area.
Interchange practice
This provides another option and 7v6 can become 5v5 with one team interchanging one player and the other having two. That same game can also of course be 6v6 where you rotate the resting player across both teams, giving you the opportunity to talk to all of your players about specific aspects of the game, aspects of their hockey in general or really, any topic of your choice.
Often we get fixated on players being constantly active and being involved but don’t forget that’s its often not a bad thing to have a player watch what’s going on and have them think about how they can improve their own performance or their contribution to their team.
It’s also a skill for players to learn how to come out of a game, listen to a coach and then (hopefully) implement the sorts of changes you need when they go back on.
The same benefit also applies to the coach as far as refining their ability to speak quickly and clearly to a player before they get back on to the pitch.
The positive “sin-bin”
You can also operate a “sin bin” which sounds negative but you’ll be amazed at how positive it can be.
If you are trying to emphasise a particular aspect of your play e.g. accuracy of passing, start your game as say a 6v6 and nominate a player to start off. Then when the first pass is intercepted, the guilty party swaps with the player who started off.
This carries on with players moving between teams based on who they replace. As I say, it sounds a bit harsh but actually it becomes fun with players desperate not to be in the bin (NB: which achieves your aim) as well as players increasing their defensive pressure to put people in there (NB: another win).
Also, by standing next to the bin, the coach gets the opportunity to talk to the player about how and why they got there. Was it technique, was it their decision making or was it a bit of both? And most importantly, they can talk about what can they do to get better.
Then the coach can use their discretion to let players off the hook. For example, if the player coming out of the bin is intercepted looking for the sort of better option you’d been talking about, then letting them stay on is a great way of positively reinforcing their learning process.
Todd Williams’ coaching column is in association with Gryphon
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