(MRHCC&B) Margaret River Hockey Club Commi5ee and Board
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Margaret River Hockey Club
Commi5ee and Board
(MRHCC&B)
2021 Season Review
This is what should be achievable over the next three years:
Introduction
The Margaret River Hockey Club (MRHC) over the past six seasons has developed into a
community based club which now embraces Women’s, Men’s, Masters and Junior teams
run by a committee of dedicated, volunteer workers and players. The Club has around 150
members, (having consistent growth in numbers coming through from the Junior levels)
which is awesome and I really personally appreciate the commitment of all members of the
MRHC.
Club Committee Structure
At present we have eleven committee members that all have voting rights but our club
constitution states that at an AGM we elect a five-member board with an extra two
positions available, if needed, to make it seven. All have voting rights, with the focus on
the needs of members, business, budgets, game development, communication,
performance and facilities, as well as liaising with the Busselton Hockey Board and the
Augusta-Margaret River Shire. Additionally, we then have to form a MRHC Committee.
Margaret River Hockey Club Committee and Board (MRHCC&B)
This committee is directly responsible for organising the running of the Men’s, Women’s,
Master’s and Junior teams. While having no voting rights, individual players and members
are able to put forward ideas, suggestions and recommendations towards the MRHCC&B
with collective co-operation centred around the ongoing development of hockey as the
clear focus, and nothing else.
All members of the MRHC must be informed of, and be expected to follow, the recognised
'Codes of Conduct' as defined by Hockey Australia. The codes set out a standard and
expectation of behaviour for everyone involved including administrators, coaches, officials,
players, parents and spectators.
There are defined roles within this committee, outlined as follows:
1. Director of Coaching
This encompasses a key role requiring cooperation, commitment and support from all
the senior members of the Margaret River Hockey Club.
Major components of this key role are;
a) To seek and facilitate outside expertise for new and existing coaches for the
coming season. This will create an informed and comfortable environment for
new coaches and managers whereby they would be encouraged and supported
to partake in, and receive accreditation in recognised Western Australian
hockey coaching programs.b) Identify skill levels of all senior and junior teams, and implement training for
private or group sessions on the turf.
c) Promote and encourage MRHC members to participate in specialist training
sessions coordinated by the Busselton Hockey Board such as specific
goalkeeping training and skill development clinics held regularly by Hockey WA
d) Organise umpire information sessions and training for interested members.
This is encouraged by the Busselton Hockey Board through the Green Shirt
program.
e) Encourage and juniors to move successfully and confidently through the ranks
into senior levels.
f) Support the coaching coordinator and coaches throughout the season.
g) Provide information on WA State hockey trials for interested members and
coaches.
2. Coaching Coordinator Seniors and Juniors
This is another important role within the MRHC requiring two interested people to fill
these positions to oversee, organise and direct coaches and managers for the coming
season. These are not easy positions to fill. Education and support is needed for new
coaches and managers which will give them confidence and make it possible to
achieve success in these roles.
It is strongly recommended that intending (and existing) coaches complete the
Foundation Lead Coach training program as outlined on the Hockey Australia website.
In addition, Level 1 Hockey Coaching programs are often held through the Busselton
Hockey Board. These programs are designed to train coaches in the fundamental
concepts of coaching, including group management and organisation, developing
effective training sessions, performing the role of match-day coach, and ensuring the
safety and enjoyment of players.
Guidance and advice could also be provided by highly skilled members of the MRHC.
3. Seniors Coaches Role (includes 9-12 boys and girls)
Expectations would be to:
a) Run effective training sessions that develop team and individual skill.
b) Communicate game day tactics effectively to the team.
c) Develop an awareness and ability to make good decisions on game day under
pressure.
d) Balance by giving team and individual feedback to players for reflection and
goal setting.
e) Foster an environment of regular and effective communication with the
parents and other interested persons associated with our MRHC teams.
f) Enforce and promote the recognised 'Codes of Conduct' as required by Hockey
Australia.
4. Juniors Coaching Role (including 'Hook-In-2-Hockey' for players ten years
and under, and the year 6-8 boys and girls)
Expectations would be to:a) Recruit players into junior hockey programs, and to develop a greater
presence in the local primary schools (as other sports do).
b) Inform and enthuse parents and supporters of junior level hockey, and
encourage support and voluntary involvement.
c) Organise Years 6-8 Boys and Girls hockey teams, and ‘WA GoldStix’ programs
(for players ten years old and under).
d) Provide continual encouragement and feedback to coaches, managers,
players, parents and supporters, as well as following accredited hockey
development skill development programs and suggestions, such as the
excellent training sessions outlined on many websites, including the Hockey
WA Goldstix and the ‘Hook-In-2-Hockey Handbook’ (downloadable).
e) Be aware of the needs to be informed of, and to follow the recognised 'Codes
of Conduct' as detailed on the Hockey Australia website.
5. Managers’ Role
The Team Manager is responsible for effectively managing the team they are
responsible for.
Expectations would be to:
a) Provide support for the coach, and build positive relationships with all team
members.
b) Compile and maintain a register of player information, including contact
details, addresses, and any specific medical issues and considerations that
may be applicable.
c) Be aware of basic first-aid procedures and ensure access to medical kits.
d) Handle all team finances (including and tracking of fees from all players).
e) Ensure game playing sheets are filled out properly on game day.
f) Ensure that all equipment is provided and taken care of (i.e. balls, cones,
uniforms etc).
g) Provide game results on the club social media platform.
h) Inform the players and all the necessary information about any state trials,
skill development clinics, championship carnivals, etc. For the new hockey
season.
6. Club Liaison Officer (for players and parents)
This is a very important role within the MRHC as they are the key driver in helping
make our Club a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities.
My suggestion is that this role be coordinated by an independent person who does not
sit on the MRHCC&B.
i. This person needs to be someone who is…
• willing to take on the role and knows what the role entails
• can maintain calmness, neutrality and respect when managing complaints
• a current holder of the Working With Children accreditation
• a good listener and communicator
• honest if there is any conflict of interest
• happy to discreetly ask for assistance if needed
• familiar with the MRHC and/or hockey (or other sport) in general
• open-minded, fair and impartial
• mindful of the need for privacy and discretion• be understanding that people making complaints may be nervous and
unsure
ii. Their role would include;
a) Having a working understanding of the MRHCC & B’s ‘Codes of Conduct’ (as
recommended and prescribed by Hockey Australia). Their role would
include building awareness of, and educating MRHC members, parents and
supporters about the ‘Codes of Conduct’.
b) Upholding and reflecting the commitment they have made to create a safe,
social and welcoming environment for any concerns that are brought up by
MRHC members, parents, and supporters.
c) Ensuring that all seniors who are coaching, managing, umpiring or working
in some capacity with MRHC junior players (‘WA GoldStix’ through to Years
9-12 players, inclusively) have completed the required Working With
Children (WWC) documentation and accreditation.
d) Ensuring that parents know the compliant process for matters relating to
hockey.
e) The necessary privacy and confidentiality requirements that are vital in
these matters (i.e. issues are not to be discussed with other parents,
coaching staff, or the team).
ii iii. Process for resolving compliancy issues
a) If an issue arises, members are expected to contact the coaching director
and coaching coordinator prior to any meeting of the MRHCB, and Board
President advising them of the situation and asking for direction if needed.
b) They are to inform the MRHCB that there is a compliance issue to be dealt
with at the meeting with the aim of discussing the issue and looking for
workable solutions. This may involve seeking advice, clarification and
recommendations from outside the MRHC such as Hockey WA and/or in
serious cases, consult a mediator.
c) Members who brought up the issue are then expected to liaise with the
MRHCC&B following the meeting, and to let them know if the problem is
resolved or whether further action is needed.
d) Time frame for conflict resolution is 7 days’ maximum, but the quicker the
issue is dealt with, the better.
e) Accurate records need to be kept of the initial complaint, processes
followed to resolve the complaint, outcomes and actions undertaken as a
result.
Management of Equipment
This involves the purchasing, maintenance, keeping an inventory, transportation and
storage of all equipment owned by the MRHC. An equipment manager would be
responsible for providing the proper and required equipment for all the teams during the
season, and ensure that damaged, lost or inadequate equipment is suitably rectified.
Purchasing would be done on the authority of the MRHCC&B, and through discussion with
team managers to cater for the different team’s needs within the MRHC.
Special Events and Programs
While the key focus of the MRHC is the promotion of hockey, there are also many social
events and related hockey events beyond the playing of Club hockey. These are important
to the MRHC and provide the opportunity to establish stronger links with fellow club
members on a more social basis. They already include such things as:a) The Annual ‘Scarred for Life’ day.
b) ‘Above The Line’ program.
c) Participation in the Western Australian State Hockey Championships (country
week).
d) The Bunbury Junior Hockey Carnival.
e) The Junior Gold Stix carnival in Busselton.
f) Summer Hockey in Busselton.
g) Margaret River Lion’s Club fundraising.
There is also the potential to hold regular social events such as team/club dinners, camps,
etc.
Fundraising
All fundraising that is raised by any teams, or individual members goes into general
revenue. Support is strong from local businesses to be involved in fundraising. Links and
ongoing associations with these businesses is a key focus.
Club Merchandise, Uniforms and Logo
The MRHC colours are Teal and Yellow, and these have been our traditional colours for
over the last twenty years. Over the last five years I have noticed that some different
colours and different styles of uniforms have appeared and I am not sure why this
happened. This is not cost effective, and not really in the club’s interest, particularly in
presenting a unified, coordinated Club appearance.
The MRHC uniform needs proper attention and expertise in the design phase and all
coordinated by one person to oversee and guide the entire process. This person would
work within the constraints of the requirements and guidance of the MRHCC&B.
Having a fully coordinated process in place will avoid confusion and a clash of interests
and ideas, and guarantee consistency across all MRHC playing teams. I have sent some
emails out already to companies able to supply sporting uniform merchandise. Let’s
see where it takes us.
1. All senior playing uniforms (Masters, A2 Men and A2 Women, Years 9-12 Boys
and Girls, and Years 6-8 Boys and Girls) are all the same style and this needs to
be addressed in the new incoming committee. Where we are running multiple
teams, such as in the Years 3-5, there may be variations based on the MRHC
uniform style.
2. The MRHC Turf will bring new challenges that need to be addressed (eg. running
modified games such as a five-a-side competition). Teams will need their own
playing uniforms. The MRHCC&B has to be proactive in organising merchandise
and uniforms for parents, supporters and all playing members in the 2022
season.
3. The range of MRHC needs to expand the range of merchandise to include caps,
zippered club jackets for game day, hoodies, beanies, t shirts and collared shirts.
All these need to have club logo included. This builds pride, ownership and a
sense of belonging in the MRHC, as well as providing a powerful means of
advertising and promoting our Club within the greater community.4.All merchandise needs to be designed correctly and professionally, materials
chosen have to be of good quality, organic cotton, (eg. caps can be made from
recycled materials so our merchandise has a good sustainable story).
5. MRHC fees should be structured to suit the different playing divisions, and
include provision of the MRHC’s miscellaneous uniform items (i.e. socks, shorts,
skirts etc.) for new members. Existing playing members would be able to update
these items should they find it necessary to do so. This needs to be done pre-
season to enable an order to be placed and supplied before the commencement
of the playing season.
Board and Committee Meetings – Club Awareness Day
When all MRHCC&B positions are filled I suggest that we have a ‘Club Awareness Day’
whereby members can contribute to, and have input on my review for the coming season.
The MRHCC&B should meet once a month to listen to the recommendations, ideas and
plans for the new season. Following these meetings, the MRHCC&B would be aiming to
provide the support needed to achieve identified goals into the future.
2022 and Beyond …
Suggested areas requiring discussion and positive action for the 2022 hockey season and
beyond must include:
a) Positive discussion on how to best utilise the MRHC’s new training turf in 2022.
Suggestions could include club training, summer hockey competitions for different
age groups, school training and playing sessions. The potential is huge (eg. we
could consider running the ‘WA GoldStix’ program on our own turf in Margaret
River). There is the potential to encourage non-hockey players to ‘give hockey a
go’. This could initially be directed towards the parents of junior players. Mid-
week competitions targeting non-hockey playing juniors could be coordinated as
an after-school program – give hockey a go!
b) Promotion, recruitment drives and skill sessions directed towards all primary
schools within the Augusta-Margaret River Shire. This would require the
MRHCC&B to approach the Principals and key teachers at these schools and offer
a program to complement each school’s physical education program. This could
also include assistance with the preparation of teams for the Annual Primary
School Hockey Carnival in Busselton, as well as interschool hockey teams at the
Margaret River Senior High School.
c) Establishing and building pathways for juniors into higher level hockey should
they desire, and have the skill levels to do so. This could include the South West
Hockey League (SWHL), development through the South West Academy of Sport
(SWAS), representation in Western Australian state hockey teams and training
squads, and transfers to Perth-based hockey clubs.
d) Establishment of a more streamlined and relevant social media platform,
including a revamped MRHC website. There is a real need to provide information
that not only provides MRHC information for playing members and officials (such
as fixtures, results, etc.), but also general news and information to attract and
educate a wider online audience.
e) A more coordinated approach for junior players to transition successfully into
senior teams after leaving the Year 9-12 competitions. There is a degree of fear
and uncertainty among many of these players, and some just ‘drop out’ of
hockey.f) Establishment of one social media platform that would only be accessible to
players and officials providing weekly fixtures, team lists, ‘in-house’ issues, etc.
g) Making use of ‘bulk emailing’ to get important information out to all MRHC
members. There could be sub-groups for these bulk emails to direct relevant
information to target groups such as the different teams (Masters, A2, Years
9-12, etc.).
h) A stronger promotion of hockey throughout the Augusta Margaret River Shire.
This could include feature articles on a regular basis in the local print media
community such as the Augusta-Margaret River Mail and the Augusta-Margaret
River Times. Additionally, there is the very strong potential of establishing strong
links with Margaret River Radio – maybe a weekly ‘Hockey Talk’ session,
interviews, etc. …
i) Working on continuing to build positive links with Hockey WA. There are MRHC
members who do have connections with key hockey people throughout our state.
Having Aran Zalewski as the current co-captain of the Australian Men’s Hockey
Team does provide many exciting opportunities.
Wally Zalewski
20 September 2021You can also read
