ACT Veterans Hockey

Happy new year all!

The pudding has barely settled and it is time to hit the road for 2012. I am expecting this year's club challenge to be bigger than ever.

The plan is to kick off on January 30, play 6 rounds have a weekend off for Canberra Day (for most of us) and then a finals week. We will finish on March 19, a week before the winter comp kicks off.

As in the past, depending on the timing of the Goulburn Vets Carnival, we may need to do some shifting to get ensure teams involved there get the week off (but may then play the Canberra Day weekend).

We will again try and play 9 games at Lyneham each night, but that will depend on clubs commencing training. There will be one game each week at Goulburn and depending on numbers we may be the first users of the new pitch in Tuggeranong.

Can you please confirm your team numbers by 12 January. I will get a draft draw out by 23 January and have it confirmed by Wednesday 25th. I am not at work till the 30th, so please call 0414 586 654 or reply to clarkes@netspeed.com.au

Here is a draft of what the comp might be. Don't get too worried about the grades, but based on last years performances I reckon:

First Division
Central, Crookwell, St Pats, Wests, ANU, UniCan, Waratah

Second Division
United, Barton, Wests 2, ANU 2, St Pats 2, Qbn United, Uni Can 2

Third Division
Dara, Allstrut, Barbarians, Norths, Qbn United 2, Central 2, Criterion

Rob on Leo's behalf
PS new website coming soon!

Looking for a few extra bucks & some Umpiring experience ?

ACT Veterans hockey is trying to develop umpires for the Canberra competition. We will compile a list of interested junior or senior umpires, male or female who are interested in improving their umpiring.

Requirement:

The requirement for this year is a competition running for six weeks from 30 October to 4 December. Games start at 7.30 and 8.40. Each game consists of two 30 minute halves with a 5 minute half time break. All games will be played at Lyneham. The competition is played in two divisions, and is a little more relaxed than normal competition. Vets provides umpires an opportunity to develop confidence and skill in a helpful and caring environment. A number of senior umpires play in the Vets competition and are able to provide advice, guidance and support.

Development:
ACT Veterans will be seeking feedback and training from the ACT Umpiring Committee for all officials involved in Vets. Our plan for next year include:

the Pre-season Club Challenge, an eight week season played from February til the start of the winter season
the Autumn season, a 10 week season running from April to June, and
Our winter season from July to October
the 2007 Summer season

Opportunity:

ACT Veterans sends teams to a variety of 3-day carnivals throughout NSW, as well as the Australian Championships, a 10 day carnival held each October. Our hope is that umpires trained in our competition could fulfil our requirements at these carnivals. ACT Vets would subsidise travel and accommodation for any nominated participant. The standard of hockey in the NSW State and Australian Championships is very high, with all grades and divisions keenly fought. Participation is certainly seen as a prestigious achievement by all Australian umpiring associations.

Payment:

Umpires will receive $18 per game. With two 60 minute games scheduled each Monday, an umpire can quite easily earn $38 for the evening or return $228 for the six weeks.

Cooks

Contacts

Scott Lyddiard Phone 6258 5356 (bh) 0419 027 958 or email slyddiard@apex.net.au

Leo Clarke Phone 6205 0552 (bh) 0414 586654 or email leo.clarke@act.gov.au

Competitions, Hockey ACT. Phone Fax 6257 6191 or email competitions@hockeycanberra.org.au

About Veterans

Veterans hockey is strongly contested in the Canberra Region, with both a men’s and Women’s organisation.

To participate in the local competition, men must be 35 years of age. The qualification age to compete in the Australian National Championships men must be over 40 years of age, and women over 35.

Mens

ACT Men’s Veterans Hockey run a regular Monday night competition throughout the year. The competition has players of different skill and fitness levels, and encourages everyone to participate. The competition has players from 35 through to over 70.

Veterans encourages anybody with an interest in hockey to stay involved, as a player, administrator, umpire or spectator. Please contact somebody on our committee if you would like to join us.

Uni

Cheap gear

Adrenaline Rush (Hockey Shop at the Hockey Centre) has put together a special deal for Vets Hockey players with great discounts on items - price list [pdf].

Let’s try and promote a local Business that has supported us over the years.