2023 FHBC Provincial Program Pathway

Field Hockey BC is excited to announce key dates and information about the 2023 FHBC Provincial Program Pathway. FHBC will hold a series of athlete evaluations throughout the Province to select Team BC Provincial teams (Tier 1) and, if viable, Regional-representative teams (Tier 2) to compete at the 2023 FHC National Championships in Ontario this Summer.


Female Provincial Athlete Talent ID, Evaluation, and Selection 

Stage 1 Evaluation 

The Stage 1 athlete evaluations are the beginning of the selection process for athletes interested in being selected to a Provincial team. Athletes will need to be nominated by a club, PSO, NSO, high school and/or private academy coach.  

Note: NextGen athletes and CSI Provincial Targeted Athletes are exempt from the Stage 1 evaluation. Targeted Athletes for 2023 will be notified of their status via email before Christmas 2022.

Athlete Nomination window: January 11th – 31st  
More information on how coaches can nominate athletes will be released in January. 
Once nominated, athletes will be invited to register for the evaluations between February 1st – 15th

Evaluation Dates 

The Stage 1 evaluations will be held in regional hubs to reduce travel costs: 

  • Interior
    • Mid-April
  • Island
    • Early March at UVic 
  • Mainland 
    • March 24th – 26th (Location TBC) 

Exact dates and locations will be released before athletes are invited to register. 

Selected athletes from the Stage 1 evaluations will be invited to attend the Stage 2 evaluation. Other athletes may be considered for selection to a Regional (Tier 2) team, should Regional-representative teams be deemed viable. 

Stage 2 Trials 

The Stage 2 evaluation is for previously identified athletes (NextGen or CSI Targeted athletes) and those athletes selected from Stage 1 evaluations. 

Stage 2 evaluations for both U16 and U18 athletes will be held at the University of Victoria in a tournament format from May 20th – 22nd, 2023 (athletes will be drafted into teams prior to the event).  

FHBC is also pleased to announce the addition of an optional 4-week training program in April, ahead of the Stage 2 evaluations. This training program is designed to better prepare athletes tactically for the competition element of the Stage 2 evaluation, thus improving the experience of the athletes and the overall quality of the event.  

More information about registration for Stage 2 and the preparation training program will be released in March. 

Please note that the number of Provincial teams selected will depend on the competitive depth of the athlete pool at Stage 2. FHBC will select as many teams as they feel can be competitive in Tier 1 of National Championships. 

To find out more information about the evolution of Stage 2 evaluations from the 2022 program to the 2023 program, please click here.


Male Provincial Athlete Talent ID, Evaluation, and Selection 

Due to the estimated number of male U16 & U18 athletes, there will only be a single, centralized athlete evaluation event per age group. 

U16 & U18 Male Provincial Program Evaluations: April 7th – 10th @ Tamanawis 

U16 and U18 male athletes that are interested in being selected to a Provincial Team will need to be nominated for the evaluation event by a club, PSO, NSO, high school and/or private academy coach.  

Athlete Nomination window: January 11th – 31st
More information on how coaches can nominate athletes will be released in January. 

Note: NextGen athletes and CSI Provincial Targeted Athletes will receive a direct invitation to the evaluation and do not need to be nominated. Targeted Athletes for 2023 will be notified of their status via email next week. 

Nominated athletes will be invited to register for the evaluation between February 1st – 15th.


Regional (Tier 2) Teams 

FHBC will consider Regional-representative (Tier 2) teams, pending viability and interest from the athlete pool. Should a Regional Representative Team be considered viable by FHBC, selection for a Regional (Tier 2) Team may include both Stage 1 athletes that were not invited to Stage 2, as well as Stage 2 athletes that were not selected to a Provincial (Tier 1) team.  

If you have any questions about the representative and/or stage of development difference between a Team BC Provincial (Tier 1) team and a Regional-representative (Tier 2) team, please contact a member of staff.


Provincial & Regional Team Training 

Provincial team training will begin after June 23rd. Regional Tier 2 team training on the Island and in the Interior may start at the beginning of June.  

As a reminder, Provincial programming is  prohibited for FHBC during the Greater Vancouver Junior Field Hockey League Season as mandated in 2020 by Lower Mainland community clubs. These same restrictions do not apply to the Island or Interior, as such training may begin earlier in those regions. 

For more information, please reference the Final Report from the 2020 Provincial Athlete Pathway Review Project.


2023 FHC National Championships 

U18 Female & Male National Championships
July 25th – 30th
Cassie Campbell Community Center, Brampton, Ontario
Athletes born in 2005 & 2006 

U16 Female & Male National Championships
August 8th – 13th 
Cassie Campbell Community Center, Brampton, Ontario
Athletes born in 2007, 2008 & 2009 

As families begin to plan their Winter, Spring & Summer vacations, we thought it prudent to provide an estimate of the levy for the 2023 Provincial Program, which could range between $2700 and $3500. This figure includes expenses such as team training, as well as National Championship travel and accommodation to Ontario.

This estimated levy does not include costs associated with the Stage 1 or Stage 2  Evaluation Pathway but FHBC will look to keep these costs to a minimum wherever feasible Athletes will travel to Ontario for National Championships as a team and stay in team accommodation for the full duration of the Championships. 



 

Register for the 2023 Women’s Senior Indoor Championship on Vancouver Island

Registration is now open for the 2023 Women’s Senior Indoor Championship that will happen in Duncan, BC, on Vancouver Island.

Dates: February 4th & 5th 2023
Location: Cowichan Community Centre – Duncan, BC
Cost: $350 per team
Registration Deadline: January 13th, 2023

Download the Entry Form for more information and follow the instructions to register.



 

The FHC Officials Committee is calling for new members

The FHC Officials Committee is looking to add new members. The mandate of the Officials Committee is to identify, develop, and prepare officials1 for domestic and international competitions.

The Committee is looking to expand its membership in early 2023. If interested in joining the committee, please send the following information to the Committee at Officials@fieldhockey.ca by January 5th, 2023.

For more details, access the full communique here.



 

Coaching Opportunity: UBC Women’s Varsity Team (one-year contract)

There is an opportunity for a one-year maternity leave position as Head Coach of the UBC women’s varsity team. The Head Coach, Women’s Hockey is responsible for the coaching, management and coordination of the Women’s Field Hockey program. The objectives are to provide opportunities for athletically talented field hockey players and develop them to their fullest potential as student-athletes. This position is responsible for operating under USPORT operating bylaws, University policies, and philosophy and objectives of the Varsity Program and Athletic Department.

UBC is committed to supporting the best possible environments for working, learning and living where respect, civility, diversity, excellence and inclusion are valued. The Head Coach, Women’s Field Hockey reports to the Director of Athletics, Student Services. This role interacts with other departmental, faculty and on campus/off campus stakeholders.

Application Deadline: December 12

For more information and to apply, click here.



 

Whistler Field Hockey Club is looking for coaches

Whistler FHC is a newly established field hockey club that focus on developing the sport of field hockey in the Sea-to-Sky area and provide a club environment for passionate members.

They are looking for coaches for their adult indoor program. There is also opportunity to coach their kids program.

Dates: 12 Mondays starting Jan 9th until April 3rd (no session on Feb 20th-BC Family Day)
Program: Adult Indoor sessions
Location: Spring Creek Community School, Whistler
Time: 7pm-8:30pm (plus paid time for set up and planning )
Pay $25 p/hour minimum depending on qualifications

The group of players is very varied in skills and fitness, however all enthusiastic on learning and improving.Please send your application to admin@whistlerfieldhockey.com.

Officials from BC share their experiences at the 2022 Masters World Cup

 

Denishe McGeachy (middle) umpiring at the Masters World Cup

The FIH Masters World Cup returned in 2022 after a four-year hiatus. A strong Canadian contingent travelled to Cape Town, South Africa and this was more than just a team of players. Field Hockey Canada was represented by technical officials Tony Stewart, of Alberta, and Sanjya D’Silva, of Ontario, and B.C.’s Michelle McNaughton, also appointed assistant technical director of the tournament. Victoria’s Denise McGeachy was also present as an appointed umpire. B.C.’s John Sacre, Kent McKinnon and Nicky Graham were also present as coaching and staff for the Canadian men’s side.

“We were all very busy on a daily basis – especially Michelle who, as Assistant TD, was often at the pitch all day long”, recalls McGeachy, who umpired at the World Cup and was even selected to umpire the Over 60s Women’s Final. McGeachy and McNaughton are dedicated members of the Field Hockey BC Board of Directors – as President and Coaching Director.

According to McGeachy, the coexistence between players, supporters, and officials from across the globe created a scenario of shared experiences and learning opportunities.

“Our community in Canada is so small, it was refreshing to umpire different players/teams and other umpires,” added McGeachy. “Every game was a blank slate and free from preconceptions – by both the teams and umpires.”

There was also a distinct and “refreshing” level of respect between the teams and umpires that McGeachy recognized. “This does not mean that there were not disagreements,” she added “After the final whistle, players, coaches, and managers always shook hands and acknowledged the umpires and each other, regardless of the outcome. We in Canada need to do a better job in this area.”

“The Masters World Cup was unlike any umpiring experience I have had in Canada. The quality of play was outstanding and the opportunity to umpire with, and learn from, the other umpires and umpire managers was a very enriching and positive experience.”

Running the show

McNaughton, FHBC’s Coaching Director, took on the position of Assistant Tournament Director in Cape Town and was tasked with overseeing five pitches over three venues, so “there was always something to do or to solve” as she puts it.

“My ability to speak French came in very helpful numerous times,” said the Chilliwack club member. “I was assigned to the Over 45s – men and women’s – as their contact person and coordinator.”

This meant dealing with the teams’ logistics, uniform colours and a variety of technical inquiries.

“Every day I was assigned to a different pitch so, everyday was something different,” she explained. “Not only that ,we were mentoring a lot, and getting new officials in on games, shadowing and teaching. Also, jumping in wherever there may have been gaps on the table. A lot of early mornings, late nights, and awesome teamwork.”

FHBC: What parts of this experience were valuable to bring back to help our sport in BC?
MM: “You have to understand, as an assistant technical director, it is not just the athlete experience that you oversee, it is everything – the spectators, media, the field, technical questions; it is observing how everyone does it just a little bit different. For me, it is the patience and confidence, also just to trust your officials team. The seven of us worked so well together, and the strength lied in recognizing the virtues and abilities of our on field team. The same applies to BC.”

FHBC: What did you notice about South Africa and the hosting community that inspired you?
MM: “I’d like to see us support our officials more, and have more opportunities by having more events. Additionally, utilizing Altius more, having that common database for all domestic competitions, as South Africa does, is really nice because you can pick up trends and concerns early, especially around cards and behaviors. You can also track athletes, which is a great recruitment and tracking tool.”

FHBC: What other lessons did you take away?
MM: “I am not sure I can even quantify it all: confidence, understanding. With so much going on, and overseeing the “most competitive” age division while tending to a venue or another division’s concerns, it gets to be overwhelming fast. Keeping my own personal journal and taking the time to make notes and observations was important; cultivating relationships to build mutual trust and respect.

“Also, giving credit and respect where it is due. A lot of times, people take expertise for granted; feedback both constructive and positive, as well as appreciation, go a long way. Being told I run a clean, strong field on more than one occasion was nice.”

FHBC: What’s next for you after this?
MM: “Making sure the people who mentored me and helped build my capacity know how thankful I am for their time, friendship and expertise. I will continue working with our wonderful staff, volunteers, and people to get more officials trained to start building the capacity to have officials at every major fixture.
However, for me personally, I would hope it would be more domestic and international appointments, both as a TO or as a ATD or TD. FHC National Championships? Pan American Games? FIH Pro League?

—————

McNaughton and McGeachy have now returned to BC and brought with them significant experiences and lessons to help improve the sport in British Columbia and Canada. They are ready to share what they have learned; these kinds of opportunities will only help us grow as a community and open doors for future current and future field hockey officials.

 

Webinar registrations: Developing Physical Literacy coming out of Covid 19

FHBC is pleased to share the following Sport for Life webinar details as we believe this will be benficial to all clubs and community-level coaches . “Developing Physical Literacy coming out of Covid 19” will focus on what has happened since the beginning of COVID-19 and its effects on the quality and quantity of our movement.

Date: Nov 24th, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm PST
Registration: click here

International Hockey Federation updates rules for Indoor and Outdoor

INDOOR RULES

The FIH Rules Committee would like to inform of the following updates:

  • FIH Rules of Indoor Hockey guidance note (see page 17) on the:
    • Use of Protective Equipment rule – removal of Penalty Corner protective equipment
    • National Associations and Continental Federations are advised to follow this guidance in their Indoor competitions leading to the FIH Indoor World Cup in 2023
    • No rule changes have been made, therefore implementation dates remain unchanged.

OUTDOOR RULES

The FIH Rules Committee would like to inform of the following updates:

If you have any inquiries, please contact eventsandofficials@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

Register for the 2023 U16 & U18 Girls Indoor Field Hockey Tournaments in Cowichan

Cowichan Field Hockey Club is inviting those interested in participating in the 2023 U16 & U18 Girls Indoor Field Hockey Tournaments to register for the event that will be held next January on Vancouver Island at the Cowichan Community Centre, Duncan, BC.

You can access the registration forms here:
U16 Registration Form
U18 Registration Form

The deadlines for registering are December 31 (U16) and January 15 (U18). There is an early bird fee for both tournaments, and individuals are also welcome to join as there are always teams looking for players.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact cowichanindoorfh@gmail.com.

Nominations are now open for the 2022 class of the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame

Field Hockey Canada is inviting nominations for the upcoming 2022 class of Hall of Fame Inductees. Nominations are open until November 25, 2022 and will be accepted in the categories of Athlete, Coach, Official, Builder and Team.

Please, see below the nomination criteria and visit the resources’ links below for more information.

The Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame was created in 2014 to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the sport of field hockey in Canada, and the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame Committee was established by the FHC Board of Directors to lead the activities of the FHC Hall of Fame.


NOMINATION CRITERIA

All Nominees:

  1. Must be a Canadian citizen or have lived in Canada for over 25 years.
  2. Must demonstrate exemplary values and personal characteristics.
  3. Must have made a defining contribution to the sport of field hockey and/or indoor hockey in Canada

Additionally, Nominees will be assessed according to the specific criteria established for each category as follows:

Athlete

  1. Retired from playing at the international level for at least five years
  2. Attained a significant record of achievement on the field of play while playing for Canada
  3. Brought honour and recognition to Canada both on and off the field of play
  4. Played for Canada in the Olympic Games, the World Cup, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games or other high level international competition.

Coach

  1. Through dedicated efforts and expertise over a period of at least five years raised the Canadian team performance significantly in international competition.
  2. Recognized as a leader in the sport of field hockey both internationally and domestically.
  3. Provided leadership to the development of high-performance coaches in Canada over a period of at least four years.
  4. Coached Canadian teams in the Olympic Games, World Cups, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games or other high-level competitions.

Official

  1. Recognized for expertise as an outstanding umpire or technical official at the international level for a period of more than five years
  2. Been appointed as an official for at least 75 international matches including the Olympic Games, World Cups, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games or other high level competitions
  3. Provided strong leadership to the development of top level international officials in Canada over a period of at least four years.

Builder

  1. Contributed significantly and extraordinarily to the growth and development of Canadian field hockey over at least a 10 year period
  2. A Builder may be active or inactive to be considered and will be evaluated on contributions and impact.

Team

  1. To be nominated in the Team Category, a team shall have achieved an outstanding placing in a Continental or World level competition relative to previous Canadian performances, thereby making a defining contribution to the development of competitive hockey in Canada

HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION

There are 4 steps to making a nomination:

  1. Complete the nomination form [click here]
  2. submit the CV of the nominee
  3. submit the letter of support form
  4. any additional information you feel will support the application

For more information, please visit our website: https://fieldhockey.ca/field-hockey-canada-hall-of-fame-2022-nominations-open/ 


RESOURCES

Terms of ReferenceNomination CriteriaHall of Fame InducteesNomination Form