The EHF Executive Board met via video conference on 13th June.
The Board was joined by the co-chair of the EHF Athletes Committee, Janne Müller-Wieland
Before starting the meeting, the President Marijke Fleuren wished to congratulate David Harte (co-chair of the EHF Athletes Committee) and his wife Lyn on the recent birth of their daughter.
Ahead of the formal agenda, the EHF Executive Board wished to state that in light of recent global events the EHF stands with the IOC and the FIH in condemning racism.
Both our international governing body and the IOC have made statements that the EHF and its Executive Board fully endorses:
http://www.fih.ch/news/hockey-community-unites-against-discrimination/
The EHF President, Marijke Fleuren said “Being an inclusive sport is one of the pillars on which all of our activity is based. To the EHF inclusivity means access to hockey regardless of gender, age, race, religion or skill level, to create and foster lifelong friendships, teamwork and loyalty.
There is no place for racism in our sport and we pledge to strive to continually listen to our members to ensure that we deliver on our promise of inclusivity.”
EHF Athlete’s Committee Co-Chair Janne Müller-Wieland added “The EHF Athletes Committee supports all our athletes as they share their voices, it’s important for athletes to feel empowered and to understand the important role they can play as community leaders. We encourage athletes to reach out to us to ensure their voices are heard.
We will proactively work with the EHF to look for ways to further strengthen our commitment to equality within the community and condemn racism in any form in the strongest of terms.”
The Board received the following reports:
Communications & Commercial: Simon Mason (Co-Chair) and Sabina Zampetti (Co-Chair) updated the Board on EHF Newsletter – EHF “Our Covid Journey” which sums up the Communications work that has been delivered over the past couple of months as we have coped with the global pandemic . Angus Kirkland, updated the Board on two projects in relation to the EHTV streaming platform.
Competitions: Walter Kapounek (Chair) updated the Board on the 2021 indoor and outdoor seasons. Indoor season hosts have been announced and are on the EHF website. The Board discussed the FIH World Cup Qualification process, hosting requirements and the best way they can be organised.
Development: Peter Elders (Chair) reported to the Board on the activities which are ongoing at the moment. We have lodged 3 further EU bids and are awaiting on the outcomes : Allinwin, Youth coaching and Event management. The EHF has agreed to be a partner in these programmes.
Education: Inez Cooper (Chair) presented the reports of the 3 working groups (umpires and coaches). Inez reported that she’s happy about all the work on education side over the past few months, especially the online seminars for coaches. The Umpire Working Group is continuing to spend time evaluating the framework of umpire education to modify changes at each level. They are building on an excellent system by including a set structure for each workshop/seminar.
Officials and Appointments: Recommendations have been sent to FIH for regrades, following the Indoor 2020 season. Due to the cancellation of education events for 2020, the appointments and education groups agreed to exceptionally waive the requirement for officials to have attended/registered for an EHF course before being added to the list.
Hon. Treasurer’s Report: Mika Rihtila reported on 2019 audit report. Angus Kirkland presented the outlook for 2020 and different possible budget scenarios for 2021. Both will be updated as more information about the future is known.
General Assembly 2020: The Board agreed to hold the 2020 GA by video conference on Saturday 7th of November. More details to follow.
AOB: The Board members all updated the Board on the current situation in their own countries. We all look forward to returning to a more usual way of life and Hockey!
The next meeting will be held on September 18th & 19th in Berlin (assuming safe and easy travel for the Board members)
EHF Office, 16th June 2020
