The first EHF Executive Board of 2021 took place via video conference on Saturday 13th February.
President’s Welcome
The President, Marijke Fleuren, welcomed everyone to the first online meeting of this year. The Board was in full attendance and was joined by the Co-Chair of Athletes Committee, David Harte. Marijke recognised that while we are all looking forward to the time we can meet face to face for now at least through video conferencing we can keep in good contact.
The President started the meeting with an update about the second Member Associations Video Conference on 8th February, where 31 Associations were in attendance. The conference focused on, the FIH Congress in Delhi, World Cup Qualification, FIH Executive Board elections and an update on Competitions and Policies. Member National Associations expressed their appreciation to EHF for these conferences and the close cooperation and communication between us.
Each Executive Board member gave a brief update about the Hockey situation in their home country.
The minutes of the October and December meetings were approved.
The Board reviewed the circulated a Board Member paper covering confidentiality and conflict of interest and approved the paper after some minor changes.
FIH World Cup Qualification (WCQ)
The President and Director General, Angus Kirkland, updated the Board about the current situation and expectation. Angus will write to the Member National Associations once he receives a formal response from FIH to their letter. The Board discussed potential approaches to a European World Cup Qualifier if the letter receives a positive reaction from FIH, as is anticipated.
Indoor Extension Proposal
Walter Kapounek and David Voskamp presented to the Board an extension proposal for the EuroHockey Indoor Championship to 10 teams. The Board agreed with a proposal to commence in 2024 with a review after two cycles. Full information will be circulated to Members in due course.
EHC 2021 & EHL
Angus gave a short update on the progress of the 2021 Championships and the positive collaboration with the KNHB. The Village concept was discussed and will, at the latest be decided on at the next EB in March.
A brief update on EHL was given to the Board with the EHL Final 4 being planned for Easter.
Financial Report.
The Treasurer updated the Board about the financial position for the end of 2020 year which was small improvement since the December meeting. Angus Kirkland presented the outlook for 2021 year which is slightly worse than the approved budget but it is conservative. Covid has had a significant impact on what we would have expected in a normal two year financial cycle. However, Angus reported a positive outlook for when Covid no longer impacts the organisations activity.
The President thanked the Board for their time and contributions. The meeting closed at 13:20.
