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This paper outlines the stakeholder consultation process for expanding to a full season in the Irish Hockey League (IHL). It addresses key considerations such as regional representation, promotion/relegation, European qualification, logistics, and provincial league impact.
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IRISH HOCKEY LEAGUE – Full Season Option Stakeholder Consultation – Leinster Variation February 2014
Content • Background/Purpose of this paper • Key Stakeholders • Full IHL Key Considerations • Regional Representation • Promotion/Relegation • European Qualification • Logistics/Scheduling • Ulster/Munster Logistics • Provincial League Considerations • Key Issues • Summary – Key Points • Appendix 1
Background/ Purpose Background • IHL Working Group (IHLWG) are reviewing format of IHL • IHLWG are exploring possible full IHL as part of strategic review • IHLWG are seeking feedback /views from key stakeholders (including Branches/Clubs/Players/Umpires) via a process of consultation (see Appendix 1 for process and progress so far) Purpose of this paper is to: • Inform on what a full IHL might look like • Provide a “framework” to allow debate on key considerations including impact on Provincial Branch leagues • Continue the dialogue to gather input on wider implications of any move to a full IHL
Full Season IHL Format How might this look like/ fit together?
Full IHL – some key considerations (1) 1. Regional representation –based on current approach Men & Women – Ulster (5) Leinster (5) Munster (2) = 12 Teams 12 Teams = 22 games in season ; 11 home / 11 away* (see next slide) *Most away out of province games are day trips except for Ulster/Munster/Connacht (decision on Connacht women required) 2. IHL Promotion /relegation – same Regional representation maintained? Option:- Club finishing lowest from each Province in IHL has some form of “Regional IHL Play Off” with play off format to be decided e.g. • Play-off with (own) Provincial League winner • Play-off Tournament with top 3 in Provincial League etc
Full IHL – some key considerations (2) 3. European Qualification: (Options) • IHL winner takes top Irish spot or…… • IHL winner guaranteed at least 2nd spot and…….. - some form of end of season Irish Championship (top 3-4 IHL teams?) with winner of this taking top Irish European spot - suggestion that winner of Irish Senior Cup also plays in the Championship and therefore retains route to European Competition 4. IHL Review period – if introduced - reviewed after 2 years or 3? 5. Logistics/Scheduling /Club costs - Leinster Clubs are well situated geographically for Ulster/Munster travel - main logistical issue would be Ulster Vs Munster/Connacht matches - double weekends would be required Example: 4-6 double weekends for Ulster/Munster then could widen to entire schedule so 22 matches are actually played over 16-18 weekends for all to ensure season moves forward in sync/ ease fixture congestion? (see sample schedule Appendix 2)
Provincial Leagues – IHL Impact - Opportunity to realign Any move to a full IHL will require Leinster Branch leagues to realign as (5) Leinster teams join IHL Initial consultation held with Leinster Leagues representatives in December Feedback indicates that if a full season IHL were to proceed then a full review of the leagues will be required to agree criteria/structure for “new” Division 1 and knock on effects on rest of leagues
Summary – Key Points • 22 IHL games/season (compares to existing c.18 Provincial League games + 5 IHL games Rounds 1-5) with end of season Championship • Full IHL provides a more (season long) competitive programme for top Irish Club hockey • Allows opportunity to realign/rebalance Provincial leagues • Provides opportunity to create a clear pathway to IHL from Provincial Leagues – “Regional IHL Play-Offs” • Decongests the annual IHA and Provincial Calendar as fewer weekends (see sample calendar Appendix 2) • The issue of costs /time/travel recognised but with appropriate scheduling can be mitigated
Appendix 2 Illustrative Calendar 2013/14 this season Yellow is branch league, blue is IHA competition Versus Same year, showing an IHL program and a branch league (pink) 17