As indicated in the January circular there are a number of points that I felt best to bring to your attention now as opposed to waiting until the next scheduled issue.

I am aware from travelling around various clubs that very few club members ever get to hear about what is happening within the WHU and I would ask that at least one copy, if not more, are handed to each Captain for circulation as well as a copy being placed on the club's notice board.  You will appreciate that due to the high cost of postage we cannot issue circulars to every member and your assistance in helping to publicise the information would be greatly appreciated.
 

WHU REGISTRATION

You will find enclosed a copy of your Club's registration details showing all WHU registered members for this current season.  This is an opportunity for you to both update any incorrect records and also add any new members that may have joined your club during the season by completing the enclosed form.

To assist you in checking the printout, whilst the majority is self-explanatory please note the column marked 'Affil'.  This categorises all players into either 'S' for Senior, 'Y' for Youth or 'M' for Mini. It is important that Youth or Mini members with dates of birth missing are amended so that our records can be updated. You may also find names listed, which do not show any marker (S, Y or M). These relate to people who were registered during season 2000 / 2001.  If there is no intention of them re-registering this season please delete their entire name and details.

Please also update and add any e-mail addresses that your members may have. Where possible circulars such as this will then be issued to all via e-mail thereby increasing the number receiving their own copy.  I have marked any obvious omissions or errors with a blue marker pen to assist you.

I appreciate it will take club / membership secretaries some time to work their way through the printouts but I would ask that the task is undertaken with the amended sheets together with any new members forms (plus the appropriate WHU Registration fees) returned direct to this office as soon as possible, but in any event no later than the 10th March.

"WOMEN IN SPORT" PUBLICITY DAY

At the recent Women in Sport Forum, it was announced that there is to be a "Women's Publicity Day" whereby all women's clubs are to be requested to provide their local media with a press release with the intention that the overall coverage of women's sport will improve throughout press and TV.

The date agreed for this initiative is 8th March and this office will issue further details by way of a press pack as soon as they have been received. In the meantime it would help if you could encourage your club members to consider what might be included in the release. You might like to consider issuing match reports, your club history or pen pictures of your club members etc. - in fact anything that encourages the media to publicise the sport and your club.

The important point to remember is that the vast majority of papers will print copy issued if they receive it on a regular basis without them having to ring around for the information.
 
 

FRIENDLY FIXTURES

 
CHILD-SAFE IN SPORT

Over the course of the next few weeks you will receive a pack containing vital information for the continued safety of children and young people playing sport in Wales.

As indicated in the January circular, the pack is a result of an initiative by the National Assembly for Wales, the Welsh Police forces, the Sports Council for Wales and a number of Governing Bodies and concentrates on making children, young people, parents, clubs, coaches and anybody else involved with them aware of the various dangers and how to avoid those dangers.

A video together with instruction booklets are included together with a reply slip that should be completed and returned to the Sports Council for Wales as soon as possible in order that Regional presentations can be made giving additional information and guidance to all those receiving the packs.

In view of the size these packs will not be posted but issued to all clubs by hand over the course of the next few weeks.

Although guidance is provided within the packs as requested previously please give consideration now to appointing a 'Child Protection Officer' within your club who will take this vitally important initiative forward.

YOUTH FORUM

Bethan Walsh, the WHU's own FIH Global Youth Hockey Promoter, is looking to set up a Youth Forum within Wales which will work closely with the WHU.  It is intended that the Forum's members (approximately 10 in total) will be aged between 15 and 19 and will come from all parts of Wales. If you have members of this age who may be interested in taking part please ask them to contact Bethan at [email protected] who will be more than happy to supply any information required.

Bethan is also looking to introduce young hockey-interested people to various pen pals across the World via e-mail.  Again if any of your younger members are interested please ask them to e-mail Bethan at the above address.

CIVIL LIABILITY INSURANCE

A number of phone calls have recently been received concerning personal accident insurance. Please note that this does not form part of the cover arranged by the WHU and any club or person wishing to obtain such insurance are recommended to contact either Perkins Slade or any other broker.

WANDERERS EUROPE

All WHU members will shortly be receiving a brochure from Wanderers offering their services in organising various tours. The scheme has already been introduced to their members by the Scottish Hockey Union and looks to interest not just clubs, but also individual players in participating in Tours.

FLIGHT BOOKINGS

If your club are looking to book any flights over the course of the next 12 months please let the WHU Office know, as we may be able to find cheaper flights for you following recent discussions with a reputable travel agent.
 

**********************************************

As mentioned at the top of the circular we look to clubs and in particular club secretaries to help publicise the information that originates from the WHU Office. You are in the main, the only contact we regularly use and any assistance you can offer in passing the information on is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for your continued support,
 
 

Chris Brewer
Director of Hockey