Dear Players,

One of the reasons why WPGM Hockey is so enjoyable and continues to grow is the collective effort of our players, administrators, and various role players. As a united group, we are continually working towards improving our product.

Key Factors:

1. Player Attitude:
   • The positive attitude of our players sets the tone for WPGM Hockey.
   • Our administrators exemplify this attitude, fostering a supportive environment.
2. Admin Relationships:
   • The strong relationships between administrators, players, and the committee contribute significantly to our success.
   • Weekly efforts ensure a quality performance and enhance the overall experience.

Agreed Guidelines:

The following guidelines are not meant for strict regulation but to foster understanding among all members:

WPGM League and Match Aims:

1. Member Support:
   • Our priority is to protect all players.
   • We aim to provide as much match time as possible for those who can participate.
   • Every player, regardless of age or ability, should have equal access to match time.
2. Competitive Matches:
   • Matches are played between two evenly matched teams (squad selection plays a crucial role).

Admin Roles and Responsibilities:

To ensure an effective WPGM league, we propose the following guidelines:

1. Weekly Squad Posts:
   • Teams should be posted on the spreadsheet link three days before the match.
   • If all responses haven’t been received, post the names of available players.
   • Include players available for substitution on Mondays or Wednesdays, specifying the relevant match.
   • Once teams are posted:
     • The player liaison and the admin of that squad can communicate regarding subs.
     • As far as possible (for relevance and transparency) communication should be done on the WhatsApp group
2. Info Update and Recording:
   • Each squad has its own spreadsheet accessible to admins.
   • We keep a record of matches played by each player to identify trends and ensure fair playtime.
   • Transparency is essential; please update the “NA” status for individual players as accurately as possible.
3. Squad Size:
   • Our squads are currently 17/18 strong and likely to grow.
   • This flexibility allows us to cover players who are NA for various reasons (injury, recovery, etc.).
   • Therefore:
     • Injured or NA players during the season are not necessarily replaced.
     • Subs should not be required unless a squad has less than 12 players available (# see below note re Wednesday match), even if certain positions are not filled, ie too many defenders and insufficient links. Unless the keeper is NA.
     • If subs are requested, they will be allocated according to availability, and rotating those players who are regularly available to sub not necessarily according to positions which need to be filled.
     • On those days when two games are scheduled, some players may volunteer to make themselves available to play in both games. Those volunteers must notify the Admin of each team of their availability before the start of their additional game. Prior to agreeing with the volunteer player the two affected Admins must consult each other and reach consensus on the allocation of the extra player. Regularly scheduled team members play must be given fair game time. If either team has a shortage of players, or where either team has insufficient regular players as subs, the Admins or team captains will agree with the team how the subs will be used to ensure that all squad members get fair and equal game time. The extra volunteer player who may be a stronger player with obvious benefits may not sub themselves at the expense of a regular team member.
     • All sub requests should come via admins as far as possible. In the absence of an Admin on the day of the game the captain or a regular team player will take responsibility as an Admin for vetoing an invitation by a team player to a friend/ strong player to play in a game as a sub. The decision to field the invitee will only be made after consideration has been given to the points made in the “Match Aims” paragraph above and when consensus reached by both Admins or Captains of the two teams.  
     • In the event of a late withdrawal, although it may be difficult to find a sub, the Player Liaison Committee members (currently Deon and Gary) should still be informed, and if a sub cannot be allocated the admins of the 2 teams should negotiate to agree on a resolution.

Additional points:

Guest players: Any member is welcome to invite a guest to play for his/her team as a once off, provided the captain/ admin and team agree. Thereafter, the guest can register as a WPGM player and will be assigned to a team.

#Wednesday matches: As subs may be more difficult to access for this match, squad sizes should be at least 13, but preferably 14 – to cover late withdrawals. Therefore, players are requested to avail themselves for these matches, as players or as subs as much as possible.

Thank you for contributing to the success of WPGM Hockey!