Support WPGM Hockey: Quiz Night & Fundraising Appeal!

We will be hosting a Quiz Night (MC’d by Steve Sherman) soon, and we need your help to make it a huge success! This event isn’t just about testing your knowledge; it’s a vital opportunity to raise much-needed funds for WPGM Hockey.

We Need Your Support!

Quiz Night Prizes:

To make our Quiz Night truly engaging and rewarding, we’re looking for donations of prizes. Whether it’s a voucher, a hamper, merchandise, or a unique experience, every prize—big or small—will add to the fun and encourage participation. If you or your business can contribute, please let us know!

Critical Funds for Our Players:

Beyond the prizes on Quiz Night, we have two essential fundraising goals:

  • New Defibrillator Machine: The safety of our players is paramount. Our existing machines are ageing and will inevitably require replacement. This is an investment in the well-being of every player on our pitches.
  • Replenish Players’ Support Fund: Our Players’ Support Fund ensures that no player is left behind due to financial constraints. It assists with essential costs like league fees, travel, and other expenses, allowing all our members to participate and thrive in the sport they love.

How You Can Help

  • Donate Prizes: If you’re able to donate a prize for our Quiz Night, please contact Peter Kratz on email Secretary@wpgm.co.za today.
  • Monetary Contributions: Please consider making a financial contribution towards our defibrillator and Players’ Support Fund. Every rand makes a difference! You can donate directly to the WPGM bank account where you pay your fees, use the reference DEFIB or SUPPORT.
  • Spread the Word: Share this appeal with friends, family, and anyone who might be interested in supporting WPGM hockey.

Your generosity directly impacts the safety and development of our players and helps us continue to foster a vibrant and supportive hockey community.

WPGM League 2025 Team Selection Process

2025 League Team Selection Process

For the 2025 league, we implemented the following team selection process:

  • Specialised Selectors: Nine selectors were involved, with three selectors (two men and one woman) assigned to each playing line (defenders, links, and strikers).
  • Final Alignment: Two additional selectors were responsible for integrating the three lines into balanced teams.
  • Remote & Efficient Collaboration: The selection process was conducted remotely using a shared document. This allowed individual selectors to contribute their views on player strength, leading to a more efficient process and easier consensus among the smaller groups of three selectors.

Selectors were appointed based on their demonstrated commitment and understanding of team dynamics:

  • Defenders: Luigi Tollon, Ally du Plooy, and Allan Isaacs (Bobby Freeman was unavailable).
  • Links: GT, Nadine Dalling, and Tony Barbour.
  • Strikers: Glyn Bedford, Dave McKechnie, and Sharon Abbott.
  • Final Selectors: Neil van Blerk and John Shardlow.

The final team compositions were ratified by Warren Machanik and Gary Frayne to ensure each team had an effective administrator and that practical considerations, such as travel partners, were addressed.

2025 Weekly Substitute and New Player Allocation Process

To ensure fairness and prevent disagreement, we have introduced clear guidelines for substitute allocation:

  • Teams are no longer able to select their own substitutes.
  • Players cannot directly nominate themselves as substitutes to another team.

2025 Substitute and New Player Allocation Sub-Committee

To manage this process, I have established a subcommittee comprising team administrators and the Playing Affairs members of the WPGM committee:

  • Gary Frayne
  • Wendy Payne
  • Warren Machanik
  • Neil Lavin
  • Deon Maart
  • Brian Goemans
  • John Shardlow

Weekly Substitute Allocation Protocol:

  • Each week, we identify teams requiring substitutes. Gary Frayne then proposes a substitute allocation based on player availability.
  • The primary goal of the substitute process is to ensure a team has a viable number of players (ideally 13), rather than to specifically fill a position or guarantee player strength.
  • Substitutes are chosen from a list of available players, taking into account:
    • Whether they have a match scheduled for that evening.
    • How recently they have substituted (we rotate substituting opportunities).
    • Their preferred playing position.
  • We prioritise existing league members (even those who made themselves unavailable for the full league but are open to occasional substituting) before seeking external contacts. The same allocation principles apply to new players joining the league.
  • Once a proposal is made, two sub-committee members must approve it or offer a counter-proposal.

Please refer any suggestions regarding this process to the Player Affairs representatives.

AMI 21–23 November 2025 & Roadmap to WC2026

Subject: Planning and Budget Guidance for SAGMHA Members

Key Documents & Links

  1. Attachment: Roadmap Leading to WC2026 (Version Five) – see bottom of page.
  2. AMI Application Link: WC Trials & AMI Registration

Event Details

  • AMI 2025 Dates: 21–23 November 2025 (Johannesburg)
  • Purpose: Select 35+ to 75+ Master’s Hockey Squads for WMH 2026 Tournament (host countries TBD).

Registration Deadlines & Requirements

  • AMI Registration Opens: 14–15 May 2025
  • AMI Registration Closes: 22 September 2025
  • Players must register in their age group as of December 31, 2026 (no participation in lower age groups allowed).
  • SAMHA Fee: R500.00 (due by 30 September 2025).
    • Bank Details: FNB Acc. 62750268370, Branch Code 254605.

Key Prerequisites

For WC2026 Selection Candidates:

  • Registered with SAHA for 2025 (provide registration number).
  • Paid 2025 SAGMHA capitation fees (R250.00) by 31 July 2025.
  • Mandatory attendance at 2026 IPT (Durban, 19–22 February 2026) for final squad selection.

For AMI-Only Participants (No WC2026 Selection):

  • Same SAHA registration and capitation fee (R250.00 by 31 July 2025).

WC2026 Commitment & Fees

  • WC2026 Commitment Fee: R1,000.00 (due by 31 January 2026).
    • Bank Details: Nedbank Acc. 1022379879.
    • Refunds for non-selected players by 31 March 2026.
  • 2026 IPT Additional Fees: R250.00 capitation + tournament levy (due by 7 February 2026).

Additional Notes

  • Team Composition: Players will not represent provinces at AMI; teams will be selected by coaches.
  • Kit Requirements: Standard AMI 2023 kit (details TBA).
  • Dispensations: Required for underage players at IPT2026 or if unable to attend AMI.

Contact

For queries, contact Barry.

Regards,
SAGMHA

Roadmap Attachment

S.A. MASTERS ROADMAP LEADING TO WC2026 VERSION FIVE 21072025Download

Trials Payment Schedule

AMI and WC2026 TRIALS PAYMENT SCHEDULEDownload

AGM Minutes Of The WPGMHA 2025

Monday 05 May 2025, At WPCC, At 20h30
Venue: Chairman’s View WPCC

1) Opening

  • KL welcomed all to the meeting.

2) Attendance

  • Register circulated for signature.
    • See attached.

3) Apologies

  • As per the attached.

4) Adoption of Minutes

  • Minutes of the AGM of the WPGMHA held at the WPCC on 15 February 2024 (Note: Minutes posted on the WPGMHA website).
    • NL proposed, D St D seconded. KL noted they are on the website.

5) Matters Arising

a) Voting Rights

  • As raised at the SAGMHA AGM (5 April 2025). SGM was held.
    • KL noted that the SAGMHA has an SGM at 5 pm. First vote on voting procedure: 16–4 voted to use a vote as per WP objection.
    • Shane Deme is the new Chairman. Barry is the new Player Rep. WP will have 1 seat. GT will handle fundraising and transformation. KL remains as the Chairman rep for WP.

b) Principle of “No Pay, No Play”

  • KL proposed enforcing this principle. Passed as an option and accepted.
  • NvB noted that exceptions should be made for players who genuinely cannot afford fees. KL agreed, provided justification is given—the aim is to deter opportunists.

c) Proposed Changes to WPGMHA Constitution

  • None.

6) Chairman’s Report Back

a) Amalgamation of WP Masters and WPGM

  • D St D did significant work, but WP Masters never signed.
  • KL noted that SA Masters now treats SA GM as a province. The new committee will revisit this issue.

b) Player Report on SAGMHA IPT (EP, 4–6 April 2025)

  • Reports submitted but awaiting 60B. Will be posted once received. They are attached below.

c) Summer League

  • KL commended GF for managing the 7 teams—a great success.
  • Orange Team won the league; White Team won the SGM Award. AI won the Umpires’ Award.
  • Fewer disciplinary issues—thanks to captains, admins, coaches, umpires (CB), and physios.

d) Winter League

  • 6-team league—appears well-balanced and competitive.

e) Ladies’ Involvement for Next IPT

  • Imperative to include.

f) IPT Feedback

  • KL noted that WP performed well:
    • 55s & 60B undefeated. 60W, 65s, 70s also strong.
    • Complimented on discipline and sportsmanship.

7) Awards

a) SAGM awarded Long-service awards

  • NW and RB (recognised for contributions to WP & SAGM).

b) WP Awards:

  • RB: Trophy for commitment to WP & SA GM (since the first World Cup in CT).
  • JP (“Potty”): Trophy for contributions to WP teams & managers.
  • Mike: Trophy for longevity in the game.

8) Upcoming Tournaments

a) Master’s IPT (EP, 7–10 August 2025)

  • Spotters/Scotts for U60 (no WC selection).

b) Africa Cup (21–23 November 2025)

  • SA squad selections for WC (all age groups).
    • NvB raised concerns over pre-selection bias (SG Hockey favouritism). KL will clarify oncethe details are final.
    • CJ noted a ladies’ selector at IPT—concern as no WP ladies’ team participated.

c) SAGMHA IPT (KZN, 20–24 February 2026)

  • Final SA squad announcements.
  • KL: Potential humidity challenges. WC moved to August 2026 (originally October). Location TBD.

d) World Cup (60–80s – TBA)

  • Trials in November for 55–70s (men & ladies).
  • Managers to be appointed before trials for preparedness.

9) Financial Report

a) 2024 Financial Report

  • Distributed via email. One query on IPT expenses.
  • Thanks to B Alcock (unpaid work). Query on capitation rules (now per competition). KL to clarify SAHA levies.
  • IPTs are costly—may have undercharged.
  • Limited funds for KZN IPT. Assisted 5 players + managers’ accommodation.
  • Astro costs increased.
  • Full player fees are required to maintain subs. Some players reneged on commitments.
  • SS proposed fundraising — approved, SS to run with this.

b) Banking Account

  • 7k interest—allocated to players’ fund.

c) Weekly Games Fee – Review

  • No discussion noted. However, a budget has been done and invoices will be sent out.

10) Election of Office Bearers

  • Chairperson: KL re-elected.
  • Secretary: PK nominated and accepted.
  • Treasurer: WM to move across from secretary.
  • Player Affairs (Men): GF accepted.
  • Player Affairs (Ladies): WF accepted.
  • IPT Convener: NW accepted.
  • Governance & Discipline: DMc accepted.
  • Additional Committee Members:
    • NL (goalkeepers).
    • DM to remain.

11) General Discussion

  • BW: Complimented EP’s IPT organisation. KL to send thank-you.
  • LS: Raised selection issues. KL to respond once the official position is clear.
  • NW: Clothing policy—older kits for 65s/70s, newer for 55s/60s. Accepted.
  • CB: Umpire grading concerns. Proposed local grading (even if unrecognised by FIH).
  • CJ: Ladies’ teams—discussed Boland ladies and mixed Masters. NvB suggested continuing efforts.
  • TH: Proposed a working group to resolve issues.

Meeting Closed 21:43.

Attachments

Attendance Register

WPGMHA Attendance Register AGM 2025Download

Apologies Register

WPGMHA Apologies Register AGM 2025Download

Reports

IPTTeamReportBack-WP55sDownload
IPTTeamReportBack-WP60WsDownload
IPTTeamReportBack-WP65sDownload
IPTTeamReportBack-WP70sDownload

2025/2026 SAGMHA Executive Committee Announced

Following the successful convening of a Special General Meeting on 5th May 2025, we are pleased to announce the SAGMHA Executive Committee for 2025/2026:

  • President: Shane Deme
  • Secretary: Zelda Vermeulen
  • Treasurer: Pieter Scholtz
  • Corporate Governance: Karl Luff
  • Playing Affairs Men: Barry Froneman
  • Playing Affairs Ladies: Sharon Barnard
  • Marketing and Transformation: Glen Turner
  • Add Hoc Eastern Gauteng: Michael Holland
  • Add Hoc KZN: Basil Evans
  • Add Hoc Southern Gauteng: Monty Schwegmann

On behalf of SAGMHA and all its members, we congratulate the new committee and wish them success in achieving the objectives of the SAGMHA SGM.

Arrangements will be made to ensure that the Outgoing SAGMHA committee members provide an official documented handover to the President and the incoming portfolio incumbents.

B Froneman
Outgoing President
6th May 2025

Affiliated to WMH & recognized by FIH.

Outgoing Committee (2024/2025):

  • Barry Froneman (President)
  • Rob Birt (Acting Secretary)
  • Pieter Scholtz (Treasurer)
  • Basil Evans
  • Gary Talbot
  • John Potgieter
  • Karl Luff
  • Monty Schwegmann
  • Sharon Barnard

WPGMHA Annual General Meeting Notice 2025

Mark your calendars, hockey fans – it’s AGM time!

📅 Date: Monday, 5 May 2025
⏰ Time: 20:30 (post-games)
📍 Location: WPCC (Chairman’s View)
💻 Option: Zoom available (but in-person has better snacks)

Why Attend?
• Shape our hockey future
• Learn where your fees go
• Witness democracy in action
• Snag a committee position

📋 Full Agenda

  • Attendance – Sign in or Zoom in
  • Apologies – Tell us why you can’t make it
  • Minutes – From last AGM (available on website)
  • Matters Arising – Including voting rights and the constitution
  • Chairman’s Report – The year in review
  • Upcoming Tournaments – Mark these dates!
  • Financial Report – Show me the money
  • Committee Elections – Your chance to step up!
  • General Discussion – Have your say

🚨 Committee Call-Out

Several committee members are stepping down – we need fresh blood! Positions available:

  • Chairperson
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • 3 Additional Members

Nomination forms available below: – deadline 5 May before meeting. No experience necessary – just enthusiasm and willingness to help.

AGENDA FOR THE AGM OF THE WPGMHA – 05 May 2025Download
WPGMHA-Nomination-Form-2025Download

See you there (or explain why not)!

Grand Masters Hockey Winter League 25 Update!

Hey all! Your admin team has been burning the midnight oil (and possibly a few brain cells) to get everything ready for the new season. Here’s what you need to know:

🏆 AGM – 5 MAY @ WPCC
Right after the last game (20:30). Want to get more involved? Nominations email coming soon!

✅ TEAM ALLOCATIONS
Your peer-respected selection panel (no secrecy, just wisdom) has carefully balanced the teams. Admins will contact you before Tuesday to reveal your squad. And yes – every team will have ladies, because awesome knows no gender!

⏰ FIXTURES = FAIRNESS
We’ve obsessed over the schedule so that every team plays:
🔹 At each venue exactly 5 times
🔹 In each timeslot exactly 5 times
No favorites – just pure hockey justice!

📅 KEY DATES

  • Season starts: 5 May
  • Mid-season break: School holidays (with fun age-specific games in the works!)
  • Season ends: Mid-September

💸 LEAGUE FEE
R975 – payable soon. Think of it as buying happiness (with optional sweat).

Remember: We’re all about that Grand Masters spirit – competitive but always with a smile (and maybe a cold one afterwards).

More updates coming soon. Now go find your shin guards – it’s almost game time!

[Your Name]
GMHA Admin

PS: If you’re reading this sitting down – stand up and stretch. Your hamstrings will thank you later!

Winter League 2025: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

The leaves are falling, the air is getting crisper, and the sound of hockey sticks clashing is just around the corner. That’s right—the WPGM Hockey Winter League 2025 is almost here! Running from May through September (fingers crossed for no rogue weather, loadsheeing, or alien invasions), we’re gearing up for another epic season of hockey, camaraderie, and maybe a few questionable umpiring decisions.

This year, games will be held on Monday nights at the following venues (at the moment):

  • 2 games at WPCC B-Field: One at 18:15 and one at 19:15.
  • 1 game at Hartleyvale B-Field: At 18:15.

To ensure we create balanced, competitive, and spirited teams (as is tradition), we need to know your availability for the league. A form will be coming your way shortly, and we need you to answer honestly—no fibbing, no wishful thinking, and definitely no “I’ll definitely make it this time” promises that you know deep down you can’t keep.

Just a note: We will need all responses by April 3.

Here’s what the form will ask:

Availability Options

  • Most games: You’re a hockey hero, ready to play more than 50% of the games.
  • Some games: You’ll lace up when you can, but life gets in the way (we get it, adulting is hard).
  • Available to sub: You’re the wildcard, the bomb squad, the one we call when teams are desperate (and trust us, they will be).
  • Not available: You’re sitting this one out, but we’ll miss you dearly.

Self-assessment (especially for the “Most games” crew)

  • How reliable are you?
    • Always (you’re a hockey machine)
    • When I can make time (you try your best, and we love you for it)
    • I’m a little erratic (you’re a free spirit, and we respect that)
  • Are you happy to play in a mixed team? {Y/N}
  • Preferred travelling buddies: Let us know if you have any preferences for who you’d like to travel or team up with. However, due to our goal of balancing the field hockey teams, we may not be able to guarantee that your preferences will be accommodated. We’ll do our best, but fairness and team balance come first!

Why Your Answers Matter

Your responses will directly impact:

  • Team selection: We’re not just throwing darts at a board (though that would be fun).
  • The budget: Fewer players = higher costs = sad treasurer = higher fees for everyone. Let’s avoid that, shall we?

So, when the form lands in your inbox, please fill it out promptly. Think of it as your first warm-up drill for the season. And remember, honesty is the best policy—typically.

Let’s make this Winter League the best one yet! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, keep those sticks ready, those knees bent, and your sense of humour intact.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the turf (or at least some of you, depending on your answers).

Cheers,
Your WPGM Hockey Committee

P.S. If you don’t fill out the form, we’ll assume you’ve retired to become a professional couch potato. Could you not make us send a search party? 🕵️‍♂️

Fill in the form here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetG5SVF0OVsRZngmeRJaEZZmyPlc51Mk6LyJYAIDs7SdLBGg/viewform?usp=sf_link

April 2025 Important Updates You Won’t Want to Miss!

WPGM Members: Important Updates You Won’t Want to Miss!

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes (and worth every second!)

Dear WPGM Members,

We know life is busy, and between work, family, and trying to remember where you left your hockey stick, finding time to stay updated can feel like a challenge. But this post is important—promise! So, take a quick break, grab a cuppa (or something stronger), and give this a read. It’ll only take 2 minutes, and it’s packed with stuff you need to know.

1. SAGMHA Board Positions – Step Up and Make a Difference!

The SAGMHA Board is getting a refresh, and we need you to help shape the future of grand masters hockey. Elections are happening on 5 April at IPT, and there are several positions up for grabs. Whether you’re a seasoned organiser or just someone who loves the game and wants to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.

  • President: Barry Froneman
  • Treasurer: Piet Scholtz (available for next term)
  • Secretary (acting): Rob Birt (acted since 2024 AGM, not available)
  • Governance and Technology Administrator: Karl Luff
  • Playing Affairs Co-ordinators: Monty Schwegman (Men) & Shazi Barnard (Ladies) (both available for next term)
  • Marketing and Transformation: Not filled
  • Adhoc Regional Chairperson Representatives: Basil Evan (KZN) & Gary Talbot (EG) (still deciding availability)

If you’re interested or just want to chat about what’s involved, email us at secretary@wpgm.co.za. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to make a real impact!

2. Winter League Start Date – Plan Ahead!

Thanks to the flurry of public holidays right after IPT (4-6 April), we’ll be starting the Winter League on 5 May 2025.

Please hold off on replying with your availability—we’ll send a dedicated request this weekend. Depending on the response, we may need to split fixtures between WPCC and Hartleyvale. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details!

3. WPGMHA AGM – Your Club, Your Voice!

Our AGM will be held after the games on 5 May, and we’ll be electing a new committee. There are several positions to fill, and we need passionate members like you to step up and help keep WPGMHA running smoothly.

If you’re interested in getting involved (or just want to know what’s involved), drop us a line at secretary@wpgm.co.za.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another update—it’s about your club, your hockey, and your chance to make a difference. Whether it’s joining the SAGMHA Board, planning for Winter League, or helping out at the AGM, your involvement keeps this community thriving.

So, take a moment to think about how you can contribute. And if you’ve read this far, thank you—you’re the reason WPGMHA is so special.

Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into IPT and beyond. Together, we can make this season the best one yet!

Cheers,

WPGM Committee

P.S. If you’re not volunteering, you’re volunteering to listen to everyone else’s excuses. Just saying. 😉

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check your inbox this weekend for the Winter League availability request!

Summer League 24/25 Wrap-Up & What’s Next for WPGM Hockey

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The Summer League 24/25 has been an exciting journey, and it’s hard to believe it’s already coming to an end this Thursday, 20 February. As our first-ever mixed league, it’s been a fantastic learning experience, and we’re grateful for all the feedback—both positive and constructive—that we’ve received. Your input will help us make the upcoming Winter League even better!

Awards Night: Thursday, 20 February

To celebrate the end of the season, we’ll be handing out awards after the final game this Thursday. Make sure to stick around for the presentation of:

  • League Award
  • Top Goal Scorer Award
  • Best Team Spirit Award
  • A Special Award

It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work and camaraderie of everyone involved, so don’t miss it!

What’s Next? IPT Prep Games & Warmups

Starting 27 February, we’ll transition into IPT Prep Games. For those not participating in IPT, we’re putting together an invitational side to play in the warmup games. Here’s the schedule:

  • Thursday, 27 February: Warmup games at WPCC
  • All Mondays in March (leading up to IPT): Games at WPCC and Hartleyvale

If you’re not already part of an IPT team representing WP, keep an eye out for a player poll on the Player Comms Group. The poll will be posted by the end of Sunday, so make sure to have your say! Not in the group yet? Join here: WhatsApp Group Link.

AGM Update

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been delayed as we await the results of the SAGM AGM, which will be held at IPT this year. The new date for our AGM will be after the first game of the Winter League. We’ll share more details closer to the time.

Thank You!

A huge thank you to everyone who made the Summer League such a success—players, organizers, and supporters alike. We’re looking forward to wrapping up the season in style this Thursday and diving into the next phase of preparations for IPT and beyond.

See you on the field!

Best regards,

Your commitee