Category: News

May 10, 2025May 10, 2025

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

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

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

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

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 2025 Download

WPGMHA-Nomination-Form-2025 Download

See you there (or explain why not)!

April 25, 2025April 25, 2025

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!

March 15, 2025March 16, 2025

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

March 12, 2025March 12, 2025

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!

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025

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

February 2, 2025February 5, 2025

IPT 2025 Teams announcement

Firstly, thank you to everyone who came down to trials. It was a great turnout for the men. Here is some background on the selection process and the thinking of the selectors.

Firstly, we wanted to ensure that all the players who attended trials or said they were available were selected. We have managed to achieve that.

Secondly, we aimed to select the strongest teams given the players available. Hopefully, we have managed to do that.

To achieve the first objective of ensuring everyone who was available was selected, we needed to ask around if other players were available. Without this, we would have only been able to field one 60s side, which would have meant at least 8 players wouldn’t have been able to go to IPT. So, if you see a few names in the teams that you don’t recognize, please understand that this was done to achieve the first objective: to ensure everyone who came to trials or said they were available was selected.

Regarding the ladies, despite canvassing over 20 players, we were unable to get more than 7 players to commit to attending IPT. Hence, it is with regret that WP will not have a representative ladies’ team.

Thanks, The Selections Committee

Teams

WP 55s
Goalie	Steve Fourie
Backs
Allan Isaacs (V/C)	Chris Beart
Darren Bunker	Larry Sherman
Trevor Joao
Links
Brett Combrink	Brett Furlong (C)
Jeremy Beresford	Richard Perez
Steve Dugmore	Vinnie Orchard
Forwards
James Davis	Neil van Blerk (V/C)
Rowland Graney	Stuart McConnell

16 Players
Manager: Maurice Hartshorne

WP 60’s White
Goalie	Mervyn Marcom
Backs
Dennis Foster	Deon Maart (V/C)
Ian Thompson	Peter Kratz (C)
Warren Machanik
Links
Brian Goemans	Colin de la Harpe
Martin Duys	Roy Douglas-Henry
Forwards
Clinton Brown	Craig Rieder (V/C)
Grant Munro	Michael Hartzenberg

14 Players
Manager: Brian Goemans

WP 60’s Blue
Goalie	Karl Luff
Backs
Glenn Turner (V/C)	Luigi Tollan
Jimmy Shankland	Roger Wood
Wayne Keys (C)
Links
Alan Wood	Moir Scholtz
Shaun Bougard	Tony Barbour
Forwards
Andy Baker	Dave McKechnie (V/C)
Leon Lategan	Leo Nolan

15 Players
Manager: Tom Dicker

WP 65’s
Goalie	Derek McMahon
B
Andreas Redenz	Ian Raeburn
Lance Schkolne (to be confirmed)	Mark Delbridge
Mark Watson	Trevor Knight
L
Bryan Webster	Eion Jacobs
Gary Frayne (C)	John Masters
F
Dereck Marnewick	Guy Jenkins
Patrick Owen	Stephen Kelly

15 Players
Manager: Stephen Kelly

WP 70s

Positions not finalised. Goalie pending.

The team is as follows:

Bob Commin
Chris Hayley
Edmund Fisher
Glyn Bedford (some games)
Gys Cilliers
Johnny May
John Donald
John Shardlow (C)
Lindsay Halkett
Mike O’Keefe
Neil Lavin
Peter Shardlow
Riel Smit
Rob Birt
Rod Palmer

Manager: Chris Hayley

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024

Grand Masters Hockey Summer League 2024/5!

Hi All,

I hope this email finds you well and excited for the upcoming Summer League! Please take 2 minutes to read this update.

We have some changes and important information to share:

Team Structure: We’re expanding to 7 teams this season, including 3 mixed teams. The teams have been selected, and both competition and fun were considered.
Spirit of Grand Masters: Let’s keep the spirit of Grand Masters alive. Remember Neil’s wise words: “Make someone else look good.” Play for each other and enjoy the game.
World Cup Availability: With the World Cup coming up, if you are not attending please make sure you’re available for any matches. Your participation will ensure the league’s success.
Fixtures and Teams: All fixtures are at WPCC and are posted on our website (https://wpgm.co.za). You can also find the player lists and team allocations there.
Season Fees: The season fee is R760. It’s important that all players pay this fee. If you’re facing any financial constraints, please contact Noreen or me.
Goalkeepers: We’re a bit tight on keepers this season, so please bear with us as we manage this.

Notes:

Since it’s a short season, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Teams will selected for IPT and will need to cover the cost of practice games.
Any other pitch and play sessions will be collected on the night, including Sunday training sessions.
Looking forward to a fantastic season ahead!