Category: News

Thank You for a Great WL24 Season! Prize Giving on 30th September

Dear Grand Masters Hockey Players,

I hope this post finds you well.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every one of you for your dedication and sportsmanship throughout this year’s winter league. Your commitment and enthusiasm have made this season truly memorable.

We are excited to announce that there will be a prize-giving ceremony after the remaining catch-up games on Monday, 30th September. The event will take place 30 minutes after the last game, and we will serve chips and chicken strips for everyone to enjoy.

Even if you are not playing in the catch-up games, you are all warmly invited to join us for the prize-giving ceremony. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our achievements and enjoy some good food and company.

Thank you once again for making this season a success. We look forward to seeing you all on the 30th!

Best regards,

Your GMHA Committee

Grand Masters Winter League 2024 Update

We wanted to provide you with some important updates.
League Resumption:

Starting from 8th July, we’ll resume our Grand Masters League matches. 

The regular Monday time slots at WPCC remain unchanged: 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.


Venue Change:

Unfortunately, we no longer have access to Hartleyvale. However, we’ve secured a new venue: Wynberg Schools Astro.


Our playing time there will be Tuesdays at 7:45 PM.


Pitch and Play:

We’ve had excellent attendance at our recent pitch and play sessions, and we’re excited to announce another one scheduled for this Monday.

Thank you for your continued participation and enthusiasm. Let’s make the Grand Masters League even more exciting when we resume in July!

Make a Difference: SA Ladies’ Team Fundraising Raffle Inside!

“Hello everyone,

As you know, most of the ‘Blue’ ladies’ team has been chosen to represent South Africa in the 55s age group at the World Cup in New Zealand. We’re working hard to get there.

The SA Ladies 55s have organized a raffle to raise funds for our tour. Many of the ladies require extra financial assistance to attend. If we don’t achieve our goal, it could mean withdrawing our 55 team. We’d be grateful if you could share the attached link with all the GM men’s sides. There’s no pressure to purchase a ticket, but every small contribution brings us closer to our ‘goal.’

Thank you for your support!

Kind regards, Brigitte Jenkinson

P.S. While we’re aware that many GM men are attending the same World Cup, our squad is happy to support their fundraising efforts as well.”

Donate here: https://hockeyworldcup.site/raffle/win/

Admin: Summer League 2024/5 – Oct to March.

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 for byes or games they are not scheduled to play in, 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 record 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 16/17 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 matches on extra days), 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 a 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 is 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.

#Extra day matches (if applicable): 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!

Updated fixtures for Winter League 2024

With us moving to six teams we have created new fixtures.

The location for the games are WPCC B-field on Mondays, and Hartleyvale on Wednesdays:

Fixtures are:

DateDateWPCC 19:15DateHVale 18:30
2024/05/13 Yellow v White Blue v Green 2024/05/15 Red v Black
2024/05/20 Red v Blue Black v Yellow 2024/05/22 Green v White
2024/05/27 Blue v Black White v Red 2024/05/29 Yellow v Green
2024/06/03 Red v Green Yellow v Blue 2024/06/05Black v White
2024/06/10 Blue v White Green v Black2024/06/12 Yellow v Red

Second half

After the break we move to Wynberg Astro on Tuesdays at 19:45

DateDateWPCC 19:15DateWA19:45
2024/07/08 Green v Blue Yellow v White 2024/07/09 Red v Black
2024/07/15Black v Yellow Red v Blue 2024/07/16 Green v White
2024/07/22 Blue v Black White v Red 2024/07/23 Yellow v Green
2024/07/29 Red v Green Yellow v Blue 2024/07/30Black v White
2024/08/05 Blue v White Green v Black2024/08/06 Yellow v Red
2024/08/12 Yellow v White Blue v Green 2024/08/13 Red v Black
2024/08/19Black v Yellow Red v Blue 2024/08/20 Green v White
2024/08/26 Blue v BlackWhite v Red 2024/08/27 Yellow v Green
2024/09/02 Red v Green Yellow v Blue 2024/09/03Black v White
2024/09/09 Blue v White Green v Black2024/09/10 Yellow v Red

WPGMHA Winter League 2024

The WPGMHA Winter League 2024 is due to start on 15 April.

Game Times:

The games will be on Monday at 18:15 and 19:15. The fields at WPCC are booked only for that time/ We may sometimes have to wait for the school-based players to leave the field for 18:15 and we need to be off the fields promptly at 20:25 as there are WPCC masters teams that are using the fields after us.

Fixtures are loaded on the site (wpgm.co.za), and will change if there are any issues, like load shedding or inclement weather.

Squads:

We have distributed the squads to the admins (except for the lady’s team, which will once again play in Blue).

From the responses we received the maximum number of sides we could put together was the 5 teams including the lady’s side.

You can view the squads on the website here: wpgm.co.za/players/

We tried to chase up any players who did not respond to the questionnaire and believe we have most of the players catered for. If you think you said you were available to play and cannot find your name in one of the squads. Please email me at secretary@wpgm.co.za.

Costs:

There is a flat fee for the League it is R1040. We will send invoices in the coming week.

Thanks, and enjoy the Winter League

WPGMHA Winter League Fixtures 2024

The fixtures as of 4 April 2024, please note these are subject to change, and has here are the updated fixtures

Date18:1519:15Bye
2023/04/15 Red v Black Blue v White Green
2023/04/22 Green v Blue White v Red Black
2023/04/29Black v White Red v Green Blue
2023/05/13 Blue v Red Green v Black White
2023/05/20 White v Green Black v Blue Red
2023/05/27 Red v Black Blue v White Green
2023/06/03 Green v Blue White v Red Black
2023/06/10Black v White Red v Green Blue
2023/06/24 Blue v Red Green v Black White
2023/07/01 White v Green Black v Blue Red
2023/07/08 Red v Black Blue v White Green
2023/07/15 Green v Blue White v Red Black
2023/07/22Black v White Red v Green Blue
2023/07/29 Blue v Red Green v Black White
2023/08/05 White v Green Black v Blue Red
2023/08/12 Red v Black Blue v White Green
2023/08/19 Green v Blue White v RedBlack
2023/08/26Black v White Red v Green Blue
2023/09/02 Blue v Red Green v Black White
2023/09/09 White v Green Black v Blue Red

At the moment there are draft fixtures, and the final fixture will be published on 7 April 2024.

GM IPT Fixtures 2024 and Newsletter

SAGMHA IPT – 22nd TO 24th MARCH 2024 

Hosted by Southern Gauteng

Fellow Hockey Lovers,

We presume that all hockey players have been honing their skills in preparation for the forthcoming IPT.

This is our 2nd newsletter and some of the points raised in the 1st newsletter are repeated here where relevant. We sincerely apologise for any delays, which were caused by late entry changes and the odd number of teams entered.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MONDAY 18TH MARCH 2024
18:00ONLINE MANAGERS MEETING MANAGERS & COACHES
THURSDAY 21ST MARCH 2024
14:00Managers and Coaches briefing session.BHSWC TRIALISTS
FRIDAY 22ND MARCH 2024
 TEAMS ARRIVE
11:00GAMES START SAINTSALL
18:30GAMES FINISH SAINTSALL
18:30BOABAB AWARDS FUNCTION (INVITED PLAYERS)HIGHER GROUNDBARRY FRONEMAN
SATURDAY 23RD MARCH 2024
09:00GAMES START MCC & BRYANSTONALL
16:30GAMES FINISH MCC & BRYANSTONALL
17:00ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGMCC TENNIS CLUBHOUSEGM MEMBERS
18:30IPT DINNERMCC MAIN CLUBHOUSEALL
SUNDAY 24TH MARCH 2024
08:00GAMES START SAINTS, MCC & BRYANSTONALL
12:30GAMES FINISH SAINTS, MCC & BRYANSTONALL
13:15SA TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTSAINTS GRANDSTANDSAGM – BARRY FRONEMAN
14:15TEAMS DEPART
  • Program items are subject to change.

MASTERS WORLD CUP TRIALS 2024 (FOR WC OVER 60’S REGISTERED LADIES AND MEN PLAYERS)

  • SAGMHA will issue separate messages to the trialists for the session that will take place one day prior to the commencement of IPT i.e., on 21 March 2024.

TEAM ENTRIES

  • Regrettably, SA Alliance has withdrawn from the IPT for the first time in many years due to a lack of numbers and their available players have been allocated to various teams. 
  • Unfortunately, WP 60’s men’s and WP ladies’ teams have not been entered either.
  • We have 19 provincial teams, comprising 265 players and an invitational team per day to balance the matches.

TOURNAMENT LEVY

Each Provincial team was to pay a non-refundable Registration Deposit of R1000.00 per team to SGGMHA by 9 February 2024. Where deposits have been paid, this should be deducted from the total amount payable.

  • The Tournament Levy has been approved at R 690.00 per player and R 250.00 per non-playing managers/coaches (including dinner) and is due by 13 March 2024. 
  • Unfortunately, the withdrawal of teams and non-paying invitational teams has meant a higher cost per player than envisaged. The cost of the Saturday evening dinner is included.
  • Spouses and other supporters/guests attending the final dinner need to pay R 250.00 to attend the dinner. 
  • Costs include:
    • Field hire, medical facilities, umpires, tech bench, balls, air horns, LOC venue managers, security, dinner, music, power, waste, cleaning, etc.

SUMMARY OF COSTS

Payment of the tournament levy is due by 13 March 2024 into the following account:

BANK ACCOUNT:  
SGGMHA
NEDBANK CURRENT ACCOUNT
NUMBER: 1081857021 
REF: Province + team registered

COSTS (REQUIRED)
TEAM DEPOSITR          1 000,00 
PLAYER LEVYR             690,00 
MAN/COACH LEVYR             250,00 
SPOUSE/GUEST DINNERR             250,00 
BAOBAB AWARDS FUNCTION (BY INVITATION FOR 70’s/75’s)R             125,00 

FIXTURES

  • The Fixtures are attached to the email, together with this Newsletter.

MANAGERS MEETING

  • There will be an online manager’s meeting on the 18th March 2024. Link to follow.
  • We will have a brief managers session on the 22nd March 2024 at 10h30 at Saints by the Seattle Coffee shop, this will be to hand out dinner tickets etc.

ASTRO VENUES

  • To keep the costs to a minimum, of which medical services comprises the greatest, the LOC has chosen to play the matches at the fields identified in the Fixtures. Saints is not available on Saturday.
  • Each team will play three matches (1 match per day) from 22-24 March 2024.
  • Morningside Country Club (MCC) 1 De La Rey Road, Morningside
    • Single Astro, showers and change rooms, with a pub at the Astro hockey clubhouse. Food is available at the Main Clubhouse and at the Hockey Clubhouse during matches on Saturday.
    • The Main Club is within 100 metres of the astro, with a full cash bar, marque tent with tables, benches, chairs, and menu meals are available.
    • Please note that no alcohol may be taken to the venue, as it is licensed.
  • Bryanston High School Astro (BHS) 7 Tramore Road, Bryanston. 10km from MCC
    • Single Astro, showers and change rooms, with a small tuckshop which limited food available (Toasted sandwiches, wraps, chicken salad, waters, energade and cooldrinks).
    • Please note that no alcohol may be taken to the venue.
  • St. Stithian’s School (Saints)
    • Two world class astros, showers/change rooms, tented area and a coffee shop, a food truck with limited food available (Breakfast rolls, burgers, waters, energy drinks and cooldrinks).
    • As requested by SAGMHA, the announcement of the SA teams will take place at Saints.
    • Please note that no alcohol may be taken to the venue.

DRINKS

  • Alcohol/cold drinks are served at MCC.
  • Only cold drinks and waters are available at BHS. No beers allowed.
  • Only cold drinks and waters are available at Saints. No beers allowed. 
  • Managers to arrange own half-time drinks for all venues.
  • Cooler boxes will be loaned to the 9 visiting teams (KZN x 4, WP x 3, EP x 2).

AGM

  • To be held at the MCC Tennis Clubhouse on Saturday 24 March at 18h00.

SATURDAY EVENING DINNER/DANCE

  • The Saturday evening dinner/dance will be held at MCC at 18h30 after the AGM, comprising a carvery and live music.
  • The cost of the dinner for players is included in the levy.
  • The cost of dinner for Spouses, guests and visitors is R 250.00
  • The theme for the dinner/dance is “Just Jozi”. To use ideas such as “shebeen, gold, glitzy, City of Gold, etc.”.
  • Tickets/arm bands for the dinner, plus for Spouses/Guests will be issued at the managers’ meeting.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

  • There will be a roving ambulance to cover all venues and an ALS or BLS medic with a defibrillator at each venue.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

  • Physiotherapists will be available at the venues, for the players’ own account.
  • Treatment R 100.00 & Strapping R 50.00

INDEMNITY & MEDICAL FORMS

  • You are reminded that each player must complete the Indemnity and Medical form for submission to their managers by 15 March 2024.

UMPIRES AND TECHNICAL TABLE PERSONNEL

  • The duties of the umpires and the technical delegates will be as per FIH regulations and your co-operation regarding the fulfilment of their duties will be appreciated. Umpires and tech bench personnel have been arranged by SGMHA for each venue as per the fixture list.

ACCOMMODATION

  • For those who have not yet booked accommodation there are hotels near the astros: 
  • Road lodge Rivonia is nearest to MCC.
  • City Lodge Peter Place is closest to BHS and Saints.
  • Sierra Hotel Randburg is another option.

ROAD MAP

  • An updated Road Map as a build-up to the IPT has been attached to the covering email, highlighting critical dates for the flow of information, payments, and parties responsible for the implementation of requirements.

Should you require any further details etc., kindly contact me.

FOR THE LOVE OF HOCKEY.

Kind Regards,

Monty Schwegmann

SGGMHA Chair

IPT Fixtures

GM-IPT-2024-FixturesDownload

Roadmap

ROAD-MAP-NO-2-GM-IPT-2024Download

Minutes of the WPGMHA AGM 2024

Meeting held at 20:05 on 15 Feb April at WPCC

Attendance: Register below. No Zoom attendees

Apologies: As below

 

  1. JP Welcomed all.
  2. Adoption of the minutes of the AGM of the WPGMHA held at the WPCC 2023
    • Proposed RB seconded CH.
  3. Award of League Trophy
    • JP stated that the league was competitive, and this is a good thing, and this has affected the Spirit of Masters. Since the meeting the spirit Is far better, umpires have noticed the difference.
    • Winner Yellow team, top goal scorer GB
  4. SAGM — MOA vote submitted changes.
    • JP explained that as part of the AGM we are having a SGM to verify the MOU. No comments in writing.
    • DstD stated the MOU is signed, it sums up the essentially of the 2 constitutions. And forms an understanding between the two bodies. The MOU was published and sent to all. WP masters are happy with what they do, and are happy with what we do, and neither party really wants to interfere with each other. Our success is important for them to continue playing hockey.
    • MOU took 6 months to construct and congrats to GT in getting the agreement in place.
    • NvB asked if the plan it to still have a single body, DstD at the moment there are still issues with this merge. We at WP are the leading way. We are proposing that IPTs are separated. Nothing is decided on SA level.TH asked what the structure is. DstD said it was in the MOU.
    • RB stated that this IPT has shown that the close dates cause an issue.JP stated the MOU is one step in the process, we need to have changes to the committee. We need to vote as to whether the committee can go ahead.
    • DstD stated that we need to make changes to the constitution.
    • It was unanimous that we give the committee the mandate to proceeds.
  5. Remembrance wall for masters – to be virtual
    • A reembrace wall has been proposed. The idea is to create a virtual wall on the website.
  6. Finances
    • NW – financials were emailed to all.NW end of last year we had 80k, we used 10k to have the second defib. We made R20k profit from the IPT, thanks to Vinnie, he was thanked. Of the 20k we are using this to assist the coaches to assist to get to IPT.NW – we make a little profit from our fees, not much. Not all the members of the 6 teams are paying so we are covering our costs and making a little.
    • NW – Physio and first aid have had a little increase.
    • PK stated we should pay per season, and defaulters should be excluded from the league. WM explained that we did state that people must pa per season or half a season, and there were a few queries about this. This issue was moved to maters arising.
    • NW thanked BA for the finances.
    • TH said that the way any extra funds are being distributed, should be transparent. NW stated it was in the financials.
  7. Nominations for WPGM committee.
    • The positions nominated and agreed
    • Chairman:Nomination of KL to be chairman, accepted.
    • Treasurer: NW nominated and accepted.
    • Secretary:WM nominated and accepted.
    • Player affairs (2 members):GF and DMa nominated and accepted.
    • Disciplinary affairs: RB nominated and accepted.
    • General member: NL nominated and accepted.
  8. Matters Arising
    • NW stated that WP caps are available.
    • NW also said the bucket hats are also available.
    • NW stated there is place that she is looking at soft peaks.
    • BCr – asked if we are resolving the issue that those not paying need to be excluded. We need to pay per season. KL stated that there should be exceptions. PK stated that there are some people who are not requesting relief and are not paying, and they should be excluded. It was agreed this would be the case.
    • DstD stated there is no definition for a member. It is proposing that there should be a separate subscription.RB stated there may be issues with SAHA fees.
    • DstD asked how national selection is done. We have had no national selector, and wanted to know what the WPGM committee needs to address this. RB stated responses were sent to all. JP stated that the coaches do the selection.Voting at SAGM is that a delegate and a vote per team. So we only have 1+3 (maybe 2, not sure if 55s have a vote) sides. We need to consider this when sending sides.
    • DstD stated that the delegate is asked to vote on issues, and this needs to come back to the members. He wanted clarity on this. RB stated that the AGM agenda will be published soon, and at the moment there are no issues to vote for.KL stated that we have had no vote to amalgamate SA Master and SA GM, so it cannot amalgamate unless it is ratified.RB stated that FIH has prescribed that Masters and GM must amalgamated. The MOU is a consequence.BF state that he felt that WP is drifting away from SA Masters / SA GM, we need to get someone on the committee.
    • RB stated that he has sent out documentations to ask for nominations.JP stated that KL is to be proposed as chairman.
    • BW asked if Barry would stand down, It was not clear.

Meeting closed at 21:55

 

 Attendance Register WPGM AGM 2024

AI — Allan IssacsGI — Grant Irlam
AR — Andreas RedenzIF – Ian Faulkner
BC – Robbert (Bob) ComminJP – John Potgieter
BF — Robert (Bobby) FreemanJS —John Shardlow
BCr — Brent CrombrinkKL – Karl Luff
BG — Brian GoemansLL – Leon Lategan
BW — Bryan WebsterLS — Larry Sherman
CdlH —Colin de la HarpeMD — Martin Duys
CH — Chris HayleyMoK – Mike O’Keefe
CR — Cliff RutherfordNL – Neil Lavin
DM — Dereck MarnewickNvB – Nel van Blerk
DMa – Deon MaartNW – Noreen Wonnacott
DMc — Dave McKechniePK – Peter Kratz
DstD — Danny St DarePS — Peter Shardlow
EF – Edmund FisherRB – Robert Birt
FA — Frank AspelingSD – Stephen Dugmore
FS — Fanie SteffansTH – Tony Hugget
GB — Glyn BedfordTJ — Trevor Joao
GF – Gary FrayneTK — Trevor Knight
GI — Grant IrlamWM – Warren Machanik
 

 Apologies WPGM AGM 2024

Brian Alcock (BA)Clive Belcher
Glenn TurnerJohn Donald
Dereck McMahon 

Wrap up of Summer League 2023-24

Hi all we have not come to the end of summer league 23-24. What a season it has been.

Thanks

Thank you to all the players, umpires, physios, admins, coaches and captains. 

Winners

There are a few congratulations to be had.

League Winners

Firstly the winning Team was Yellow, congratulations to the Yellow team. Here is the league table results

PosTeamPts
1Yellow30
2White27
3Blue20
4Black18
5Green18
6Red14

Goal Scorers

The top goal scorer was Glyn Bedford, with 12 goals

#PlayerGoals
1Glyn Bedford12
2Bryan Webster7
Leon Lategan7
4Michael de Villiers6
Robert Commi6
Steven Bell6

Appearances

Some sides needed regular top ups, so thanks to those that helped out. Glyn and Darren helped the most, so thanks for that, but there were a few not close behind:

PlayerAppearances
Glyn Bedford20
Darren Bunker20
Leon Lategan19
Deon Maart19
Edmund Fisher18
Robert Freeman18

Discipline

We will not name names here, but our discipline this season has let us down. With the number of cards significantly higher than Winter League 2023. Although there were no red cards (winter we had 2), there were 5 Yellow cards, and 11 Green cards.

We have met to discuss this and there will be a spirit of grand masters award for Winter League, to try and curtail this.