Following last week’s National Exec meeting, it was agreed that for the forthcoming 2023/24 season, the BRHA would launch a brand new National Junior League consisting of multiple junior age groups (based on demand); likely played over 3 weekends at different rinks across the country, so it is fair for all those involved.
We need a minimum of 5 teams per age group and will run multiple weekends to accommodate, again, based on demand. We’ve had considerable interest in this format from many teams we’ve floated the idea to, so we are confident in its appeal and feel this offers something different to other organisations with relatively minimal commitment.
We’ll look to start this in a few months to give clubs time to sort logistics and will coordinate dates with interested clubs to avoid clashes where possible.
If you are interested, please complete this form: http://join.brha.co.uk
(Select “Junior National League” in the first drop-down menu and then select the age groups in which you want to register).
Your feedback/suggestions are welcome and will be considered during planning.
Thanks for your support
Dave & BRHA NEC
National Vets League
- Players aged 35 years or over
- No registration fee for existing members
- New member registration inc. insurance £15/player
- 3 weekends played across the country:
18-19 February 2023 @ Bordon Roller Rink
13-14 May 2023 @ Atherton Roller Rink
17-18 June 2023 @ Cardiff House of Sport
Player registration now open: https://brha.co.uk/register
Full information: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/sportily/48/documents/63bec1e262a90BRHA%20National%20Vets%20League%20-%20Info%20Sheet%203%20(10.01.23).pdf
2022/23 National Championships
We can now announce the confirmed dates and locations of the 2022/23 National Championships.
Senior A
22 & 23 July 2023 | Bordon Roller Rink
Senior B
15 & 16 July 2023 | Midlands Roller Arena, Lutterworth
Under 16s
5/6 August 2023 | Northwest Roller Rink, Atherton
Under 12s
5/6 August 2023 | Northwest Roller Rink, Atherton
More information to follow
www.brha.co.uk
nationalexec@brha.co.uk
New for 2022/23
National Vets League
Players aged 35 years +
Looking to play with minimal commitment
And wanting to have a laugh with teammates
Details coming soon!
Register your interest: nationalexec@brha.co.uk
or message us on Facebook
In a North vs South final, AHDUK Dodgers are U16 national champions and secure the third and final crown of the 2021/22 series. In a close finale, it was end-to-end until Dodgers scored a few goals in quick succession and ultimately secured the gold medal with a 7-4 win.
The bronze medal match was all-South represented by Brighton Stormers vs Borehamwood Crusaders with Crusaders emptying the tank with a 5-0 win.
Our third and final ’The Malcolm Tilley Award’, this time, went to a team rather than an individual as the entire T-Wrex roster played with huge smile and real sportsmanship all weekend. A true credit to the sport.
Top Netminder was awarded to Dodgers #64 Nikolai Divall recording a GAA of 2.17 for the weekend.
Top Player went to Lions #95 Joel Hopcroft netting an impressive 14 goals and 3 assists.
Our closing statement is for all our members. Those that support what we’re doing and have been involved in the BRHA this season. To all the parents for putting in the miles and travelling their kids across the country allowing them to do what they love. And finally to our officials and volunteers for kindly giving up their weekend to be with us and make the games happen in the first place.
See you in a month or so for the start of the 2022/23 season!
Congratulations to Northern Lights for being crowned Senior B National Champions!
The final vs Eastbourne Edge was neck and neck the whole way, finishing the extended final format 2-2 for it to go to a best-of-three penalty shootout. Northern Lights scored their first with the remaining attempts not managing to find the back of the net.
Kernow Wizards clinched bronze in another close battle versus Newport Knights.
Our tournament officials awarded “The Malcolm Tilley Spirit Award” to Northern Lights netminder #79 Jimmy Tse.
The Top Netminder jersey went to Newport Knights #1 Chris Barlow with a GAA of 0.75.
And the jersey for Top Player registering 8 goals and 4 assists was Northern Lights #97 Andrew Hapgood.
Thanks to everyone that made the trip. Now we look forward to welcoming the U16 teams to Bordon Roller Rink next weekend for the third and final weekend of the 2021/22 Nationals.
Congratulations to #BrightonStormers who were crowned champions and to runners up #Predators. The final was high tempo and physical, so kudos for pushing through and emptying the tank to help make it such a thrilling end to a great weekend.
#WiganWarlords and #DevilsBlack fought a close game for the bronze with Warlords clinching it late on in regulation time to avoid it going to penalty shots.
The Malcolm Tilley Spirit Award: Rhys Edwards of Devils Black.
Top Netminder: Aaron Taylor of Brighton Stormers with a GAA of 1.63.
Top Player: Louie Newell of Predators with 13 goals and 4 assists.
Thank you to our match day officials and our friends at Elements hockey and Dangl Productions, as without you it wouldn’t be possible!
All roads now lead to Bordon Roller Rink for the Senior B nationals next weekend. LET’S GO!!!
If you have questions, you can always reach us by emailing nationalexec@brha.co.uk.
BRHA National Tournament
To update you on the friendly national tournament the BRHA is running at Bordon Roller Rink over the weekend of 14th & 15th August, we have decided to run this as a senior tournament instead due to several hurdles along the way. Apologies to those junior teams that had registered their interest, we’ll make it extra special for Junior Nationals 2021/22! ????
So, senior teams…
- Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th August @ Bordon Roller Rink. Times and fixtures will be confirmed in due course.
- Each BRHA region has only 3 available slots each. Get in contact with your regional representative for more details.
- No qualification needed on this occasion. This is a friendly tournament open to all registered BRHA senior teams.
- £300 per team. As the tournament is approx. 5 weeks away, payment will be due within 7 days to guarantee your place.
- We are considering a couple of different formats to maximise the number of games each team plays.
This is our first national event as the BRHA and, after the year we’ve all had, we look forward to welcoming teams from all over the country for a weekend of hockey (hopefully without restrictions, too!) ????
Questions? Drop us an email: NationalExec@brha.co.uk
#ThisGirlCan + #BRHA = GIRL POWER!
WITHIN THE BRHA there is a proud history of supporting the promotion of women's hockey, dating back before the league was first established in 2014.
Going back around 20 years ago, players like Beth Kavanagh and team-mate Kelly were a formidable force with Walkden Cobras in the North West junior leagues. This tradition has been continued ever since with players like Beth Wright, Charlotte Jackson and Judy Browne plus in more recent years, through Holimae Bentham (founder #OnTheRocks), Mali Easton (Winner of TOP NETMINDER at the BRHA Winter Cup 2019) & Katie Jones who has represented female players at senior level in the North West Region, at national level with GB, internationally with Ris-Oranges in France, and most recently at Sparta Women's 2021.
Pictured: Katie Jones. Inline hockey player, coach, GB international, match official.
No one gets to choose how you exercise other than you. Your body, your call. And whatever that looks like, we think it’s worth celebrating. #ThisGirlCan, funded by the National Lottery, believes that there’s no ‘right’ way to get active. Get in touch to locate a team near you and try something new, or get back on the skates if you haven’t played in a while.
*** Calling all Coaching Staff ***
Help develop your goalies by sitting this bonus module of our accredited coaching course.
Module 8: Developing Great Netminders
This Sunday, 27th June, at 1600 BST.
Limited spaces available: https://ahduk.com/coach-education
#BRHA
#AHDUK
#StrongerAsOne
The BRHA National Executive Committee and Advanced Hockey Development UK (AHDUK) are proud to announce their continued partnership by entering into a long-term agreement to deliver their leading coaching program as its recognised national certification.
The BRHA has opted to join our friends in the sport as one of several international organisations that is driving consistency and improving the overall standard of coaching to that offered previously. This is a significant milestone not only for us but for the history of inline hockey. Improving the standard of coaching, especially amongst our junior clubs, is of utmost importance to the long-term success of our organisation and the future of our sport as a whole.
Who does this affect?
The rule is simple. It is mandatory for teams with under 18’s in their roster to be certified to level 1 as a minimum. This applies across all age groups. There must be a minimum of one level 1 coach on the bench/pad at all times in order for the insurance policy to be valid.
Teams without under 18’s are still strongly encouraged to become certified in order to possess a base-level skill set in coaching a team. It is not only about drills; you will learn valuable skills in how to manage challenging situations, how to effectively run a bench on game day, and much more. Even for experienced coaches, a refresher will not do any harm, or just think of it as a good networking opportunity.
In addition to nationally sanctioned events, this is in effect across all BRHA regions including North Wales (Market Drayton), North West (Atherton), South (Bordon), South West (Plymouth), West (Market Drayton), and Yorkshire (Sheffield).
It is important to note that the validity of our insurance policy is linked to this program and is mandatory for some. Due to the importance of this matter, clubs found not adhering to this rule will be subject to disciplinary investigation and remedial action.
Why does this matter?
Quality trained coaches benefit hockey programs in many ways. Coaches who are confident in their abilities to work with players and coaches in the sport will be a valuable part of their players development and further improve the standard inter-club. As a result of this, your club will be more attractive to new players in the sport or players that may be looking for a new opportunity.
Course overview
For a coach to be deemed ‘qualified’ they will need to sit a minimum of two levels consisting of seven modules:
Level 1
> Module 1: Introduction to coaching inline hockey (2.5hr)
> Module 2: Delivering high quality training sessions (2.5hr)
> Module 3: Game day and bench management (2.5hr)
Level 2
> Module 4: Teaching effective checking in today’s game (2.5hr)
> Module 5: Developing hockey IQ (2.5hr)
> Module 6: Developing team play (2.5hr)
> Module 7: How to build a winning inline program (2.5hr)
Once the coach has completed all seven modules, the certification will be valid for ten (10) years from the date of passing the final module. They will need to attend a refresher session every two (2) years and within a six (6) month window of the due date – three (3) months either side.
Extra Points
Keep an eye out for complimentary pre-recorded webinars that will focus on various topics that, once completed, earn extra points towards your overall tally. Over time, points will mean prizes so be sure to remain engaged and attend as many of these extra sessions as you can.
Technical benefits
> Courses delivered using the latest coaching software: Hockey Coach Vision (HCV)
> Access to AHDUK coaching portal with HCV where coaches can access example practice plans
> Access to AHDUK’s CEP private members coaching group giving you a platform to interact with like-minded peers. Have a question or facing a challenge? This is your go-to!
> Free drill-of-the-week updates through our Facebook group where coaches can share ideas through cooperative learning encouraging further development
> Continued support and development with a free monthly 1-hour webinar on various subject matter
How much does it cost and how do I book?
The cost of each module is £20. Participants can book directly through https://ahduk.com/coach-education/. Modules can be booked individually in any order and at a pace that suits. All modules will run on a cycle over a period of several weeks, so coaches just need to register themselves on a date that is convenient. We all have busy lives, right?
Once the booking is confirmed, an email will be sent to the address provided that will contain all of the relevant information you need to prepare for the session.
Reinvesting for the benefit of our members
£5 from each module is paid in commission to the BRHA, 100% of which is invested back into the league to help fund various initiatives that directly benefit its members. BRHA Limited is committed to providing its members with full transparency of its financial accounts. All regional executive committees have visibility of the national financial accounts, or this can be arranged upon request by emailing: nationalexec@brha.co.uk.
What is the process upon completion?
Upon completion of each module, participants will receive a certificate of attendance which will display their personal reference number. Following the completion of level 1 and level 2 respectively, participants should notify the BRHA and upload a copy of their module attendance certificates at http://coaching.brha.co.uk. Any additional modules or webinars taken thereafter must also follow the same process. It is important this step is completed in a timely manner this triggers a process within the BRHA and maintains the list of qualified coaches.
EIHA: Coaches wanting to use their EIHA level 1 or level 2 qualification can upload a copy to the same form: http://coaching.brha.co.uk.
Will you accept any other coaching certification?
Holding a rigorous coaching certification is paramount. As this coaching program is based on EIHA’s coaching program, the BRHA will accept EIHA level 1 and level 2 certification only. All registered coaching staff have the opportunity to complete this course if they already hold EIHA level 1 or level 2. but all modules must be completed in full in order to attain BRHA level 1 and level 2 certification.
Who can I contact with questions?
As ever, the BRHA National Executive Committee is on hand to help answer your questions by emailing: nationalexec@brha.co.uk. Alternatively, contact your regional executive committee via the normal channels
Who is AHDUK?
Advanced Hockey Development UK is continually proven to be an industry leader for delivering high quality coach development workshops and hockey camps.
> Team of qualified instructors educated to IIHF Level 3/EIHA Level 5
> UK Preparing to Teach in the Learning sector level 4 (PTLS)
> Attended IIHF Technical Director course – 2010 in Vierumaki, Finland.
> IIHF International Coach Seminars– 2006 – 2008 – 2010 – 2012 – 2014 – 2016 – 2018 - 2019
> Attended at several IIHF high performance and development camps.
> Attended the Danish Ice Hockey Federations U16/U17 National team selection camp.
> Over 15 years’ experience delivering coach education courses and workshops.
> Over 25 years’ coaching experience as head coach at all levels from Learn to Play (LTP) to Professional Semi pro leagues and National teams.
> Held the position of Technical Director of the Coach Education Program for the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA).
> Ability to design and deliver bespoke coach and development packages that meet our client’s requirements.
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[Download a copy in PDF]
BRHA has partnered with Sport England and The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) to provide you with a complimentary COVID-19 Awareness Certification.
Free to all team coaches & managers, referees, timekeepers, executive committee members, and facility managers.
Helping you to return with confidence, sit one of our tailored courses, and help us prevent the spread of Coronavirus so we can safely get back to the sport we love.
http://covidawareness.brha.co.uk
We have updated our return to play guidance which is available to download here: https://BRHA.co.uk/documents.
All RTP acceptance forms previously submitted are null and void meaning all teams must update their team’s risk assessment and resubmit for approval by completing the usual ‘RTP Acceptance’ form: http://rtpacceptance.brha.co.uk.
Insurance is not valid until you have received the approval email from National Exec, nor are you able to return to the rink adopting the BRHA’s RTP until this is received.
The approval email will include a link to a downloadable PDF which can be supplied to your training facility as evidence of insurance cover and RTP approval.
All registered teams have team liability and coaches insurance as standard, and all players have comprehensive sports injury cover once the registration fee has been paid in full. You can download the scope of insurance here: https://BRHA.co.uk/documents.
If you have questions then please email: nationalexec@brha.co.uk and we will do what we can to help.
To all members,
Well, I think it's fair to say that none of us thought we would be in the same situation a year down the line (literally to the day!) Thank you for your continued patience and support while we navigate the ever-changing situation. It has been a truly challenging time for all of us and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you all back on the rink very soon!
We have been working with the DCMS and UKActive to gather the facts before sharing our plan with the wider community. Unfortunately, a lot of the detail remains to be seen but we will share what we know so that you can start planning as best as possible. The expectation we have is that more details will be released at some point next week, once we pass step 2 of the spring roadmap.
To summarise our plan: -
We have been working to ensure as smooth return as possible and fully understand that everyone's situation is slightly different when it comes to inter-club activities; therefore, please liaise with your regional exec and local training facility to ensure you have the most up-to-date information available.
The dates contained within this communication reflects and is conditional on the government's 'Spring Roadmap 2021' and is subject to change without notice.
RETURN TO PLAY: We will update our RTP and risk assessment template at the earliest opportunity once this information is made available. All previously submitted RTP acceptance forms are now deemed null and void. Teams are required to update their acceptance and risk assessment to reflect the guidance once published. As per, the responsible person in each team will receive an automated approval email from the National Exec once the submission has been reviewed and approved, only after which are you authorised to return and for your insurance policy to be deemed 'active'. The email will contain a link to a PDF which can be forwarded to your facility as proof. If you don't have the approval email then you are not insured nor able to adopt the BRHA's RTP.
Looking for an event in the coming months? We are committed to posting the regional and national events we know of on our website so that our members have a central reference point. Keep an eye on our website for details as they become available: https://brha.co.uk/news/372.
As ever, if you have questions or need pointing in the right direction, you can email us: nationalexec@brha.co.uk and we will do what we can to help.
Stay safe,
Dave McGill
Director, BRHA Ltd.
www.brha.co.uk
On behalf of the BRHA National Executive Committee.
We will post the events we know of here. Check back regularly for more information.
COVID-19 Return to Play Statement
06 December 2020
Dear Members,
Further to recent developments concerning COVID-19 guidelines, the BRHA National Executive Committee is providing clubs across all six regions with an update on our current position and the plan moving forward.
BRHA Limited is the acting governing body for all six BRHA regions, namely North Wales, North West, South, South West, West, and Yorkshire. As you know, the BRHA National Exec has been working closely with the DCMS over the past several months and pushing our sport forward where it is safe to do so.
Version 4 of our return to play policy has been reviewed and approved by the DCMS, and the arrangement is that we move forward in a streamlined fashion with other roller organisations, so the sport is moving forward as one and allows for easier governance. To us, this makes a lot of sense and we, of course, will do what we can to support progress so long as the safety of our members and volunteers is not compromised.
This past week as lockdown 2.0 concluded, the BRHA National Exec held several meetings regarding our position as an organisation and what we believe is the right approach to take the next step. There is and will always be the added complication of ever-changing government guidelines that is simply out of our control; however, we feel it necessary to demonstrate to our valued members that we are moving forward.
To this end, we are pleased to announce that the BRHA National Exec has approved the return to competitive play and plan to run pilot games where we execute our stringent game day policies and make the necessary tweaks prior to rolling out nationally. The safe and controlled return to competitive play is of utmost importance and this process will not be rushed. As a country and sport, we have had to endure unprecedented times that has tested each and every one of us at all levels, and it appears we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. Now is not the time to relax and compromise our safety. Each region will be required to adopt national policies and procedures, so that we continue to manage the situation, with a platform to provide feedback so every region learns from the other.
The pilot games will take place effective 01 January 2021 and the regional heads will contact all member clubs to commence a consultation period in due course. It is crucial that our members have the opportunity to input into our wider plan and this will be achieved through the hierarchical structure in place from parent and player up to the BRHA National Exec. Our members must feel safe and involved at all times and this is where we need you more than ever.
At the time of writing, the BRHA is at the following phases: -
· Seniors @ RTP Phase 2:
o Tier 1: Teams are allowed to train in bubbles of six up to a maximum of two bubbles (12 individuals in total). This includes netminders but excludes coaching staff as long as they maintain social distance and wear a suitable face covering.
o Tier 2: Players can train with up to 12 players on the rink with no interaction other than those of the same household or support bubble. While training is allowed, you must continue to socially distance on-and-off the rink, and the mixing of players is strictly prohibited.
o Tier 3: Skating rinks are not allowed to open while in tier 3.
· Juniors @ RTP Phase 3:
o All Tiers: Teams are allowed to train in accordance with the participant numbers and guidance stated in the BRHA’s RTP v4 policy. Training is permitted for players aged 17 and under across all tiers.
o Tier 3: Skating rinks are not allowed to open while in tier 3.
NB: As ever, please keep a very close eye on the ever-changing landscape and ensure your club is adhering to the latest guidelines.
Effective 01 January 2021:
· Competitive play is allowed within the confines of the guidance;
· Juniors:
o Training @ Phase 3 (enhanced training): no change in phase – stringent measures required while training;
o Games @ Phase 5 (behind closed doors): Junior teams with players aged 17 and under are permitted to participate in organised games. Please ensure cross-tier travel is kept to a minimum and only when essential.
o NB: Phase 4 and phase 6 are the maximum phases for training and games respectively. The BRHA does not operate sequential phases as is the case with some other organisations, as this allows us to control all playing environments independently.
· Seniors:
o Training @ Phase 2: continued until such time the guidance for players aged 18 years and over is updated;
o Games: under the current guidance, game play environments are not allowed for players aged 18 years and over.
As BRHA Limited has only recently taken ownership of the national organisation from Inline UK, it is an acting governing body and, currently, not recognised by Sports England. The process to become recognised by Sports England is quite lengthily and will take time. This is why the DCMS are unable to list BRHA as an approved body on the website; although, our policy has been reviewed and approved. A headed letter has been requested so that this can be used for reference of our dialogue and agreement with the DCMS. We will remain fully transparent throughout this process and encourage any questions you may have.
The respective regional representatives will be reaching out in due course; however, if you have any questions or need further clarification in the meantime, please email nationalexec@brha.co.uk.
Please continue to stay safe and we thank you once again for your continued support,
The BRHA National Executive Committee.
As we head in to the weekend, we want to share the latest on where we are following the Government’s shift in guidance earlier this week.
The DCMS has reviewed and approved version 3 of our RTP, subject to updating it to the revised guidance. V3 was sent prior before the announcement so we will get to work and push this through ASAP.
They have confirmed junior hockey (17 and under) can continue under the new guidance, and we will be working to get the season started as soon as is practical. As we want to return under the safest possible conditions, games will be played behind closed doors. BRHA South has been working tirelessly on a Covid-secure facility plan that has also been reviewed by the DCMS. This region will be the pilot and the plan tweaked where necessary before rolling out to other regions. It is a process that needs to be tried and tested, and cannot be rushed so we thank you for your understanding.
Furthermore, we have confirmation that senior players (18+) are able to form training bubbles on the rink with the strict understanding that they do no mix. This allows senior teams to form two bubbles of six. The RTP will be updated and published early next week so that senior teams have a maximum of 12 (2 x 6) at any one time, and this must include coaches and other participants registered to the team. We will be working with the regional heads and the facilities to introduce measures to partition the rink in two. Competitive games are suspended until further notice. No individuals will be authorised to wait on the bench or around the rink, and spectators will be prohibited on the basis that safeguarding is not compromised.
We hope this provides some reassurance as we head in to the weekend. It is an unprecedented time and we are constantly having to react and adapt. The BRHA National Exec is doing everything in our power to push on but we must all remain mindful of the times we are in. Safety must not be compromised.
A further update will be posted in the coming days once we release the new version of the RTP and require teams to update their RTP Acceptance and Risk Assessment forms.
Many thanks for your continued patience and support,
Dave McGill
Director & General Secretary
BRHA Limited
On behalf of the BRHA National Executive Committee
Here is your opportunity to get involved in the brand new BRHA All Stars initiative, which is launching for the 2020/21 season. BRHA South, North West, and Yorkshire, come together as we set out to scout the elite players across all regions that will represent the BRHA domestically as well as on the International stage.
We are looking for candidates to fill the roles of Manager, Coach & Assistant Coach to lead the U12, U14, and U16 teams, all supported by the BRHA National Executive Committee.
In order to be considered, we are asking for individuals interested in these positions to submit their Resume online: http://allstars.brha.co.uk. The closing date is 30th September 2020 with the successful candidates notified no later than 31st October 2020.
The successful coaching and management teams will work together on strategy and start planning for the BRHA All Stars Challenge. This is a 'trial by tournament' event that is being held at our BRHA West & North Wales rink in Market Drayton on 12th & 13th December 2020. Each region will take a team of interested players per age group to the event where they will compete against the other two regions (3 teams per age group, 9 in total at the event).
The objectives of the Tournament are primarily to re-enforce the Association’s desire to put the focus on the future of our sport with the younger players, to help it grow and provide a sustainable route for development.
The successful team will be scouted based on their all-round performance including attitude on and off the rink, and ability. Each team will be formed of 8 players and 2 goalies, with the successful players being informed in early January.
Training sessions will be held on the following dates in preparation for Sparta 2021!
- 6th February @ Bordon Roller Rink, 12:00 - 16:30
- 6th March @ Atherton Roller Rink, 12:00 - 16:30
Sparta is scheduled for 31st March - 4th April 2021, in Igualada, near Barcelona.
Please be aware that you may only be considered if you can commit to ALL aspects of the ALL STARS Programme (challenge event, training & Sparta). You must be registered in the BRHA as either a Player, Manager or Coach (Managers & Coaches must be DBS Registered - DBS will be arranged if required).
Sparta age group classification (this aligns to the BRHA):
- Under 13 (Born on or after 1/1/08)
- Under 15 (Born on or after 1/1/06)
- Under 17 (Born on or after 1/1/04)
COACHES & MANAGERS -- APPLY HERE BEFORE 30 SEPTEMBER: http://allstars.brha.co.uk
Download the full advert here (PDF): https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MU2oIPvJKPNnQdMAqA4yS-eCvuXIP65J