Dear Parents and Hockey Players
We extend a warm welcome to all our hockey players and parents. We are sure that your
experience will be an extremely rewarding one and we would like to give you an overview of
what to expect during the 2015 hockey season.
Hockey Grade 4 -7
Trials will take place during all hockey trainings sessions throughout the season. The first
few sessions will be skills based. There will be a minimum of three selectors per age group.
We choose the best 14 girls per squad irrespective of position. They will be allowed to trial in
a position of their choice, although in the modern game of hockey, players should never
restrict themselves to only one position. Selectors will be looking for flexible players who can
be used in more than one position. Selectors also look for girls who are teachable and
willing to learn. Hockey is a team sport and is often more dependent on team combinations
than individual skill.
We have entered 3 teams per age group from Grade 5 to Grade 7 and 4 teams for Grade 4.
Grade 5 to Grade 7 girls will play full field, 11-a-side hockey. We select a maximum of 14
players for the match and rotate them on via a system called “rolling substitution”. This
system has made reserves null and void and all girls selected for the match will play. We
encourage all girls in Grade 5 to try out for goalkeeper and try and rotate the girls as much
as possible. From Grade 6 the girls start to specialise as a goalkeeper. On Thursday
afternoons there is goalkeeper training with Jarryd Byron.
Grade 4s play 8-a-side half field matches. Every week the goalkeepers will be rotated so
that everyone is able to get a feel for all the positions on the field.
As far as possible we have tried to organise matches for all teams on each match day, but
unfortunately this does not always work out. With matches being on a Friday we are
plagued with various excuses as to why children or opposition are not able to field extra
teams. As a result each age group will have a Saturday tournament where they play at least
4 matches; please refer to the fixture list and enter the dates into your diary. It is essential
that your daughter is available for these tournaments to ensure that she is exposed to a fair
amount of match play. Please note these might clash with Club Tournaments but it is policy
that school fixtures take precedence.
Matches are played in the match top, match skirt, blue socks and tackies or boots. Girls are
reminded to wear sunblock and water bottles to all practices. Although we will allow the girls
to wear hats during skills sessions they may not wear them during matches. This is against
the hockey rules and actually interferes with their vision.
The hockey tour is only for the Grade 6 A and 7 A teams. These teams will be selected by
Friday, 10 July and will tour on the weekend of 24-26 July. A letter with more information
was sent home with the girls.
Grade 3 Hockey:
There is no league for Gr 3 hockey and as a result we choose mixed ability teams. We have
organised matches against various schools in order to prepare the girls for their tournament
at Roedean on Saturday, 18 July. They have a round-robin against Brescia on Friday, 16
July. They do not play weekly matches but matches would take place on a Thursday
afternoon during their practice time. We play 6-a-side quarter field matches. There are no
goalkeepers and the emphasis in on creating a love for hockey.
General:
Initially, we start with 1 practice per week with an optional skill session on a Thursday
afternoon. After half term we will have 2 practice sessions per age group with an optional
skills session on a Thursday. These skills sessions are not compulsory and are held for the
individual to work on her own skills. These sessions have no bearing on team selection and
can be attended on an ad hoc basis. Goalkeeper sessions continue every week on a
Thursday.
Although we aim to be competitive at each match we do not follow a win at all costs
philosophy. We are a Preparatory School and aim to foster a love for hockey, competition
and physical development. We hope that through this medium we can create a safe
environment where our girls try new things, learn team work and build lasting memories.
Please remember that we do not encourage parents to watch the practices. This often
creates more anxiety and distraction for your daughters. They are able to read all your cues;
verbal and non-verbal and know when you are disappointed by the way they are playing.
However, they love your support at matches and appreciate when you travel all over to
watch them play.
Girls are required to travel on the bus to matches. Parents are encouraged to come and
support the girls at the various match venues. Girls are encouraged to stay to the end and
support the other teams. Girls may go home with their parents after the match, or return to
school on the bus.
Coaching Teams:
Grade
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Coaches
Mr Veldman
Jon
Sharne
Emily
Mr Motswalo
Mrs de la Harpe
Brigitte
Emily
Jon
Mr Human
Naph
Jarryd
Alex
Mrs Decker
Naph
Jarryd
Bridgette
Mrs Tanner-Ellis
Jon
Mikel
Emily
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Please contact the teacher in charge of your daughter’s age group for general age group
queries or to excuse your daughter. However, if you have any other queries please refer
them to Mrs Tanner-Ellis.
Over the last few years it has come to our attention that parents do not always understand
the difference between a team and a squad. I have inserted a definition below:
Squad:
We select more players than we need to use for our hockey teams. These players are part
of the training squad.
Team:
These are the girls selected weekly from the squad to play in the scheduled matches.
At this point, I would to thank all the people involved in hockey this term, the excellent
coaching and support staff, parents and the players. We look forward to an awesome, jampacked season.
Yours faithfully
Janet Tanner-Ellis
TIC Hockey
[email protected]