2012 Trans Tasman Discussion Paper

International Hockey, Including a new Trans Tasman Agreement

Discussion from UHA AGM held in Melbourne on 5 December 2010
Prepared by Jane Gilligan 30 December 2010

The purpose of this document is to seek feedback from Australian UWH players about a new approach to the Trans Tasman tournament.

Proposal:

  • A more flexible Trans Tasman Agreement will be proposed with New Zealand
  • Australia and New Zealand would take it in turns to organize competitions. Australia will organize competitions in 2012. A competition summary for 2012 is below.
  • The agreement will include a Trans-Tasman in the elite category.

Objectives:

  • Create a flexible tournament agreement with New Zealand
  • Continue with the tradition of the Trans Tasman series competition
  • Continue with a bi-annual international competition
  • Create competitions that are non-profit, run in the best interests of players, well planned and no obligation.

Key drivers for change:

  • There has been much discussion about an altered international schedule from, CMAS but we know that major tournaments will happen every two and four years, and there will still be a requirement for development competitions in the ‘off years’.
  • The current trans tasman agreement is regularly being updating or adapted for each competition (the rules that are currently agreed are creating constraints rather than opportunity)
  • The current bi-annual competition is viewed by the players as a little bit ‘stale’

How to have your say:

  • Talk to the Underwater Hockey Australia Rep for your state  –  Lena Plambeck (NSW), Kirsteen Reid (Vic), Russell Cox (Qld), Craig Proctor (Tas), Joe Tindal (SA), Craig MacKenzie (WA).
  • Discuss with Australian team coaches and players
  • There will be an opportunity for general discussion at Nationals in 2011

International Tournaments and the Trans Tasman, 2012

In 2012 Australia has responsibility for hosting and organising the trans tasman competition between Australia and New Zealand. Australia would like to propose a new Trans Tasman agreement that provides flexibility for the host country to design the tournament each year. This competition summary assumes that this agreement is put in place.

Elite underwater hockey, 2012

Australia Cup / Trans Tasman
A competition will be held on the east coast of Australia. Any country can enter teams, and as many teams as they like. Countries entering multiple teams should select even teams with a focus on development. These teams will play for the Australia Cup. Barbarians teams would be considered on application. Teams will play a maximum of three games a day (with some players also playing a fourth – the trans tasman game).

Australia and New Zealand will select their best teams from the pool of players attending. A trans tasman game will be held once a day over three days during the round robin tournament. A trans tasman series game will be held for:

  • Elite women
  • Elite Open
  • U23 women
  • U23 Open

Junior underwater hockey, 2012

Australian Junior Nationals / Trans Tasman
New Zealand teams would be invited to attend the Australian Junior Nationals, to be held in Tasmania. Teams should be regional, not national strength teams. New Zealand teams will be unable to compete for finals in the Australian Junior Nationals.

Australia and New Zealand will select their best teams from the pool of players attending. A trans tasman game will be held once a day over three days during the round robin tournament. A trans tasman series game will be held for:

  • U19 women
  • U19 Open

Masters underwater hockey, 2012

Asian Cup / Trans Tasman
Australian proposes that New Zealand and Australia send masters teams to the Asian Games in 2012. Australia sent masters teams to Manila in 2010 and found that it:

  • Was a good level of competition to take to the Asian games (elite would not be appropriate)
  • Build good team morale for the masters
  • Was affordable
  • Is an important contribution to underwater hockey in our region.

Teams would enter as per the competition requirements. In addition, Australia will negotiate pool time for the trans tasman competition to be held in conjunction with the Asian Games.
Australia and New Zealand will select their best teams from the pool of players attending. A trans tasman game will be held once a day over three days during the round robin tournament. A trans tasman series game will be held for:

  • Masters women
  • Masters Open