SENIOR DIVISION HOCKEY CHANGES
These changes have been made following a comprehensive review process which has included our 2024 participant surveys, competition review and working group established. The Review work has continued into 2025 with working group discussion and recommendations, club consultation and refinement before AHA Club President and Board Approval Read on to learn about the changes, the decision making and how it will affect and improve your upcoming season
HERE'S AN OUTLINE OF THE MAIN CHANGES
These changes have been implemented to solve the following main issues identified by stakeholders throughout our review, namely:
- Uneven competition
- Variable grade sizes and uneven numbers of teams
- Inconsistent grade formats (eg variable grade splits and finals formats)
- Logistical challenges scheduling more advanced draws
- Potential for lengthy no-play gaps and bye weeks
- Inconsistent opportunities for promotion/relegation
- Over-dependence from some teams on players from outside of their registered team
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GRADES & THEIR RANKINGS
Premier Hockey
Reserve Hockey
Championship Grade
(M & W)Saturday Grade 1
(M & W)
Sunday Grade 1
(M & W)
Saturday Grade 2
(M & W)Sunday Grade 2
(M)Premier & Reserve Hockey
Premier and Reserve Hockey stays the same - a pathway up through the grades to higher honours
Championship Grade
The top senior divisional grade, leading into Reserve grade. These make up the top Senior Grade players within a club and are competitive level competitions
Grade 1
More competitive than not, these grades balance the players looking for a challenge with those looking to add a social gathering afterwards to their weekly calendar. Grade 1 provides players with a competitive challenge whilst allowing them to choose the day that best suits them
Grade 2
Our social grade for those looking to enjoy hockey and all the social benefits it affords
Playing 'Up' a Grade
Players are encouraged to play up within their day. For example, players might play from Saturday 2 into Saturday 1, or Saturday 1 into Championship. However, to keep players from being overworked there will also be dispensations available to play across days
Dispensations
You can apply for dispensation to play across days. We mainly want to see players playing up within the same day, but if teams need dispensations can be applied for
Promotion & Relegation
Senior Grade winners will be given the opportunity to play a promotion/relegation match within their competition day. The league winner will be given first preference, if they decline, the opportunity will be given to the Championship (Finals) winner. If neither team elects to play the game there will not be a promotion/relegation game
Premier & Reserve Hockey
Premier and Reserve Hockey stays the same - a pathway up through the grades to higher honours
Championship Grade
The top senior divisional grade, leading into Reserve grade. These make up the top Senior Grade players within a club and are competitive level competitions
Grade 1
More competitive than not, these grades balance the players looking for a challenge with those looking to add a social gathering afterwards to their weekly calendar. Grade 1 provides players with a competitive challenge whilst allowing them to choose the day that best suits them
Grade 2
Our social grade for those looking to enjoy hockey and all the social benefits it affords
Playing 'Up' a Grade
Players are encouraged to play up within their day. For example, players might play from Saturday 2 into Saturday 1, or Saturday 1 into Championship. However, to keep players from being overworked there will also be dispensations available to play across days
Dispensations
You can apply for dispensation to play across days. We mainly want to see players playing up within the same day, but if teams need, dispensations can be applied for
Promotion & Relegation
Senior Grade winners will be given the opportunity to play a promotion/relegation match within their competition day. The league winner will be given first preference, if they decline, the opportunity will be given to the Championship (Finals) winner. If neither team elects to play the game there will not be a promotion/relegation game
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you've got questions. Here are some of the most common ones we've been asked
For Players
If our team wins our grade, do we have to change the day we play on next year?
Why are the grades being limited to only 8 teams?
We struggle to get numbers some weeks. Why is the minimum squad size increasing to 14?
I sometimes fill in for my club’s other teams. Can I still do that?
Is the season going to be disrupted by breaks again?
Our team is purely social. Will we be forced into a competitive promotion battle?
For Clubs
How does the 'Next Highest Team' ranking work for player eligibility?
What about the 17th Player/Goalie rule? Do we need two kitted keepers?
Will a 14-player minimum increase our club costs?
How will you decide which grade our teams start in for 2026?
We have three teams of similar ability. Can we enter them all in the same grade?
EXAMPLE SCENARIOS
Here's what the changes might look like in a few common test cases
My team in the Saturday Grade 1 team is short of players but our other Grade 1 team has subs we can use
The Problem
The team is no longer able to pull players from teams in the same grade without dispensation
The Outcome
The team reaches out to the Saturday Grade 2, Sunday Grade 2 or their Youth Championship players or applies for dispensation. Dispensation decisions will consider the number of other teams in lower senior or youth grades that a club has the opportunity to pull from
Why this change was made
This ensures teams are unique week on week and that of the 8 teams playing in the grade we can ensure a fair and diverse contest. It also removes the contention about which team is a club's best team in a particular grade at the start of the season
I play in Saturday Grade 2, what grades am I allowed to fill in for?
The Problem
I've been selected to play in my Saturday Grade 2 team, but I'm not sure which teams I'm eligible to play into
The Outcome
You can play into Saturday Grade 1 and Sunday Grade 1
Why this change was made
This change means players can still support their club in helping fill teams while respecting a player's time and availability
My team just won the Sunday Grade 2 league, does that mean we'll be promoted?!
The Problem
With opportunity for promotion between grades, what happens to teams?
The Outcome
Winning your Grade 2 Grade league ensures that you have first right of opportunity to 'play' for promotion. You won't be automatically promoted, but if you elect to play the promotion game and beat the team up for relegation, then you'll move to Sunday Grade 1 (assuming your club doesn't already have 2 teams in the grade above). Promotion/Relegation games will be played the Saturday following the conclusion of the winter Season, in 2026 that will be Saturday August 29th
Why this change was made
This ensures there's stronger competition within the grades. By promoting the stronger teams into competitions they belong in we hope to lift the competition, skill and enjoyment of all our players
We came last in Sunday Grade 1! Do we have to play a relegation game?
The Problem
With the opportunity for relegation between grades, in what circumstances does this game need to be played?
The Outcome
Unfortunately, coming 8th in your grade means you'll need to be prepared to play a game to retain your spot in the higher grade if the league or final winner elect to play for promotion. If neither team wants to be promoted then your team will stay in the same grade the following season
Why this change was made
Similar to the scenario above, we want to ensure that teams are in the correct grades for their skill and enjoyment level
We've lost the relegation match but there are already two teams from my club in the grade below. What happens here?
The Problem
As a club is only allowed two teams in a grade, a third 'coming down from above' would create excessive teams
The Outcome
Unfortunately, a discussion will now need to be had with your club, with the likely event of one of the existing teams in the grade below getting 'dropped' down another grade to ensure there are only ever a maximum of two teams from any one club in a grade (with the exception of Grade 2 or Grade 3)
Why this change was made
To ensure parity and competition integrity we are taking a hard line on two teams from any club in a grade. If the team loses their relegation game, they effectively 'belong' in the grade below and as such concessions need to be made to accommodate both these rules
SUMMARY
Here's the information for the more analytical amongst us
Click here to read everything summarised
