EHF Executive Board Report, March 24th and 25th 2023
The EHF Executive Board met on 24th and 25th March 2023 in our head office in Brussels:
Presidents Welcome
The President, Marijke Fleuren, warmly welcomed everyone to the first face-to-face Executive Board meeting of the year. The President touched on the upcoming EHF elections and FIH Committees.
After Marijke’s welcome, Marcos and Peter presented a short video about the Türkiye situation presented by Gizem Karaali Karadağ, Director of International Relations of the Türkiye Hockey Federation. Gizem conveyed the emotion, desperation, and sadness for the situation in Türkiye that all Board members felt.
The minutes of the meeting of 6th December 2022 (online), 10th December 2022 (face-to-face), 1st February 2023 (online), and 27th February 2023 (online) were read and approved.
Digital Transformation Project
Simon Mason and Tom Pedersen Smith (supported by Siobhán Madeley) gave a comprehensive overview of the work completed and the work ongoing on this important project. The project will deliver a new fan-centric website, a dedicated Portal for members to access, and a platform for the EHF staff organisation and administration.
The website and phase 1 of the portal will be launched on 17th August. This project is funded by the European Union.
Development Committee
Peter Elders and Marcos Hofmann updated the Board about the Development Committee meeting which took place on 23rd March 2022 in Brussels.
All development activities are on track as per the detailed report submitted for the December 2022 Board meeting.
Peter and Marijke informed the Board about the trips to “EHF Club of the Year 2022” winners and explained how important it is as a Board member to visit clubs and NAs.
Marcos updated the Board regarding the new EU grant project which was applied for on 15th March 2023. The project is to support our Member National Associations with their strategic planning and delivery – the outcome of the bid will not be known until the Autumn.
Communications and Commercial
Siobhán Madeley presented the Board with the overview of 2022 regarding the communications planning and the tone of voice of the EHF, social media, year highlights, ongoing projects, and the plan summary for 2023.
General trends for 2022 (EHF and EHL): Page reach down in 2021 for Facebook but the quality of visits is higher (engagement/profile visits).
Reach was also affected by smaller spending on Facebook advertising.
The main driver for growth/engagement on all fronts is events – big spikes for EuroHockey U21 Championships and EHC Indoors on the EHF channels; Dedicated resource for Instagram pays dividends – e.g. Svenja Fix at U18 Championships in Ghent, Scorrd for EHL KO16, volunteer team in Hamburg for Euro Indoors (increased follower growth)
Website stats show the absolute importance of having event/tournament stats readily available which is a key part of digital transformation (fan-focused website)
The Communications and Commercial committee will have a meeting on 7th April at EHL to reflect on the current communications strategy and have a look at what we can do differently in the future.
Jokko de Wit and Siobhán Madeley presented the Board with the EHF OTT journey with Sportradar since 2017 and new OTT platform choices to go forward from 2023 to 1st August 2023. The Board supported the Committee’s decision which will now be actioned.
Jokko de Wit presented the Board with the partnership model, EHTV+ update, clothing tenders, and license agreements review. Now we have 7 members in EuroHockey Institute Business Club, and the aim for 2023 is to have 20 members. The aim is to have 6 partners, and there are 2 spots to fill. There are ongoing negotiations with some potential partners.
The last discussions are ongoing on the EHTV+ Shareholders agreement before it will go to the Board for signing off.
FIH Update
Marijke Fleuren updated the Board regarding the changes in the FIH competitions calendar and FIH committee nominations.
Competitions Outdoor & Indoor
Walter Kapounek updated the Board regarding Outdoor Club events 2023, U18 Championships 2023, and Seniors Hockey5s 2023.
Walter presented the entry teams and the offers to host that had been received for U16 Championships 2024 and U21 Championships 2024, which were approved by the Board and will be announced in due course.
It was discussed and agreed that the approach to transport costs during a tournament will be the same for nations and club tournaments with hosts providing transport from the designated airport to the hotel but teams paying for their transport from the hotel to the venue. Hosts will support local arrangements. This will apply from September 2023 onwards.
Walter presented the update regarding upcoming FIH events and EHF events 2025/2026 timelines and windows. Serious concern was expressed for the potential impact of the global Hockey calendar on the future of our Indoor competitions, and this is something that will be followed up closely with FIH.
Walter updated the Board on the outcome of the Indoor events; Championships 2022, U21 Championships 2023, and Club events 2023.
Appointments Update
Magdalena Nazaret updated the Board on the recent face-to-face meeting of the committee which was held in Brussels. She presented the Board with the overview of Appointments 2022 and Officials Education courses 2022 as well as the plans for 2023.
She showed a short video that reflects the experiences and happiness of our Officials at our courses.
Coaching Update
Inez Cooper updated the Board on the Coaching Committee meeting which was on 3rd March 2022 in Brussels and explained more about the European qualification framework and EuroHockey Institute Coaching pillar overview of 2022 and the plans for 2023.
Director General Update
Angus Kirkland updated the Board regarding the EuroHockey Championship 2023 in Monchengladbach, the General Assembly 2023, the EuroHockey Championship 2025, and the upcoming EHL Finals.
Finance Update
Mika Rihtilä and Angus Kirkland presented to the Board the summary of the 2022 financial year, 2022 Actuals compared with the 2022 Budget, year-to-date February figures, debtor list and the processes between the EHF and supporting accounting company.
The Board approved giving a 100% discount for entry fees for the participants of cancelled Alanya events.
President Closing
The President thanked the Board members for their time and all approved decisions. The President looked forward to the Executive Leadership Forum being hosted this weekend.
The next meeting is scheduled for the 16th of June (Friday) in Brussels.
Photograph: Marijke Fleuren, President, EHF (World sport pics (c))
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