There's trouble brewing for the Scottish Hockey Union at the Annual General Meeting to be held in Aberdeen today and, inevitably, it's all about money, with the SHU proposing a £2 increase in membership fees to £32 for adult players, and a £1 increase for those under 18.
In a position statement already circulated, the SHU have reported a financial deficit in 2008, a projected financial deficit in 2009, strong commitment to a business plan that depends on membership income, and a curious acceptance that the number of players registered as having paid a membership fee is less than the numbers actually playing hockey.
As at June 1, 351 names have been found in match report forms that do not exist in the current database of registered members, representing a potential shortfall of £10,530 on this season's fees.
All of which has roused arch-protagonist Harry Coles, president of Scottish champions Azzurri Kelburne, who says that the SHU propose to increase fees in no fewer than 12 of the listed 17 categories.
"It's true that there has been no change over the past two years," he concedes. "But these proposed increases come in the midst of a recession, when individuals and groups in all walks of life are being asked to trim budgets and tighten belts. They are totally unacceptable at this time.
"Over the past couple of seasons, many of our larger clubs have had to withdraw teams from various leagues, and in our own club we've experienced players simply giving up the sport, having told us that they can no longer afford to pay the subscriptions and other fees.
"Hockey is now becoming an extremely expensive sport to play, what with fees, equipment, pitch hire and so on. It is our considered opinion that the sport must learn to live within its means."
But, when it comes player registration, it is the clubs' responsibility to ensure that all their members are formally registered and paid for. Nevertheless, Coles will oppose the increases and counter with a proposal for fees to be held at the level of last season.
There are rumblings of revolt also from Tayside, where Andrew McArtney, president of Monarchs Hockey Club, has told Coles: "We're right behind you on this one, and I will be there in person to vote against the increase."
Jim Shepherd, the representative of Dundee Wanderers, also has his club's mandate to vote for the Kelburne resolution, and suggests that other questions might also be raised about the SHU's financial affairs. An interesting factor is the record of management of domestic competitions, for which the clubs pay directly. This area has made a profit of more than £5000, in contrast to the costs relating to international squads, development, employment and administration, which have risen substantially.
It promises to be a stormy meeting in the Granite City.
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