As per VMFHL  AGM held on July 27, 2023, there was a motion put forward by John Nolan. 

This motion was passed unanimously. The VMFHL executive are hereby looking for volunteers from its members to form a committee to work and come up with recommendations on discipline structure for the upcoming season 2023-24.

We would like to set this committee ASAP so please forward this to your membership ASAP.

Deadline to get names is August 12, 2023.

AGM Meeting Thursday 7pm on zoom, please contact your club representatives for zoom meetings details if you would like to attend as a member. Alternatively, you can email league admin at vmfhl@hotmail.com

We are writing to provide you with an update on our progress in collecting signatures for the petition in favor of the installation of a synthetic turf field at Ross Park or Moberly Park in Vancouver.

Thanks to your incredible support, we now have over 950+ supporters! This is a significant achievement, and we want to express our gratitude to FHBC, multiple Hockey Clubs, the Men's and Women's League, Red FM for spreading the word.

However, we cannot afford to lose momentum now. We need to keep up the pressure and continue spreading the word that a turf at Ross / Moberly Park is crucial to support our community and sport. It is worth noting that field hockey did not even make it on the list of sports engaged in requesting a field in the City of Vancouver's Sports Field Strategy. (https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/sport-field-strategy.aspx)

This is why it's essential that we all come together and show the Vancouver Parks Board that there is a large underserved community that is in full support of adding a Field Hockey Turf at Moberly / Ross Park.

We urge you to keep sharing and signing the petition at https://www.change.org/southvancouverturf and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Your support will provide a safe and accessible space for field hockey players of all ages and abilities, promote healthy lifestyles, and community engagement through sports.

In addition, we need your help to continue sending emails to the following addresses: sportfieldstrategy@vancouver.ca; ken.sim@vancouver.ca; pbgmo@vancouver.ca; PBcommissioners@vancouver.ca; george.chow.MLA@leg.bc.ca; harjit.sajjan@parl.gc.ca. These emails should specifically echo support for the installation of a Field Hockey Turf at Ross / Moberly Park.

Lastly, I want to remind you that we are the ones that can make this project a reality. With the ongoing support of our community, we can achieve the goal of having a Field Hockey Pitch in South Vancouver.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the field hockey community.
 
 

Here are the field reports as of 2:40pm on Friday afternoon.

Tamanawis 1 and 2: closed by City of Surrey

Eric Hamber: confirmed snow coverage - no games

UBC (Wright Field): clear and ready for games

Rutledge: clear and ready for games.



There have been changes and updates from FIH that will come into effect as of January 1st 2023. For leagues already in progress we will continue with previous briefings and interpretations to maintain consistency.

No changes will be made to rules or interpretations until after the conclusion of leagues currently in progress to avoid confusion.

Comp-1: Sunday 2:45pm TAM-1 - India-B versus Hawks-B

Saturday, March 19 12:00pm TAM-2 Lakers-Gobind Sarvar-A vs. West Van-A 1:00pm HAMBER Vancouver Hawks-A vs. Surinder Lions-A

Comp-1 semi-finals:

Saturday, March 19 3:15pm HAMBER Vancouver Hawks-B vs. Dashmesh-B

Sunday, March 20 2:45pm TAM-1 India Club-B vs. Lakers-Gobind Sarvar-B

Comp-2 semi-finals:

Saturday, March 19 2:45pm TAM-2 India Club-C vs. West Coast Kings-B

The schedule has been posted until March 5/6 weekend. The schedule for rest of March will be held until sometime in February, at this time we will have clearer picture of what games remain and what potential play-off matches may be which will help us better plan our schedule for last three (3) weekends in March. We will provide division breakdown of what is happening/plan.

Premier division: will play continuous double round robin with make- up games on family day weekend as agreed upon in annual general meeting. If the weather allows we will have two free weekends in March to schedule some exhibition games before semi finals and finals.

Comp-1 and 2: the double round-robin games for Comp-1 and 2 will be over January 23, at this time the divisions will split into top four and bottom four like we have done previously when there were 8 teams in one competitive division. The top four bottom four matches will begin February 5/6 weekend, January 30/31 will be used to play and “make-up” games from earlier in the season. We must ensure all make-up games left for Comp-1 and 2 are played before we continue otherwise, we won’t have accurate top four bottom four positions. If the weather allows we will have quarter finals on March 12/13, we will keep March 5/6 open for additional games if required. Teams placing 1 and 2 in each division will have direct pass to semi-final on March 19/20, 3-6 will play Q finals on March 12/13.

Recreational division: continuous round-robin .

Sincerely, Gary Sangha

League Administrator- VMFHL

The revised PHO Order on Gatherings and Events includes several updates that are relevant to sport.

The major changes to be aware of are:

Outdoor sport programs and events do not require proof of vaccination, which includes supervisors of all sport programs and events.

It remains important to note that COVID-19 Restrictions and/or Facility Operator Restrictions still apply and should be adhered to over and above the requirements within the PHO Order.

The 2021/2022 season will be as close to a normal season as via Sport and the provincial health officer will safely allow. We will still require waivers and a safety plan. The current return to sport guidelines (effective June 15) are in “phase/step 2”. Reference screenshot for your convenience.

If there is somebody who would like to join the executive, please reach out to Colbin or my-self with your interest, below positions are up for re-election this year.

• President (Colbin Wong)

• Secretary (Ranbir Kahlon)

• Member at large (Hartinder Khangura)

• Member at large (Pawan Kullar)

The provincial health officer ordered an extension of the restrictions to all events and sports activities until Feb 5, 2021. The Viasport.ca latest update for outdoor group sport restrictions is here: December 28, 2020: Updates to province-wide restrictions for sport

When competitive outdoor team sports are allowed to return, the VMFHL executive will work quickly to ensure a safe and structured league is restarted as soon as possible with an updated safety plan to reflect the latest guidelines and restrictions.

Fingers crossed that 2021 is a better year for everyone and that field hockey (and many other aspects of our lives) may return to normal sooner than later.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to do their part in keeping transmission low: 1) keeping their distance from others 2) wearing a mask when going out in public 3) staying close to home whenever possible

Stay safe, stay fit, stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing everyone on the pitch in person when restrictions are fully lifted and this is all over.

Regards,

This means that there are no adult activities permitted including games. All indoor and outdoor team sports for people 19 years of age and older are suspended. The Province's website lists a number of sports as examples, and it is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. All team sports must follow these restrictions.

When the travel restrictions are lifted and when it is safe to do so, the executive will announce plans to restart the league safely. We are hoping that the restrictions will be lifted in 2 weeks (Monday, November 23rd at 12PM noon).

The following are some of those recommendations that will lower the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while maintaining the sport in a safe and familiar format:

Reduced Game Times: Two 30 minute halves, 7 minute half time for break and sanitizing high tough surfaces, approx 11.5 minutes before game to sanitize high touch surfaces, 11.5 minutes after game to sanitize high touch surfaces.

Cohorts: We will be playing games within cohorts of 4 teams. Each division will have either 8 teams or 12 teams.

A Team will consist of maximum of 21 participants on any given game:

* 18 players

* 1 coach/manager

* 1 safety officer

* 1 first aid attendant/trainer (optional)

* Each team will have 11 designated players for the exception of recreational.

* Non designated players can switch teams/cohorts if they do not play in the VMFHL for 14 days.

* A game will consist or 2 teams (maximum 42 participants) – below the threshold of 50 people.

* Players must play in only 1 cohort within the VMFHL at any given time.

* Coaches/managers, safety officers, first aid attendants/trainers, umpires and TDs (for premier division) can participate in 2 VMFHL cohorts as long as they are maximizing their social distancing of 2 metres in both cohorts.

* In order to discourage players from participating in games while sick or showing symptoms of being sick, there will be cohort games organized in single or double round robins (no playoffs/trophies will be awarded this year). There is also a time limitation as we will be starting the league late.

* Club team divisions will be grandfathered from end of 2019/2020 season to the 2021/2022 season.

* Team declaration deadline is Sept 28, 2020

* This years divisional change requests will be decided on a case by case basis in order to fill each division with 4, 8 or 12 teams.

Important Dates:

* AGM date: Sept 24 @ 7PM

* Team Declaration Deadline: Sept 28

* League Restart Date October 17/18th weekend

* League will stop on the December 5/6th weekend

* League Restart Date Jan 16/17th weekend

* League will stop Mar 27/28th weekend (no playoffs)

* Family Day weekend will be a make-up weekend if required.

The detailed VMFHL Safety Plan will be finalized and published asap.

Games at Rutledge are ON.

Ritual

last seen at Hamber on Nov.30 (Saturday) afternoon

Stick was left on the ground after a game which ended around 6:00pm.

2) Ensure all players are paid FHBC members for the 2019-2020 membership year, players who participate without valid membership will cause forfeitures.

3) Get list ready to send to league admin, the deadline is 2 days before the first match.

4) The league admin will assign the VMFHL id numbers for your players.

5) All players MUST have a valid FHBC player ID card for the club they will be participating with, any new players and transfers must get new cards.

6) Go to "DOWNLOADS" for the 2019-2020 ROSTER Forms and the 2019-2020 GAME SHEETS that teams are required to use.

Burnaby Lake Field Hockey Club seeks coaching staff to join the club for the upcoming 2019-2020 season beginning this September. BLFHC is part of the Vancouver Women’s Field Hockey Association (VWFHA) and requires experienced coaches or assistant coaches to support and lead the athletes of our Women’s program.

Teams practice once a week every Thursday, 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex and play games on the weekend (usually Saturdays) in and around the Lower Mainland. The club prides itself on promoting an inclusive, competitive and fun atmosphere with a focus on team play, skills and respect for the game and each other.

All coaches are paid an honorarium as recognition for their time and contributions.

Please reply directly to blfhcinfo@gmail.com if you are interested in joining our club.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.

Sincerely,

Canada's National Women upset the USA in one of the women's semi-finals, but were downed by Argentina in the August 9th Final for the women. Silver Medals for both of Canada's teams.

“Men’s Masters Players Wanted for VMFHL Development Team” for Vancouver Area Men’s Field Hockey Players born 1960-1975

What: In order to prepare for the next Masters World Cup in 2020, Field Hockey Canada is exploring the option of entering a Masters Development team into the Vancouver Men’s League for the 2019/2020 season. This team will be for players born 1960-1975, and it is proposed that it will be entered in Competitive Division. John Sacre has tentatively agreed to coach the team.

The intention is that interested players could play for their club team as well as the Masters Development team if they chose to do so. Other details to be determined.

When: League Play from Sept 2019 - March 2020

Why: In 2018, Canada sent a men’s over 50 Master’s team to the World Cup in Barcelona. Over a nine-month period, there was an extensive and reasonably thorough schedule of training events in preparation for the World Cup tournament. The post-tournament consensus was that prospective players would further benefit from playing more regularly together. Countries such as New Zealand and Holland have Masters teams playing in their local leagues to help build their Masters programs.

How: If you are interested in playing for the Masters Development Team during the 2019/2020 season as the first step on the road to the Masters World Cup in 2020, please signup here:

https://mailchi.mp/7368365f7940/canmensmastersdevelopment

*you can also use the link to sign up for Master’s teams’ tryout info.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: Adam Hyde - adamhyde57@gmail.com

Q: What age groups will FHC enter in the Masters World Cup?

A: Likely one or more of O45, O50, O55, 60+(Grand Masters). It depends on numbers and quality of players. This is an ultra-competitive tournament against some of the best players ever to play hockey for their countries.

Q: How did Canada do at the last Masters World Cup ? (Over 50 teams)

A: Canada had four losses and two wins against Zimbabwe and Argentina. Canada scored in every game and fielded a competitive team. There were also two Canadian Women’s teams in Barcelona at the tournament.

Q: Where is the next Masters World Cup?

A: The 2020 Masters World Cup location has not yet been announced. The Grand Masters World Cup (60+) will be in Japan right after the 2020 Olympics and will be at the Olympic venues.

Q: How many players will be on the development team?

A: Approx 20, depends on interest and commitment levels.

Q: If I don’t play can I try out for Masters teams later?

A: Yes, tryouts for the Canadian Master’s World Cup team(s) will be in early 2020.

Q: When does the development team officially form?

A: There will likely be practice / tryouts in late August. We are also exploring the option of entering a tournament as a team in July

All clubs must be represented by their Club Rep. Clubs must be in good standing (i.e. not be in arrears on any amounts outstanding from 2019) to be eligible to participate.

PREMIER at 12:15 - India 5 vs WCK 4 after shootout

COMPETITIVE-1 at 2:00 pm - Lions-B 4 vs West Van-B 0

COMPETITIVE-2 at 4:00 pm - WCK-B 5 vs Dashmesh 1

If a game is postponed we always try to get out an e-mail to captains and umpires 2 to 3 hours before the game (or earlier if at all possible.) And the notice of cancellation will appear on the website at the same time if it's possible to get that up within the 2 to 3 hour window pre-game.

Sometimes a game is not cancelled in advance because conditions look "encouraging" and it looks like the game could go ahead, but everyone gets to the field and realizes that the game has to be cancelled. If that happens please phone the League Administrator with the decision so it can be posted.

Coach Responsibilities include:

- Team building, team selection, team preparation through scheduled training camps and events

- Fitness training and assessment.

- Applying strategies and instructing athletes

- Coaching at events including the 2020 Tokyo World Cup. Although this position is a volunteer role, the coach’s travel to Tokyo and accommodation will be covered by the team. Please submit your application with resume to Don Paterson (FHC Masters Committee) at donald.paterson@ubc.ca. Deadline for applications is February 28, 2018. Please feel free to contact Don with any questions or for more information.

Recruiting Players in the 60+ Age Range for the FHC Men’s Masters National Team

The Men’s Masters 60+ program of Field Hockey Canada is seeking players/athletes. The goal is national team participation in the Grand Masters World Cup in October 2020 in Tokyo. Players whose birthdates are 1961 and earlier are encouraged to send in their names; we are permitted some underage players. If you are already on the FHC database from past events there is no need to apply. For new players: names, birthdates, e-addresses and telephone numbers should be sent to Don Paterson at: donald.paterson@ubc.ca

Other teams at that field earlier that day were HB, HE, PA, SR. Could have been one of those players?

With the FIH Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India only a few months away, the Canadian Men’s National Field Hockey Team -- more formally known as the Red Caribou -- is looking to help connect with the hockey community and raise some funds to help support them along the way. Thus, they cordially invite you to the 1st Annual Red Caribou Classic at the historic Hugo Ray Clubhouse in West Vancouver on Saturday September 29th, 2018.

This informal gathering is open to club mates, friends, and family of all ages and to complement the cash bar they will have some their most accomplished Caribou chefs cooking up a mean dinner spread - so bring your appetites!

Please head to https://www.picatic.com/event15373748238147 link to get your tickets, which include entry, dinner, and a drink, with all proceeds going to support the Red Caribou. There will also be optional shuttle transportation to and from Hugo Ray Clubhouse included in the cost of your ticket to help guests coming from further afield -- they’ll be updating the ticket page and this Facebook event with specific shuttle details as soon as they can.

Bus Schedule - To Hugo Ray Clubhouse:

5:15 pm from Rutledge 6:00 pm from Waterfront Station 6:45 pm from Rutledge

From Hugo Ray Clubhouse to Waterfront Station (with optional drop-off at Rutledge or Park Royal by request):

ROSTERS are due 3 days before your first game.

In COMPETITIVE-1 Saturday March 17, despite a see- saw battle throughout, India-B scored the game's only goal to progress over West Vancouver-B. And Hawks-B bested Lions-C 2-1 in another close one.

Sunday's first PREMIER semi-final went to a shootout when Burnaby and West Vancouver drew 1-1 after regulation time, with West Vancouver winning the shootout. In the second PREMIER semi-final, perennial rivals UBRA and UBC met up, with UBRA coming out on top in a 5-0 scoreline.

The COMPETITIVE-2 semi-finals on March 18 had West Vancouver-C and Burnaby-C in another nail- biter, with West Vancouver-C taking it 2-1. The other semi-final was between West Coast Kings-B and Surinder Lions-D, and WCKB squeezed out the 1-0 win.

At the CUP FINALS ON MARCH 25 AT TAMANAWIS:

In COMP-2 it was West Coast Kings-B 3-2 versus West Vancouver-C - another nail-biter.

COMP-1 saw India-B withstand a strong Hawks-B first half to apply some serious pressure of their own in second half and end up winning 4-2.

All Saturday games on TAM-2, TAM-1, EH, and RUT were postponed due to frosty and frozen fields. Too dangerous. Sunday games are still "on" for some fields since the forecast is for warmer temperatures and clear skies.

EXCEPTION: Sunday all TAM-2 games are cancelled for Nov 5 - still partial snow on field, cold and not melting. Frozen. Closed by the City of Surrey for the weekend.

ALSO, Sunday 9:00 EH and Sunday 10:30 TAM-1 cancelled - fields were frozen and needed time to thaw as the day warms up.

ALSO, the Sunday UVIC game was cancelled.

All clubs must be represented, and their vote is held by their President or a designated alternate if the President is unavailable. (one vote per club. No proxy votes.)

To attend and participate in this pre-season meeting the club must be "a member club in good standing" with no outstanding unpaid fees or any other encumbrances. Suspended players can not attend.

Dates: June 23 to June 26 (Friday to Monday)

Venue: Tamanawis Field Hockey Park

Contact: info@indiaclub.ca

West Van were awarded a penalty stroke 2 minutes from full time but the shot went just wide of the post. A furious final couple of minutes ensued and West Van had more chances to even the score, but the final whistle went as West Van were entering the circle to take one last attempt. (West Van-B 1 vs Surinder Lions-B 2)

The COMPETITIVE TWO Cup Final at RUTLEDGE Saturday March 25 provided an even more nail-biting finish. Lions-C scored first. Despite Lakers having umpteen good chances in the first half there was no further scoring.

Lakers equaled in the second half and both teams went all out for the winning goal. It was a very intense last 5 minutes. In the resulting shootout competition it was tied after the first round of the shoot-out. At the end of overtime sudden-death shootouts with only one shooter still to go, Lakers scored and Lions missed. (Burnaby Lakers-C 2 vs Surinder Lions-C 1)

The PREMIER playoffs were on the April 15 and 16 weekend. Semi-finals on Saturday (WVan-A 7 vs Hawks-A 4, and WCKA 4 vs UBRA 4 - UBRA won the shootout.)

HC defaulted to AB (pay fine and pay turf costs)

Whilst we’ll be advising players via our club/team contacts of the cancellation so that they can make alternative plans for the BC Family Day weekend, if you could circulate the news as widely as possible that would be greatly appreciated.

The later snowfalls arrived, and the fields, frozen since mid-December have still not thawed or cleared.

As of Monday Jan 9 most Jan 14-15 games looked to be "unlikely" to go ahead.

Sunday Nov 27 - the FALCONS vs ABBOTSFORD game at 3:00 pm TAMANAWIS is cancelled (defaulted to Falcons)

Size L - blue Gryphon shin guards in mesh bag with anatomic pro label.

Contact Cedric @ cell 604-710-2856 to claim.

All other fields are in good shape and conditions are good for games as of 11:45 am Sunday.

Oct 15-16 Weekend continues to be rainy in some areas, but only showery in others. This could impact teams trying to get to away games.

Fields could flood. Wright Field drainage is poor and it often floods in downpours. Rutledge Field is at sea level and cannot drain in wet weather. Tamanawis sometimes puddles up in the heavy rains.

Fields with a lot of trees near them are especially prone to clogged drainage systems and ponds sometimes form on them.

If we know in advance we can post games as "cancelled" but often teams and umpires need to go to the field and make a game-time decision re player safety in stormy conditions. Do not play if it is unsafe even if you traveled hours to get to your game.

Meraloma Women's Field Hockey Club, based out of Vancouver, is looking for coaches for the upcoming fall season. We have coaching vacancies to fill for each of the following teams in the Vancouver Women's Field Hockey League:

Div 1, Div 2 and Div 4.

We offer our coaches compensation based on experience.

President: Colbin Wong

Vice-president: Bill Sandhu

Treasurer: Jasbir Tatla

Director: Guy Manwaring

Director: Michael Volker

Director: Pirindar Sahota

Director: Rolf Sickmuller

Non-voting members of the Executive are:

Discipline Chairman: Donald Paterson

One vote per club. However, any member in good standing may attend with his Club Representative.

$100 automatic fine for any club not in attendance, and that club will not take part in the decision- making to review the past season and set things in motion for scheduling for the coming 2016-2017 league season.

Matches in the Summer Games Send-off Series presented by London Drugs will be played on July 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th, with matches alternating between Rutledge Field at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver and Tamanawis Park in Surrey.

The full series schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, July 6 – 7:00pm – Rutledge Field, West Vancouver

Thursday, July 7 – 7:00pm – Tamanawis Park, Surrey

Saturday, July 9 – 7:00pm – Rutledge Field, West Vancouver

List of items needed for Fort Mac:

Non-perishable food items

-- Toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste -- Diapers, baby wipes -- New clothing (*new socks & underwear!) -- Gift certificates -- New pillows & blankets (wrapped) -- Boxes or containers to pack

Surrey Food Bank list:

-- Large cans of powdered Baby Formula -- Healthy Cereal (Hot or Cold) -- Canned Vegetables -- Canned Fruit -- Wholegrain Pasta/Rice -- Pasta Sauces -- Canned and Dry Soups -- Mac & Cheese

General Supplies Needed:

Formula -- Diapers -- Size 4-6 Cereal -- For 8 Months of age Baby Jar Food Fruit, Meals and Vegetables (both large and small jars) Baby Layette Supplies Needed (Newborn -- 12 months) Winter Outfits -- Outfits, sleepers and socks Bottles -- Preferably those that do not require liners Blankets -- Both warm and receiving blankets Baby Toiletries -- Baby shampoo, bodywash, lotions, talcum powder -- Winter Outfits & Pyjamas Girls and Boys Age 18 month to 24 months (2 years) -- Small Toddler Toys & Books Appropriate for first birthdays -- Toddler Dishes & Spoons -- New toothbrushes and toothpaste for 12-24 Months

Ranbir Kahlon

RKahlon@Gmail.com

Elite Field Hockey Club , Surrey BC

Roydhouse competed with the Canadian Junior National Team in the 1970s and 1980s and has always been an advocate of Canada’s National Program. His son, Chris (also known as CJ), followed in his father’s footsteps and played for the Junior Canadian Team when it participated in the 2014 Junior World Cup.

“He was a very loving man and he was always the first person to make someone laugh if you were with him,” said Chris in a statement on his Facebook page. “I will always think of my dad and the impact he has had on my sporting career and especially field hockey.”

Mark was always quick to support Canadian field hockey. He served as a coach, umpire, manager, and volunteer. He was a positive figure and mentor to many of the athletes involved.

In addition to his involvement with the Canadian National Program, Roydhouse was a member of the Vancouver Rowing Club Jokers field hockey team and was a member of the Field Sport Federation with the Vancouver Park Board, advocating for field hockey.

“He was well known and respected throughout the field hockey community and he will be greatly missed.”

Mark was on Provincial and National teams as a young man, played the game at an elite level with Falcons and Jokers, and served the game as a coach, manager and umpire with Burnaby, Hawks, and Vancouver Field Hockey as well as in FHBC and FHC programs. He was most recently a supporter of the UBC Men's Teams as well as the newly appointed Umpires Coordinator for VMFHL. He was truly a builder of the sport.

The 21 year-old native of Tsawwassen, British Columbia lost his life on Sunday Feb 14 after a fishing accident at the Chilliwack River.

A former member of the Canadian Under-21 Junior National Team, Graeme played club hockey for Delta Falcons and other teams, including, most recently with West Vancouver club. He recently returned from playing club hockey in the Netherlands. Graeme was also a member of the University of Victoria Vikes field hockey team.

At Burnaby Lake Sports Complex (In meeting room #2)

Dates: November 24 (Tuesday) & 27 (Friday), 2015

Participants are required to attend both sessions. Contact FHBC office.

Time: 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Venue: Sikh Academy Elementary School, 12895 85th Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 0K8

Cost: $60.00 for FHBC members and $80.00 for non- members. Cheques to be made payable to ‘Field Hockey BC.’ (Candidates can also pay online at the end of the online registration process.)

Course Conductor: Alan Waterman FIH Umpire Manager

This course is open to umpires interested in the first steps towards fulfilling the Community and Provincial certification requirements, umpires that need a refresher, and umpires with expired certifications. Candidates should be at least 14 years old. Last day to register is Thursday, November 19, 2015.

There was flooding on all turfs Nov 7 morning. Heavy water buildups on-field. Drains plugged and not handling the rains coming down. Another heavy rainstorm hit around noon Saturday so all Nov 7 games were postponed to Makeup Weekends.

Hamber watering was back on Friday morning Oct 23, but failed Saturday morning. Hope for rains.

When it is finally fixed, the Controls will be the same as before the reconstruction. Green button for water. Lights are still controlled remotely and automatically. No higher divisions late games on EH - lighting system isn't as strong as it needs to be.

EH Lights have also malfunctioned several times recently. Parks Board staff doing their best but not sure about why there is this problem.

Watering restrictions in Greater Vancouver have now been scaled back to "Level 2" so some watering is now permitted.

Rutledge Field was closed until further notice unless it was raining. Eric Hamber Turf's watering system is also off and being renovated. We expect to have both of these fields back on by mid-September, but if there is uninterrupted dry weather in early September we could still face other field closures.

Tamanawis upper field watering system is not working properly and the field doesn't get fully watered. You will probably have to run the cycle twice and still might have the northeast section left dry. Budget for longer watering between games and at half-time. Go to 30-minute halves if necessary. We hope to have this problem fixed soon but it has been a problem.

7:30 to 9:00 pm - room open at 7:00 pm for Club Reps signing in to meeting.

Mandatory attendance by Club Reps. ($100 fine to any club with its Club Rep not in attendance - but more importantly, a club not in attendance is left out of the decision-making on several important matters dealt with by the Annual General Meeting.)

Exciting developments are taking place in the Masters Hockey World. More details soon as the process evolves. This is to remind you of the first major event in the plans.

As an informal wrap-up of the 2014-2015 League Season, an afternoon of friendly Masters Hockey has been arranged thanks to John McBryde, Narinder Sangha and others.

SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2015 (Easter Saturday) from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at TAMANAWIS TURF

Sat March 21... 12:00 pm... PREMIER India-A (1) vs Hawks-A (0) (after shootout)

Sat March 21... 1:45 pm... COMP-2 Jokers-A (11) vs Raiders-A (0)

Sat March 21... 3:30 pm... PREMIER UBC (4) vs United Brothers-A (2)

Sat March 21... 5:15 pm... COMP-2 Hawks-C (3) vs Falcons (2)

SUN March 22... 8:45 am... COMP-1 Burnaby-B 2 vs Hawks-B 1

SUN March 22... 4:00 pm... COMP-1 UBRB 2 vs India-B 1

PLAYOFF CUP FINALS TIMES:

Sat March 28... 12:00 pm... COMP-2 Final... JA 6 vs HC 2

Sat March 28... 2:00 pm... PREMIER Final... UBC 3 (SO)vs IA 2

SUN March 29... 8:45 am... COMP-1 Final... UBRB 4 vs BB 3

PROMOTION-RELEGATION Series

Top-half are playing for the League Cup in each division.

Bottom-half are playing for a berth in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup (playoff winners) in each division.

Playoff semi-finals are March 21 weekend with the Cup Finals March 28 weekend.

The VMFHL Bylaws say that we follow FIH Rules unless specific exceptions are made by our League

Our League Executive has confirmed that we start using the 2015 FIH Rules as of Jan 20. 2015. The Jan 17-18 games will be played under 2014 Rules, and there were updates and an umpires meeting available for umpires prior to the games of Jan 24-25 weekend.

To assist in updating everyone this website has produced the rationale for the rules changes given by the FIH. - see DOWNLOADS. Also the complete FIH Rules for 2015 are in the UMPIRING & RULES section.

Please discuss these with your fellow players and coaches.