Merger Discussions - January 2009 Update

Merger Discussions – January 2009 Update

AUDIENCE FOR THIS DOCUMENT:
Status update from both Committees for the Players, non playing Members/ Affiliates/ Parents/ Alumni and Friends of Saints and Lions Hockey Clubs. This continues the information published in December on the work of your Committees on your behalf on the merger.

CONTENT:
- the working proposals on how things might pan out if we were to merge - to enable you to make an informed vote on the merger at your individual EGMs.
- An invitation to comment on the Blog and to discuss the thinking to date with the Committee teams on the evening of February 10th Consultation Fair.

THE WORK TO DATE:

1. The December Update outlined the Committee’s work to discuss strategically how to run the process fairly and towards what goals. We outlined what needed to be done by when and how we would communicate.


2. The investigative groups have been working over Christmas - spending time ex Committee looking into different topics/running budgets and modelling scenarios. They each prepared papers for discussion at Committee


3. Two Committee Meetings since December have debated (vigorously and passionately) the different matters we need to resolve to give substance to a potentially merged club. (While we as a Committee remain committed to finding solutions and options on the way forward, no action has been taken yet so that if the EGMs resolve against merger, each club can still move into next season separately)

KEY DATES:

1. Tuesday 10th February 6pm to 10pm – Consultation “Fair” , Moulton Sports Complex – (Function Room) Opportunity for members, juniors, parents and alumni of both clubs to discuss the working proposals
   
2. Saturday 7th March EGM Evening
   * 6pm to 7pm Separate EGMs for both clubs to vote on merger venue Moulton depending on the vote may be followed by
   * 7pm joint EGM to establish the will of the stakeholders on the formation of the new hockey club. :


3. Decision Deadline: In order to play as a merged single entity club from Sep 09, we would need to inform leagues by 31st March 09. If we receive a “Yes” vote on 7th March, we will need that night also to vote elected officials into place, so that they can ensure league administration (especially informing of numbers of sides and club/ team contacts) is completed in the next 3 weeks

(Note as previously advised - all other activities - eg to finalise a joint constitution, arrange new kit etc - could take place in stages from March through to September before the playing year commences.)

• WORKING PROPOSALS

What will my new team kit look like, what options have we got, what will be the voting process to decide? How will the Club phase in new kit, when do we need to order it? What kit will I have to pay for? What will the Club’s new Logo be? (Matthew Gausden, Chris Tye, Sarah Prydych, Dermot Cassidy)

This topic is deeply tied to Brand, this working team caused the most debate!

• Name: Two options are being proposed to be put to the vote (if merger is approved):
  
  1. The name of Northampton Hockey Club, with a logo incorporating a Saint, a Lion & a Castle.
  
  
  
  2. The name Northampton Kings Hockey Club, with a logo showing 3 crowns. (The history behind the choice of “Kings” is given at the end of this document for your interest)
  
  


• Colours: Two options on kit are being proposed to be put to the vote (if merger is approved):
  1. Navy and Yellow
  2. Black and Red

(Note: Options were rejected around branding that didn’t either try something new, or fairly represent the history of the 2 clubs (ie no predominance of Saints or Lions “nickname” or logo) Options on merger colours of green/navy, maroon or black and white were rejected. Kit colours were to be simple, bright with bright trim to make kit stand out.)

09/10 Season Kit: it is proposed all players will need to buy a shirt and socks for the new season (approx cost £20). Guidance will be issued on skort/short colours, but these won’t be mandatory, so old kit can be re-used. The Club will sell individual branded clothing on demand, and also offer good value “Kit Packages” (eg hoodies/ bodywarmers, tracksuit bottoms etc) – but these are all optional. As has always been the case, a small profit on all kit items will boost the club income.

• The Committee noted a tailing off of kit purchase in 07 and 08 seasons as players “held out” for a change, and also noted the desire of most players to own their own shorts/socks (and not get someone else’s “smelly” kit…..)


• While we will actively look for sponsorship to help fund kit, we cannot presume this


• We rejected the idea of raising subs (this “masked” a one-off cost) or having unrealistic “fundraising” targets to cover the cost in year 1 when we are still finding our feet.


• The projected income of the club would not be able to fund buying of kit for all teams. The need to have a small number of “Club shirts” for occasional players/new joiners for their first match both at Senior and Junior level was accepted. These would be branded in some way to show them as Club property. We propose using old kit for away shirts in Year 1.
  

What will be our new Constitution? What will be the Committee Structure straight away and what will it look like if we get bigger? How will we run the social side of the club? What will happen to the Junior Section? (Martin Wilkes, Andy Dale, Robyn Wright) .

• A Constitution and “Set of Rules” has been drafted based on EHA recommendations. These are attached separately, and reflect a going in status for the FY09/10 season which we can adapt through committee meetings when we start to refer to them in earnest as a larger club.


• The Committee Structure is illustrated below. This is based on advice from the EHA and from investigations into other large, successful hockey clubs researched by the team.


• There will be 11 “Executive Committee” officials elected by the all the Club’s voting members. The President and Chairman in the 1st year must come one each from Committees of Lions and Saints, to ensure power parity initially. However, all other Exec Cttee posts would go to the best candidate for the job, regardless of previous club. Note these positions must be voted upon at the AGM on 7th March if merger is approved.


• Sub Committee postings will be managed by each Executive Committee member, although their proposed sub committee members must be ratified at an Exec Cttee meeting.


• All Committee members will have a written Job Description (based on those published by EHA)


• Only Members of the Coaching Sub Committee will be paid, and in addition to their Job Descriptions, all paid officials will also have a binding contract which will set out the attendance and outcomes expected of them in return for their salaries.

How will I be communicated to? What media will be used and how can I find out more? (Martin Wilkes, Martin Skinner)

• The BLOG is up and running, the consultation fair is on 10th Feb and these communication documents are part of the solution.


• Communications is recognised as key and holds a full voting position on the Exec Cttee ongoing

What is the basic team structure that I might get to play in (ie projected number of single sex and mixed teams) and so what pitches will we use and where will I play? Which teams will get the use of the water based? what club house will we use? How will we do match food/teas? (Nicky Milford, Andy Dale, Lesley Langley) .

• Working assumptions have been 6 mens teams (2 of which are “elite”) 4 women’s teams (2 of which are “elite”) 2 Badgers teams and 2 mixed teams.


• Elite teams will play matches and train on the water based at Moulton College. This is a key benefit of the combined club, with our rising stars who play midlands/junior England using a first rate surface, with no reason to seek elite clubs further afield for the same facility.


• The rest of the club will play on School sand based pitch, including junior training on Saturday morning, which gives parents better hospitality.


• Post match facilities will be centred around the Leisure Centre, who are offering incentives to attract us. They are offering exclusive use of the Bar, potentially providing teas of a better quality from the fully equipped kitchen in the Community Hall.

What will be the Coaching Team? What qualifications, funding needs and job descriptions will be associated with any paid roles, non paid roles? When and where will training take place? (Martin Wilkes, Andy Dale, Claire Baker)

• Coaches (with the exception of Junior Assistants) will be remunerated to maintain standards and incentives. There is a proviso that the coaching structure may need to be revised if any Elite squad reaches National League.


• 1 Elite head coach (paid) and 2 assistants (paid lesser amount)


• 1 Club Team head coach (paid) and 4 assistants (paid lesser amount)


• 1 Junior head coach (paid) and assistants (unpaid)


• There is no supposition that coaches will be players on non players. The Committee discussed the need for Coaches to be present at matches, and how that would work for Elite 2nd teams/other gender if Ladies and mens 1sts are not both at home. The role of the Elite Assistants in executing the Head Coach plans will be key.


• Elite Head Coach will have a focus on performance, results and training. He or she will be deciding playing method, have a defining say on team selection, and decide on captains and vice captains. He or she will also determine coaching sessions and appoint coaches and manage


• Assistant coaches will focus on participation, skills, development and enjoyment, but also have power of veto on selection (normal selection by captains), and on captains and vice captains


• The Junior head coach will focus on participation, fun, skills, game playing, and development. (with a linked focus on winning) and develop players, and assistant coaches, and determine training content and schedule


• Decisions on coaching for keepers will be agreed in the initial part of the year


• Progression up/down teams could be at regular coaches/captains meetings so that teams have some stability. Players know who their captain is for at least a few weeks


• Initial team selection should be made by ‘open’ trial sessions in advance of the new season (possibly at the very end of this season so we are match fit and in playing mode)


• Training schedule for the elite was 2 nights a week on the water based 8-9.30 (Tues/Thursday) with both genders present.


• For Juniors to remain Tuesday night 6.30 -8 and Saturday morning 9-10.30amfor the rest of the club caused most debate. We resolved to offer all players the choice of both Tuesday and/or Thursday night 8-9.30 (at Moulton School). The other options is to only run on one night (cheaper) or to split the two nights by gender or team. However, the biggest factor will be the scale of the new club, so one night might find us with a congested training session. Also the Committee was in favour of offering choice to players, but if everyone votes with their feet and makes one night more popular, we may choose to not run the 2nd session later in the season. To start with we have budgeted to run 2 sessions throughout.
  

What will my subs be and will they go up? How will this be financially managed, what are the projected revenues/costs of a joint club? Will the merger cost me money? (Neil Parker, Colin Biddle, David Kelly)

• Membership would remain at £100 for all adults, except students (£70), mixed only players (£35) (note only applicable if no single sex games are undertaken), Youth (£25) and Badgers (£20).


• Match fees would vary by Elite, Regional and Local playing, as they have to cover differential fuel costs. Elite (£12), (regional) £10, Ladies (Local) £6 and Mixed £4. There are reductions on these for students and badgers.

Notes:
Options exist to cover more costs in annual fees and less in match fees, but the Committee were in favour of maintaining “pay as you play” ethos, which meant a differential match fee for elite squad as they had water based coaching and games which cost an additional £25/hour, plus lower ratio coaching. Lots of clubs have significantly higher annual fees than ours. We proposed higher match fees instead.

The continued smaller fees for mixed are possible because mixed league fees are much lower - no progression is possible and these matches are effectively “social hockey”.

• Northampton Junior Hockey would maintain fee structure of a different nature as no match fees are collected, instead termly training fees are incurred which act as membership and match fees combined

Spreadsheets exist covering all aspects of projected combined incomes and outgoings. Theses are available for scrutiny at the consultation evening for anyone with a financial eye, and comments are welcome. Modelling was undertaken on required annual costs per head based on playing 14 Adult sides, training as per proposals herein, and costs based on known ’09 fees and working assumptions based on previous years outgoings including fuel, teas etc. All modelling was done on worst case scenario income and costs

Appendix Notes – Historical Research on Crest and Logos

• Moulton Crest. The motto on this crest means “faithful to the king”


• The History of the “Kings” of Northampton/Kingsthorpe

Northampton gained its first charter in 1189. (A charter was a document granting the townspeople certain rights). Richard I gave the charter in return for money

The first Battle of Northampton took place at the site of Northampton Castle in 1264 - when the forces of Henry III overran the supporters of Simon de Montfort

In May 1328 the Treaty of Northampton was signed - being a peace treaty between the English and the Scots in which Edward III recognised the authority of Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland and betrothed Bruce's still infant son to the king's sister Joanna.

In 1460, a second Battle of Northampton took place in the grounds of Delapre Abbey - and was a decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses, and King Henry VI was captured in the town by the Yorkists.

In 1642 came civil war between king and parliament. Northampton staunchly supported parliament. The walls of the town were repaired in 1642-43 but they were never needed. However in 1660 Charles II ordered the destruction of the walls, remembering how the people of Northampton had opposed his father.

In 1675 disaster stuck Northampton. About 600 houses, half the total number in Northampton were destroyed as well as many public buildings. Many rich people, including the king donated money to help the people of Northampton

Merger Discussions - December 2008 Update

Merger Discussions – December 2008 Update

Purpose and audience of this document:

Status update from both Committees for the Players, non playing Members/ Affiliates/ Parents/ Alumni and Friends of Saints and Lions Hockey Clubs.

History behind the document:

At the end of 2007/08 playing season, both Memberships gave permission to their respective Committees to investigate the possibility of a merger between the clubs. Also at that time, joint running of the Junior Sections was arranged, which has been in effect to date in 2008/09 season, although this was on the basis that it could be disbanded if the Senior clubs so desired.

The requested investigation is underway and a sequence of meetings in 2008 between both Club’s elected officials has taken place to explore pros and cons of a merger, and to agree a process to take the decision to the membership.

This communication document is to promote transparency of process and advise you on how you can have your say.

Content of the document:

Summary of what has been discussed, who is now doing what and the next steps so that you can both have your say, learn more and book key dates in your diary.

What has been discussed?
Strategic Issues	1. The strategic benefits of merging/remaining separate for the two clubs. 2. If the Clubs were to merge what would be: o The longer term strategic goals - such as “what shape do we want a major hockey club in Northampton to take, what should it aspire to do?” o Any short term benefits o The longer term problems which might be created o The short term difficulties and barriers of forming a joint club 3. Whether the officials present at the initial meeting felt it was feasible and tenable to continue the investigation in the light of the debate. 4. The governance of the merger process to allow equal share if voice from all officials and members (to ensure the outcome is not unduly influenced by any faction or individuals.)
Tactical process	1. What would be the timeline of any the merger if it were to come into effect at the beginning of the playing season 2009-10. 2. The channels of communication to take the discussion to the stakeholders to ensure maximum involvement, and who those stakeholders are. 3. What decisions need to be taken on what topics by the deadlines and who is going to manage detail investigations

What have been the outcomes so far?
Strategic Issues	The Joint Committee members all voted to proceed after debating pros and cons. The primary strategic goal debated was to promote the sport through a stronger club, with a key aspiration for an elite squad to reach the highest echelons of any form of the game. It was recognised these goals may differ by section (either gender or mixed) but that a merger would allow these choices to to be made. There are clear issues – especially loss of identity for loyal stakeholders and concerns over playing opportunities. The Committee unanimously voted that on reflection, merger still seemed a very worthy activity to investigate and put to the Membership. The Committee was also unanimous that while solutions would be needed on logo and the continued use of the Lions and Saints names in some form, the most logical name for a merged Club would likely be Northampton Hockey Club. To ensure equality, the Committee would always be evenly represented by each club as far as possible, jointly Chaired and investigating teams in general jointly staffed.
Tactical process	Decision Deadline: In order to play as a merged single entity club from Sep 09, we would need to inform leagues by 31st March 09. All other activities (eg to finalise a joint constitution, arrange new kit etc etc) could take place in stages from March through to September before the playing year commences. More research : The Joint Committee “divvied out” projects to investigate each area of the merger and provide working proposals on potential solutions and options. These are listed below Communications: Pre Xmas – o This high level communication (Distribution by multi-media: emailed/ hard copied/ put in any newsletters/ attached on websites) and an internet blog Communications: Post Xmas – o Multi-media distribution of working proposals for examination by stakeholders (publication goal: mid January) KEY DATES o Tuesday 10th February 6pm to 10pm –Consultation “Fair” , Moulton Sports Complex – (Function Room) Opportunity for members, juniors, parents and alumni of both clubs to discuss the working proposals. Informal “drop in” on a training night. Project leads at multiple “tables” focused on the different areas available all evening to hear views and field questions o Saturday 7th March EGM Evening § 6pm to 7pm Separate EGMs for both clubs to vote on merger venue Moulton depending on the vote may be followed by: § 7pm joint EGM to establish the will of the stakeholders on the formation of the new hockey club.
Your questions and who is answering them
Working Proposal Teams	1. What will my new team kit look like, what options have we got,what will be the voting process to decide? How will the Club phase in new kit, when do we need to order it? What kit will I have to pay for? What will the Club’s new Logo be? o Matthew Gausden, Chris Tye, Sarah Prydych, Dermot Cassidy 2. What will be our new Constitution? What will be the Committee Structure straight away and what will it look like if we get bigger? How will we run the social side of the club? What will happen to the Junior Section? o Martin Wilkes, Andy Dale, Robyn Wright 3. How will I be communicated to? What media will be used and how can I find out more? o Martin Wilkes, Martin Skinner 4. What is the basic team structure that I might get to play in (ie projected number of single sex and mixed teams) and so what pitches will we use and where will I play? Which teams will get the use of the water based? what club house will we use? How will we do match food/teas? o Nicky Milford, Andy Dale, Lesley Langley 5. What will be the Coaching Team? What qualifications, funding needs and job descriptions will be associated with any paid roles, non paid roles? When and where will training take place? o Martin Wilkes, Andy Dale, Claire Baker 6. What will my subs be and will they go up? How will this be financially managed, what is the projected revenues/costs of a joint club? Will the merger cost me money? o Neil Parker, Colin Biddle, David Kelly

Feasability & Discussion Summary

An initial joint meeting was held at Moulton Village Hall on Saturday 8th November 2008 with the aim to assess the feasability of a merger between the two clubs.

Four key issues were identified:

1. Large Club Administration
   Advantages: Economies of scale; Opportunities to attract funding & sponsorship; Structure change; Exert more influence in sport in Northamptonshire.
   Disadvantages: Hard to manage; Financial issues; Needs business approach
2. Playing Issues
   Advantages: Elite opportunity; Attract top players; Potential to provide hockey for all age groups; Lead development in Northants; Increase opportunity to play mixed hockey.
   Disadvantages: Loss of players to other clubs; Selection fairness; Coaching structure; Elite teams are harder to finance & manage; Less competition
3. Facilities
   Advantages: 3 pitches (1 x water & 2 x sand); indoor facility;
   Disadvantages: Pressure of current social venue
4. Club Identity
   Advantages: Opportunity for crisp new look & feel
   Disadvantages: Potential loss of club identitity: names, logos, colours.

Based on the identified advantages and disadvantages the group was asked to vote on whether, in principle, there was a definite advantage in merger. The vote was unanimously "FOR" the motion.

Potential solutions were discussed to overcome the major disadvantages and the following proposals were made:

1. Club Name, Colours & Logo
   It was proposed that the club should be forally consituted as "Northampton Hockey Club" and that the names (& brand identities) "Saints" and "Lions" should be incorporated in some way into the future branding of the new club.
   Options for branding, colours and kit design are to be sourced and presented for further discussion.
2. Facilities
   It is envisaged that the senior Mens & Ladies teams would play home matches on the water-based pitch at the College with the other teams playing the majority of their matches at Moulton Sports Complex.
   Training venues would be a combination of the two sites.
   Post match refreshments and the club social centre would be at Moulton Sports Complex.
3. Management Structure & Organisational Procedures
   These are yet to be discussed however a draft management structure has been produced and will shortly be available for comment.

It has been agreed that the production of an Action Plan is a priority and this will be published shortly.

Your thoughts and comments are welcomed as we need to identity as many pitfalls and adopt as many good ideas as we can. To make a comment just click the "Comments" link below, enter your text in the comments box and click "Publish". Alternatively, email Andy Dale (Saints) or Martin Wilkes (Lions). Please note that we reserve the right to remove any comments that trangress the normal rules of decency.

Proposed Merger between Lions & Saints HC

Most of you will no doubt have heard rumours about a merger between our clubs and I have already heard several stories that say it is already a done deal. Well I would like to inform you of the current position.

Northampton Saints made an approach to us a few weeks ago to see whether we would be consider looking at merging the two clubs. They currently have the higher league position and are keen to make a push for National League. I applaud them for this and their achievements and wish them luck with their quest. To ensure that they get and sustain a National League sides they need to grow their membership and develop a stronger coaching and management structure.

Their view of Lions is that, whilst our 1st teams are at a lower league level, we perhaps have a better club management - in particular a strong junior coaching structure - than they do. In addition, Lions have the coveted ‘Clubs First’ award which Saints have not yet achieved.

Lions have negotiated an exclusivity deal with Moulton College which gives our club priority for all booking the artificial turf pitch and also the new water based pitch which is to be installed later this year. I believe that the development of this new pitch facility has focused the minds of the Saints management team.

At this time, all that is ‘on the table’ is a suggestion that the two clubs put together a joint committee to investigate the opportunities that a merger may provide. It may be that the recommendation is not to merge or the complete opposite. But it is important for members to understand that no decisions have been taken and no decisions will be made unless ratified by the membership of both clubs.

The Lions Executive Committee felt that it was right for us to formally investigate the suggestion made by Saints. Similar suggestions have been voiced in the past which were rejected but since Lions moved to Moulton our profile has been higher than when we were at Unity and the prospect of new water-based facilities at Moulton is one we should not ignore.

Over the next weeks and months the Lions Committee will be better informed to be able to answer questions from the membership. Through this blog and the regular newsletters via Fixtures Live, we will set up a method of on-line reporting which will enable members to ask questions, make their thoughts public and hopefully stimulate debate so that we make the right decision. We are aiming to build up a bank of FAQs (frequently asked questions) which should be informative and prevent the same questions being asked over again.

What benefits could merger hold?
A club with a larger playing membership along with a well trained and managed volunteer staff will provide a strong platform to both in player numbers and financially to develop and sustain National League sides.

The combined infrastructure of one water and two sand based ATPs plus a social hub will provide a more encompassing club which will be able to host significant tournaments.

One co-ordinated coaching network should provide a structure to develop a centre of excellence which is able to dominate the development of junior hockey in Northamptonshire to benefit the sport as a whole.

Player pathways will be developed which will be able to cater for the development of athletes from school teams through to National League level without having to commute to another region.

Your comments are invited...
Please feel free to post a reply or ask questions here (please moderate your language as this forum is available to our junior and family members - we reserve the right to remove any post that is deemed to be inappropriate).

Alternatively you may email either Martin Wilkes (Lions) or Andy Dale (Saints).