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.