"Hi" to all players and their families - Welcome to the start of the REAL season!!!

1. Selection

Thank you to all players for the tremendous attendance at training and your patience with cancellations by other clubs during the practice match weekends. Be assured that the committee will fully review the most effective way to provide match practice and selection opportunities for next preseason.
This email lists the team you have been named in for the first round. Please remember that the teams are by no means set and there will be movement throughout the season dependent on player availability, team balance, training efforts and playing performance. Hard work and improvement will be rewarded with opportunities either in different playing positions or different teams. Your coach and team manager will thoroughly discuss any changes with you.

2. Fixtures

Until Hockey Victoria(HV) finalise the junior fixture for the season (usually about Round 6) players must check at training each Wednesday as to the time and venue for their weekend game. It is also possible to view the fixture on Sporting Pulse (via the HV website) and we are endeavoring to have the teams for each week posted on the club website as well.

Fixtures for Round 1 are as follows:

3. Communication

It is essential that players communicate their non-availability as early as possible to their team manager. The whole team will be let down if the coach & team manager are unaware that a player is unable to turn up at a game as expected. It is also absolutely essential that every player tick off their name on the whiteboard at the start of training to indicate their availability. Players should expect to play in the same team as the previous round unless notified otherwise.

4. Game preparation

• Thorough preparation for a game can make all the difference to how you play.
• Make sure you are well hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to the game. Always bring a full drink bottle clearly named. Hand it to the team manager prior to the game.
• Everyone has different eating habits in the 24 hours leading up to a game but in general a high carbohydrate meal on the Thursday night will aid your performance by ensuring you have sufficient energy reserves available throughout the game on Friday. We will be providing more nutrition information in the next couple of weeks.
• Make sure all your equipment is with you and in good condition. Always have a mouthguard and shinpads!
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before a game. Check with your coach as they may want you to be at the game venue even earlier. If you are running late make sure you have another team mates/coach/team manager's phone number so that you can let them know your approximate arrival time.

5. Canteen Rosters

ELHC juniors are rostered to cover the canteen duties for 1/3 of the season as we have 1/3 of the junior teams at the centre. At this stage we will have 6 allocated weekends to cover (Friday night/Saturday morning). Maree Salonowski (93797586, & helpers/team managers) will keep you all posted as to who has volunteered for the first round of duty. Every family will need to cover approximately 5 hours of canteen.

6. Uniforms

Nola Barnes will be at training on the 18th to supply skirts and any other uniform requirements. If you have indicated that you are interested in ordering a weatherproof jacket, please see Nola(0419313869) or Barb(0419390159) to confirm when money is due and what size jacket you require. (Cost is $60 - adult, $50 - child)

7. Chocolate Drive/Fundraising

Forms and boxes of Cadbury chocolates (the $1 variety) will be delivered at Wednesday training/weekend games to every family in late May (approximately Round 5 ). If you know of other sure-fire fund raising activities, please let Laurel Kinross (0425832311) or Di Saward know of your ideas. It is likely that the senior club will conduct a 'Tony's Pies' drive later in the season.

8. Team Managers/First Aiders

Trish Hassell (0422864593)and Jean O'Keefe (0412735883)are still several first aiders and team managers short. Please contact them now if you are interested in doing these rewarding and essential team support activities. They can be 'job shared' if this works better for a pair of volunteers!
Please contact us now by email or phone if you are unavailable for Round 1!
We will see everyone at training on Wednesday 18th April (15 minutes prior to 'pitch time' so that you can warm up/have gear organized/chat ), so that all teams can practice together before the start of the season on April 20/21.

9. Essendon Canteen Manager

Essendon Hockey management are still looking for a part time canteen manager to oversee the running of the canteen throughout the season, starting immediately. This is a paid position and would suit a person or couple from our hockey community who are perhaps retired or just looking for extra income involving work within our club community. If interested, please contact Gerry Dwyer (EHM, 0413388736)) for further information.

10. Parent /Supporter and player code of conduct at ELHC Junior Games

Just a reminder that all our teams have coaches and it is their role to instruct/support the girls for the duration of the game.
No parent, sibling or friend (unless a team manager or first aider) is to enter the field of play or be on the team bench during a game, including at half time.
Please remember to keep all your comments positive and encouraging to all players in our club and our opposition.
Umpiring is a thankless job but without them we have no game. SO ELHC asks you to be good sports at all times and accept the umpires' decisions.

11. Development Opportunities

Nominations to trial for the U13,U14 & U15 Western Wildcats are due NOW. If you wish to participate in the junior Sate tournament in the July School Holidays as part of our regional team please contact Lesley Williams immediately! There is a $20 nomination fee and training for these teams is usually each Sunday morning from the end of May until the next school holidays.

12. Umpires

ELHC are always looking to provide umpiring development opportunities for its players. Our competition relies on having players who are able to umpire to be able to provide the wide range of playing opportunities which juniors currently enjoy.
If you are interested in completing a beginner umpiring course and being mentored in umpiring please contact either Sandy Pelzer (0401146874) or Rachel Aston (0417514829).
If you have already done some umpiring last season and wish to continue developing your skills, please contact Rachel or Sandy now to be rostered to some of our junior games.

Thank You and Good Luck to all players & teams - ELHC junior committee