Date of release: 11th June 2007
Today (11th June) sees the launch of a new fans association, with the aim of giving a voice to supporters who would otherwise be excluded from decision making processes within the sport.
The British Ice Hockey Fans Association (BIHFA) developed from some work one hockey fan, Dave Cunningham, began back in January this year:
“I felt strongly that the potential for the sport to grow and develop was being held back by a governing body unable to guide the sport strategically into the future. Having canvassed opinion – I wasn’t alone.”
A meeting with Gordon Brown, scheduled for early February gave Dave further impetus, and having received an overwhelming amount of support for his aims, he gathered together a small group of like minded fans to try and keep the momentum going and make a difference.
It was felt, after consultation with a number of key parties, that there was a real opportunity for fan input into the governance process. Dave commented:
“We’ve done a lot of research into the recommended governance models for sports, and made some valuable contacts within the sport who are keen to not only listen to inputs from fans but also to look at a role for fans within the governance process. In fact, it is UK Sports general recommendation that the views of supporters and public consultation forms a part of the governance review”
“However, we’re aware that as a small group, we can’t act as the sole voice of the fans, so we felt it important that we established ourselves as a credible organisation to allow for that fan input to take place. We’ve written a draft constitution and have set ourselves up as an interim committee until we hold our first AGM – the next thing we need is members.”
In December, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) requested UK Sport to undertake a preliminary review of Ice Hockey as a result of concerns raised by MPs over player insurance. The report was delivered to DCMS in early March.
It is the understanding of the interim committee of the BIHFA that a further meeting with Richard Caborn is to take place in the next month, at which he will request further review of a number of key points:
- "An internal review of Ice Hockey Governance, with the intention of expanding the board of IHUK to include independent non-executive directors.
- The formulation of a new funding model which better equips both IHUK and EIHL to fulfil their regulatory functions, and which allows the Great Britain teams to be better resourced.
- Quality assurance of the regulatory framework surrounding the sport - especially as regards the EIHL clubs.
- A framework for the ongoing review of insurance provision.
- A framework for the ongoing review of the number of overseas players within the game.
- Resolution of the outstanding issues concerning Berrington and Twaite.”
Dave added: “We’re keen, that when the wider review takes place, that there is a fan association ready, willing and able to constructively contribute to any discussion. We’re passionate about our sport, but completely understand the commercial realities our owners face. We feel that the views of their customers are important, and we have a role to play in shaping the future of the sport. This could be the one time we have to get this sport on the right footing, with the help of UK Sport, and we believe fans should be a part of that.”
The BIHFA is now accepting membership at their website www.bihfa.co.uk and further details, including the constitution and contact details, can be found there.