Hockey scores with AIS Video Optimisation Grant

The potential for ongoing success of Australian hockey’s High Performance environment has been given a major boost with the approval of a grant submission for advanced video technology.

Hockey Australia (HA) has secured installation of new state-of-the art multi-camera systems at hockey venues in six capital cities around the country as part of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Video Optimisation Grants program.

The program, supported by the Australian Government and in partnership with Australian company Fulcrum Technology, provides coaches and athletes real-time feedback and analysis at training.

The technology also enables a closer connection between the national HA High Performance Unit in Perth and five other National Training Centres across Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

“Having the support of the AIS through this new grant that gives coaches real time analysis in our Daily Training Environments is fantastic,” said HA CEO David Pryles.

“Hockey has been at the cutting edge of technology over the past 20 years and I am proud to be the CEO of a sport that has bought into this grant, not only from a technology perspective but a willingness to improve through the use of this technology.”

The world class camera system will create a nationwide network enabling HA’s High Performance programs and pathways to fulfil a range of objectives.

These capabilities include:

• enabling coaches to coach in real time using video feedback,
• reducing time in producing video for athletes and coaches after sessions and for the greater dissemination of the video to a wider network,
• extending knowledge of the national program, coaching strategies and methods throughout the broader High Performance network across the country.

“This technology from the AIS Video Optimisation Grants program, which means our players will have access to top level coaching no matter where they are around the country, is a game changer for the sport,” said HA High Performance Director Bernard Savage.

“The connection with our National Institute Networks and real-time training feedback will not only help our current Kookaburras and Hockeyroos players, but also our stars of the future.”

“We look forward to our players and coaches benefitting from this technology as it keeps our High Performance Program as a benchmark in world hockey.”

“Undertaking and rolling out this project would not be possible without the financial support of the Federal Government through Sport Australia and the AIS, so we thank them for seeing the enormous value and positive outcomes that will come from it.”

The AIS Video Optimisation Grants program installation has just been completed in Perth and is in the process of being installed at the other five venues.