New National Championship Framework to be introduced

An update to the age categories of two national events to create a clearer pathway headlines a new National Championship Framework to be adopted by Hockey Australia (HA) from 2024 onwards.

The new framework, which has been devised in collaboration with School Sport Australia (SSA) and designed in consultation with numerous stakeholders including the State/Territory hockey Member Associations’ development programs, will see national hockey events held at Under 14 and Under 16 age levels.

These new age level events will replace the current Under 13 and Under 15 age groups.

With the various HA Championships acting as the ‘primary pathway’ to future Hockeyroos and Kookaburras stars, the annual SSA events held at 12 Years & Under and 15 Years & Under level will supplement the HA tournaments.

“Having a 2-year age gap of U14, U16 and U18 provides more frequent opportunities for players to attend national events,” said HA CEO David Pryles.

“This Championship Framework is primarily designed for athletes’ progression through to national and international level. Those involved in Hockey Australia’s National Athlete Pathway Program strongly support the changes.”

“We thank School Sport Australia for their collaboration through this process and their commitment, along with the Member Associations, to work together in the best interests of hockey in Australia.”

The new National Championship Framework has been designed to:

• Reflect the current domestic development programs in Australia.
• Be more child-safe by having the youngest national underage event commence at Under 14 level.
• Provide clarity on the role of the HA event pathway and supporting role of SSA participatory events.
• Increase support to the identification and development of talent through to the national teams and programs.

The new structure retains the internationally (FIH) recognised Youth (U18) and Junior
(U21) age groups.