To the SA Masters Hockey Community

While 2024 seems far away and it’s hard to make long-term financial decisions, we appeal to all master’s players to register for WC trials in August. This will be the first step in our WC plan, followed by the African Masters Invitational (AMI) Tournament scheduled for November this year. It follows that the trials open the doorway to be selected for the AMI.

We understand that many people may find the required investment challenging and we aim to do our utmost to alleviate this burden to ensure that we are able to select the best available teams, including coaches and managers. The SA Masters Leadership is working hard to obtain sponsorships and have appointed a third party to undertake professional fund-raising projects such as golf days, entertainment functions, etc. in the major locations. Squad members will be given an opportunity to participate in these projects to raise funds on an individual basis for the WC. In addition, we shall also be making a sponsorship opportunity on the playing kit available for squad members who wish to sell this space to fund their individual participation.   We will communicate this information as soon as possible to help with budgeting and planning.

The Cape Town World Cup for O35/O40 M/W and O65 to O80M plus SoM will be from 12 to 21 October 2024, and 7 to 16 November 2024 for the O45/O50 M/W, O55M/O60M and O55 to O70W, plus SoM  categories in Auckland, New Zealand.

Coach and Manager positions

• Interested parties for both Men and Women’s team to please submit their application in writing to president@samastershockey.co.za or debbigates@woolworths.co.za.

Trial Information

• Players must be affiliated to SAHA and have a SAHA membership number.
• Must have a valid South African passport or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
• To be eligible for selection, players will be required to attend the following:
  • WC trials, August 2023
  • SA Masters IPT, August 2023
  • Africa Masters Invitational Cup 2023
  • National Camp & Final World Cup Selection: February 2024
• All players will be required to register prior to trials and pay a once off registration levy of R500.
• Participation in the WC squad fitness program and regional training sessions as set out by SA Masters once squads are announced.
• Must meet the age criteria as per FIH tournament rules below.
  • To be eligible to compete in any master’s competition, a player must be over the designated age limit on the 31 December of the year of the relevant competition or who will reach the designated age by/on 31 December 2024.
  • Players who are unable to comply with the selection requirements will have to apply in writing and request dispensation clearly stating the extenuating circumstances. Dispensation is not a guarantee for selection. The deadline for trial dispensation applications is 31July 2023 and must be sent to: president@samastershockey.co.za.

August trials: Age groups M35-60 and W35-65

• Trials will be held at St. Stithians College, Bryanston High School and Randburg Astro (ladies).
• Day 1: Tue 8 August, 13h00 to 16h00; Day 2: Wed 9 August, 09h00 to 12h00.
• Trial dates for M65 – 75 will be communicated at a later date.

Trial registration form

As mentioned above, all players will be required to register and pay a once-off registration levy of R500 to be eligible for trials and selection. Click on link to enter https://forms.gle/7aJArXpUjSohioaK9.

• Trials are open to all players who meet the above criteria, notwithstanding the team or pool you play for at IPT.
• Registrations close – 31 July 2023
  • NAME:  South African Masters Hockey Association 
  • BANK:  FIRST NATIONAL BANK 
  • ACCOUNT: 62750268370 
  • BRANCH: 254605  
  • REFERENCE: Your name & surname

For the love of the Game

SA Masters Executive