Notes about grade changes for 2021:

U15 grade

1. To protect and continue to encourage our younger secondary school students and to keep them playing hockey (particularly year 9 and 10’s). Under the old format, many year 9 students would end up playing in a grade that included year 12 and 13 students. This difference in age, ability and physical size makes it very difficult for our younger players and they end up being discouraged from playing hockey.
2. As all our intermediate hockey is now half field, Waikato Hockey find it appropriate to have a dedicated grade where players can learn the full field game. Having an U15 grade allows for this, without dropping players into the deep end.
3. Having an U15 grade encourages schools to work on player development. A team that specifically caters to younger players is better for their development.

Allowing for U18 open (no school affiliation requirement)

This should allow for smaller schools to enter teams by supplementing their numbers from outside the school. It also works for individuals who leave school to still play hockey in their age group. Under the old system a 16-year-old who leaves school would be forced to play in an adult club team. This allows those players who are first year out of school but still U18 to continue playing in their age bracket.

Refer to rules:

6.       Eligibility

6.3 (3)   Non-enrolled students may be used as long as they;

• • • • Meet the age requirements (8.1)
      • Have Principal and WHA sign off
      • Note: These players will not be eligible for MISSC or SS Tournament

8. Age Limits

8.1          Players for the Secondary competition must be under the age for the relevant competition as of 1st January for the current year e.g. U15 or U18