Recently, there were public outcry from many hockey players in Malaysia with regards to play in overseas via obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) which is a condition regulated by FIH.
As for the readers, I would like to address this issue and make suggestion so that there is better understanding of processes and clarity on NOC related matters.
To make the explanation easier first - read the issues; second - understand what is the NOC and finally a suggestion to the current custodian.
The Issue:
https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2021/05/689156/end-road-middlemen
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have decided to stamp their power on players who want to ply their trade overseas in order to stop middlemen or agents from profiteering.
In Malaysia, the MHC are the sole right holders of the No Objection Certificate (NOC), a document recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for players who want to sign with foreign teams.
"The MHC have decided to impose an additional requirement for players who want to apply for the NOC to play abroad.
"They will now have to apply for the certificate through their respective State HAs.
2. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
What is a No Objection Certificate?
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) allows players from one country to play in another country
with the permission of their home National Association.
Why is a NOC needed?
One of the principles of the FIH Regulations on Sanctioned and Unsanctioned Events is the
primacy of international and domestic competition. It is through the issue of NOCs that a
National Association can manage the amount of Hockey that its players take part. This is
particularly relevant for those that play in national teams.
How do I get a NOC?
There is a standard form on the FIH web site at http://www.fih.ch/inside-fih/our-officialdocuments/event-resources/ Otherwise a straightforward letter of application a player’s home
National Association stating the country and competition to be played in and the dates of
competition.
What do I do if my application for a NOC is refused?
National Associations are expected to act reasonably when considering applications for NOCs
and should not put unnecessary impediments in the way of an application.
If an NOC is refused the player has the right to appeal to FIH to consider the application, the
reasons for refusal and to determine whether or not the refusal is reasonable or otherwise.
Are there ways of limiting the players who require NOCs?
The Regulations permit National Associations to specify the players or level of competition for
which NOCs are required. Such limitations must be published on the National Association’s
web site.
However, for all national competitions (national leagues or national cups) NOCs must be
obtained.
Do NOCs apply to all foreign players in a national competition?
Yes, unless the home National Association has specified a list of players who do require NOCs
or the away National Association has specified the level of competition for which NOCs are
required.
3. Suggestions
Custodian must have a detail procedure for players to obtain - No Objection Certificates. At the moment is done on ad-hoc basis without proper administrative procedures.
I suggest the following procedures in obtaining a No Objection Certificate:
There is 2 Ways of Application for NOC - thru players to Malaysian Hockey or Overseas Club/NA to Malaysian Hockey:
Players to Malaysian Hockey:
1. Most requests for NOCs must received
via email - players or respective NA that the required such players.
2. The custodian is to replied to requesting the completion
and submission of the No Objection Certificate Request form accompanied by
necessary documents from MHL or JHL Club, if not already received. No-Objection Certificate Request
Form must be attached. NOC Request Form must be made available on website.
3. Once the request form is received, if required it is sent
onto National Team Management Committee to ensure there is no conflict with representative
duty especially for National players. As for non-national players or retired National players it will be a direct approval as long as the Clubs allowed it as there could be an existing Contracts but no need State Affiliates approval.
4. Once clearance is provided, the information is saved on the server as follows: Competitions
> No Objection Certificates > Relevant Year > Outgoing NOC
5. A letter is then created.. Once
completed with a staff member electronic signature (CEO or Competition Secretary), the letter is saved as a pdf and is saved on the server as follows:
Competitions > No Objection Certificates > Relevant Year > Outgoing NOC
6. The letter is then emailed to the person requesting the
No Objection Certificate
7. The ‘NOC Log – Players Out’ spreadsheet is updated with
the details.
Overseas Club/NA to Malaysian Hockey:
Providing a No Objection Certificate to Malaysian Hockey from Overseas Club/NA.
1. Most NOCs sent to Malaysian Hockey are received via email
2. The NOC must be provided by the player's National
Association or former club. Otherwise the NOC should not be accepted.
3. The NOC must include the following information:
a. Name of athlete
b. Name of Club
c. Name of event in which the athlete wishes
to participate
d. The dates of the event
e. The dates for which the NOC applies (if different from
the dates of the Malaysian Hockey domestic event)
f. Signature on behalf of the relevant National Association
or club
4. If the NOC does not contain the information above, it is
to be returned with a request for the missing information.
5. When a NOC is received which meets the criteria above,
the NOC is to be saved on the Malaysian Hockey server as follows: Competitions > No
Objection Certificates >Relevant Year > Incoming NOC
6. If a NOC is received after December 31st, it must receive
clearance first from the Secretary of the Competition prior to its
acceptance as it may contravene competition rules and regulations.
7. The sender of the NOC is then sent confirmation from Malaysian Hockey that the NOC has been accepted. The sender or player is advised that
they must contact their club in order to ensure that they follow the registration process
that applies to the club.
8. The ‘NOC Log – Players In’ spreadsheet is updated with
the details and it will be a running list which is transparent and public to view on website.
There is no need to complicate matters by giving Affiliates to approve it before parent body. There is no clear contract between players and Affiliates as there is only age group, Sukma or Annual Razak Cup event.
Most non-National players must be encouraged and allowed to play in Overseas tournament unless it clashes with MHL/JHL which the Club has the final say and not the Affiliates. After all Razak Cup is 10 days affair. There is no need for additional red tape procedures.
The issue here is the players must get the clearance from JHL/MHL Club as they are the real paymaster. This NOC is created by FIH to reduce the burden of National players commitments and the custodian must not be too harsh or making it difficult on allowing non National players to play in overseas tournaments.
Hope the above explains about Non Objection Certificate (NOC).
Thanking you...
P/S - If an NOC is refused, the player has the right to appeal to FIH to consider the application, the reasons for refusal and to determine whether or not the refusal is reasonable or otherwise.
