NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE (NOC) - ISSUE, THE DETAILS AND SUGGESTIONS

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. 

Hockey5s

Good Morning Readers....

Today, the intention is to provide some insights about Hockey 5s and details of FIH Hockey5s Lausanne 2021 (M) Lausanne (SUI) 11 - 12 Sep 2021.

Many former internationals and hockey fans called and seeking to understand what is "Hockey5s". Therefore, for better clarity and understanding, decided to write and share with as many as possible. 

HOCKEY5s

First played in preparation for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Hockey5s is a super-fast, highly skilful, short format of hockey which is designed to be adaptable to multiple surfaces, environments and space. Hockey5s is an invasion game played between two teams with 4 field players and a goalkeeper.

Key Characteristics:

Field Size & Duration:	Field Size - 40m x 23.7m (Standard Competition) Duration - 10 minutes in each halves (total 20 mins of play)
Markings	Markings- Designed to be minimal, a half way line and 10m mini-lines create 4 equal sized quarters of the field, plus penalty spots (6.4m from the goal-line) are the only required markings
Equipment.	Equipment: 2 goals, each 3.66m wide and 2.14m tall (Standard Hockey Goals) Each player uses a hockey stick made of any non-metallic material with a maximum length of 105cm (41.3inches). Sticks are usually sold in lengths in inches with 36.5 and 37.5 the most common adult sizes. Only the flat side of the stick may be use to play the ball. (Standard Stick) PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for field players includes shin-guards and mouth-guards. Goalkeeper PPE includes kickers, leg guards, padded shorts, body armour, gloves, neck protector and a helmet.
Key Skills:	Key Skills: Players may push, slap, hit and flick the ball both forehand and backhand (Same as 11-a-side Hockey)

For international competitions such as the Hockey5s World Cup, the Youth Olympic Games and their qualification Tournaments, the Rules must be very precise and followed by everyone taking part, and there may also be Tournament Regulations which vary the Rules of Hockey5s. However, outside of international competitions, Hockey5s is designed to be adaptable to the available facilities and for players of all ages and abilities.

For example, if the playing area is less than specified in these Rules, it might be appropriate to play with only four players of each team on the court. A goalkeeper is required in the Rules but, if necessary and appropriate, the game could be played only with field players. It might not be possible to provide boundary-boards, in which case the ball outside the side-lines could be dealt with in the same way as it is in eleven-a-side hockey. Other playing Rules can be adapted as necessary with these published Rules of Hockey5s providing a reference point and framework.

The Rules do not specify the type of surface on which Hockey5s is played. It is perfectly acceptable to play the game on any surface including natural grass, synthetic turf and hard recreational play areas. In these ways, Hockey5s can be played virtually anywhere at any time. It is therefore an ideal introduction to the sport which enables core skills to develop and the game to be enjoyed with simple Rules in more informal surroundings.

FIH Hockey5s Lausanne 2021 (M) Lausanne (SUI) 11 - 12 Sep 2021 

Malaysia have been invited for the first-ever senior World Hockey 5s event on Sept 11-12 in Lausanne, Switzerland. No age limit for players. 

Five men’s and women’s teams will compete in Lausanne over the weekend: Switzerland, England, Germany, India, Malaysia (Men) and Switzerland, England, Germany, India, South Africa (Women).

There will be free entry to gee up the host nation at the Place de la Navigation and the event will be broadcast live on the Watch.Hockey platform. It will be the first of a planned series of events, with a Hockey5s World Tour planned down the line.

Total 11 matches and Malaysia opens with England, followed by India and Sui in day one. Next day against Germany and Finals. The Match Schedule as stated below.

Match #	Date/Time	Details
1	11 Sep 2021 16:00	IND v SUI (RR)
2	11 Sep 2021 17:00	ENG v MAS (RR)
3	11 Sep 2021 18:00	GER v SUI (RR)
4	11 Sep 2021 19:00	IND v MAS (RR)
5	11 Sep 2021 20:00	ENG v GER (RR)
6	11 Sep 2021 21:00	MAS v SUI (RR)
7	12 Sep 2021 14:30	IND v GER (RR)
8	12 Sep 2021 15:30	SUI v ENG (RR)
9	12 Sep 2021 16:30	GER v MAS (RR)
10	12 Sep 2021 17:30	ENG v IND (RR)
11	12 Sep 2021 19:30	1st RR v 2nd RR (Final)

Oman has been named as the host of the inaugural International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey5s World Cup.

The FIH said the men’s and women’s events will take place in Oman’s capital city Muscat in January 2024.

Thanking you and stay safe.

#Thank you for supporting this blog and the number of viewers is close to 800 to 1,000 readers for each article. Overall has touched 65k. Really appreciate it. 

DILEMMA - FIH JUNIOR WORLD CUP

Happy Fathers Day to all my readers. Have a great weekend with your loved ones...

The 2021 Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup - 16 Teams will be the 12th edition and it will be held in India from 24 November to 5 December 2021. 

To-date 7 teams has qualified - Host -India & 6 European teams - Spain, Netherlands, Germany, England, Belgium & France via 2019 EuroHockey Jnr Championship. Another 4 Jnr Continental Championship to be held soon as a decider on the remaining 10 slots i.e Asia 4 (with India) Oceania 2, Africa 2 & Pan Am 2.

The 2021 Women's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup - 16 Teams will be the ninth edition and it will be held from 5 to 16 December 2021 in South Africa. 

7 teams has qualified - South Africa (Host) and 6 European teams - Russia, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium & England. Following 9 slots will be from Asia 3, Pan Am 3, Oceania 2 & Africa 1. 

As for our Jnr Women team - chances are very very slim to qualify as we have never participated in Jnr Women World Cup due to ill prepared periodization plan and lack of funds with poor emphasis. 

We could not match the top 4 in Asia - India, Japan, China & Korea, and Thailand is now a threat to us. Thailand has made a huge progress with their women team program. In the last edition of 2015 Jnr Women Asia Cup, Malaysia finished 5th placing beating Thailand. Even in this year's event, 5th placing for us will be an ideal target but please be wary of Thailand. As to get to 2021 JWC, must finish top 3 - no chance at all. 

Let's come back to our real issues about Men's Junior World Cup.

Qualifying Round Slots

As we know in last FIH Junior World Cup, Malaysia team was called in as backdoor replacement team due to Pakistan team visa issues. In the 2015 Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia failed to qualify on merit as finished 5th placing - top 4 qualifies. This was worst ever results other than 1996 Jnr Asia Cup.

The Coach was Arul & Amin with Mirnawan as Manager. These 3 are now managing the National Senior Team. Best wishes to them & team for  2023 World Cup & 2024 Paris Olympic Cycle.

The 2020 Jnr Asia Cup has been postponed many times due to pandemic and the Junior World Cup is in November 2021. What happens if Jnr Asia Cup could not be hosted due to - pandemic, 14 days quarantine rules, MyTravel pass issues and Malaysia still on red listing for travel. 

Then AHF has no other choice than to use the last edition 2015 Jnr Asia Cup standings - which Malaysia is 5th, therefore Malaysia is out to participate. We must understand that there is no dedicated world rankings for Juniors. But Senior rankings for sure is out of the window for comparison or make a decision on quota for each Continental. 

As usual, Pakistan needs at least 2 or 3 months buffer for their Visa Application to play in India, which means by September AHF has to make a decision if Jnr Asia Cup cannot be hosted.

But I hope that the Jnr Asia Cup could be held as soon as possible as this will be a fairer gauge for teams to qualify to JWC.

Age 

The Jnr Asia Cup supposed to be hosted last year, therefore there was an appeal to allow players born 1999 to play i.e. 22 this year to play in Under 21 event and AHF granted the approval but in coming FIH Junior World Cup in November would only allow players 21 and below this year. 

Malaysia would be badly hit in coming JWC with this methodology as many players can play in Jnr Asia Cup but not JWC. Results in JWC is important or else we are worried about the chances to qualify. 

In many cycles of JWC, the best is to have a team of U21 for JWC rather than using many players who could play in Jnr Asia Cup but not main event Junior WC.

This current Malaysian Junior team is badly prepared since 2016. Changes of Coaches, lack of International matches, one event every year Sultan of Johor Cup & friendlies with Senior team with MHL/JHL that's all their exposure. This is the worst in preparation of a Junior World Cup team compared to many other plans.

The best prepared program was Project 2013 initiated in 2009/10 and became Asia Champions (first time in history) and finished 4th in 2013 JWC. The team had one of the best periodization plan with high caliber Coaching Staff such as Dharma, Gobi and Azlan Bakar with Nadarajah as Goalkeeping Coach. 

While Project 2013 was in placed, there was already another layer of Project 2016/2017 running simultaneously. Total of 200 players were involved in Projek2013 & 2016/17 with the support of grassroot program "1MasHoki" handled by Lim Chiow Chuan with ad-hoc National U16 Team for Annual 4 Nation in Mannheim, Germany. Even this annual 4 Nations ended in sour relationship and we lost this "gold mine" exposure.

2023/2025 Junior World Cup

Those days each cycle was 4 years but currently in every 2 years there would be Junior World Cup. The next cycles would be 2023 & 2025. As for 2023 JWC, by today we must already have ready made National Under 19 team for 2023 JWC and National Under 17 team for 2025 JWC. 

Qualifying round for 2023 JWC will be next year, and where is the Team? We must understand that the success of a Senior team is always depended on Junior teams. Till today, we are still hoping on old aged players to deliver at international arena because we have failed at managing the Junior Program at its best. 

Coaches

The appointments for Junior programs are made on musical chair methodology. Example Jnr Women - from Lailin changed to Nasihin (Head of P2026), and Nasihin started with Women, then Men's GK Coach and Team Manager of National Men's Team and back to Women and now Lailin with Jnr Women Team from Asst Coach with Senior Team. Same as Jnr Men - from Nor Saiful/ Madzli Ikmar to Wallace/Megat. Let the Coaches finish their cycle. Even no dedicated Coaches for Indoor & Hockey 5s and it will be ad-hoc appointment approach again but set a high target. It doesn't make sense. Interesting - do you know who is the Chairman of Coaching Committee?

The problem is there is no clear consistency in appointment. Due to this musical chair approach, you have hindered the growth of young Coaches and the gap of quality international Coaches is too wide. In the last 7 years, no any new potential young Coaches that has obtained "International Standards". No young Coaches send for FIH Coaching certification. 

Based on MHL & WHL, there are few potential young National Coaches but not ready for International assignments due to lack of exposure and last minute appointments. Due to the Gap, seniors Coaches like Sarjit Singh, Stephen, Tai Beng Hai, Lim Chiow Chuan, K Dharmaraj, Nor Saiful Zaini, K Gobinathan & Azlan Bakar must be still involved and guide these young potential Coaches like Saiful Azli, Jiwa Mohan, Madzli Ikmar, Megat, Jabbar, Selvaraju, Azrul Affendy, Roslan, Baljit, Kelvinder, Nabil Fikri and others. There must be a long term strategic plan in Coaching Development to address this huge hole that is created due to using similar Coaches in most of the assignments and recycling it. 

Just like the recent news that Malaysia agreed to participate in Senior Hockey 5 in September - who are the players & Coaches. Again it will be a recycle approach again.

And changing Technical Directors & Coaches in short term imposes negativity in planning and implementation phases of National Teams. We need a High Performance Director and dedicated HP Unit to address all the issues that is plaguing our National Teams success at International level.

Since 2015 leadership, decision are made last minute and sometimes just to full fill the calendar. It's time to re-organize your objectives & importance of planning with implementation for Junior programs. We are far away in standard of play with top 10 teams in World Hockey. 

You must stop the bleed and move forward fast. Is a long road ahead but looking at current things and the policies, the sports looks dim to compete with World best. Its my honest opinion. 

A word to caretakers - You can't resolve a dilemma with all the very same mind that made it. Thinking without awareness is the main dilemma!

P/S - With our National Recovery Plan announced recently, use this as a guide for your domestic & international competition. Simple as that....we need to think outside the box!

EUROHOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 - MEN & WOMEN 4-13 JUNE - AMSTERDAM

EUROHOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 - MEN & WOMEN 4-13 JUNE - AMSTERDAM

The tournament will get underway on this coming Friday, 4^th June with the Men’s Pool B with Germany – Wales being the opening game  followed by Netherlands – France. Men’s Pool A starts the day on Saturday 5^th June with England taking on Russia and reigning Champions Belgium take on Spain (a repeat of the 2019 Final). The Women’s event will get underway on Saturday 5^th June as the Dutch women take on Ireland, a repeat of the 2018 World Cup Final.

The group stages continue on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then on Thursday the top two in each group advance to the semi-finals while the bottom two go into Pool C. We finish up with the Men’s Final on Saturday 12^th June at 13.00 hrs and the event will come to a close on 13^th June with the Women’s Final at 13.00hrs.

See below the full match schedule:

You could watch live at:

Worldwide:
EHTV

• All games will be live-streamed (GEO blocking in Belgium, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales) with VOD and Highlights after each game
• Event Pass €14.99
• 24hr Pass €3.99

or follow the official website - https://rabo-eurohockeychampionships2021.com/

and see below link for avenues for live matches 

https://rabo-eurohockeychampionships2021.com/nieuws/watch-the-eurohockey-championships-all-over-the-world/

In order to qualify for the 2023 Men’s World Cup in India, teams will need to finish in fifth place or higher at the tournament. 

With The Netherlands and Spain jointly hosting the 2022 Women’s World Cup, a top-three finish would guarantee Mark Hager’s a team a spot at the tournament or – if the Dutch and/or Spanish place in the top three – they could still qualify by ending the tournament in fourth or fifth. 

There will be also world ranking points for grab in every match. It will be a top notch hockey tournament or I could describe it as "Best Hockey Continental Championship" among other Continentals such as Asian Games, Pan-Am, Oceania and African Cup.

It will be a very exciting hockey event over 10 days as the standard of play will be high and currently most teams playing in this event are ranked well in world hockey and most teams has won World Cup & Olympic medals.

Will be following closely and seeing what will be latest tactical & technical methodology would be used and observing the variations of PC attack and PC defense.

Keep in mind, the TOKYO Olympics is less than 53 days and it will be interesting to see how the top Coaches will experiment their style of play at its full capacity or reserving the best for Olympics. 

Just couldn't wait for the 4th June...

Enjoy it folks!

TNBMHL 2021 - REVIEW & IT'S FUTURE

TNBMHL 2021

Firstly, it was organised under buble methodology due to pandemic. Well done to the Organiser for having a successful event.

But as former international, I'm interested in the quality and outcome of the MHL i.e. standard &  performance of Teams & Players and Coaches and foreseeing the future of the Malaysian hockey.

There is no doubt that the quality & standard of League will dictate the quality of National Teams - Senior and Junior.

After watching EHL and FIH Pro League this morning - Ger vs Arg, our standard of hockey is far far away and the gap is getting too wide with best teams in the world. Germany has turn around their team with injecting many youth and new coaching style of play and very effective.

Normally, after every MHL, there should be a post-mortem not to address the organisation aspect (we are known for best in organising events) but on how to improve the quality and increasing the domestic competitiveness to churn high quality international players, Coaches, TO and Umpires.

There must be new innovative ideas on how to enhance the League standards in which would be close to EHL standards. Might be privatising the League could be a good idea but this idea needs proper brainstorming and defining the duties and responsibilities between parties is a prerequisite prior to privatision.

On Coaching segment of MHL teams, there is a need for this Coaches to be updated with latest training methodology and modern hockey of play with sports science and usage of technology to make informed and real time decision. Most Coaches are playing the similar tactical and structure from start till the end of the League. This Coaches needs more exposure and Courses conducted by top renowned coaches.

The glaring tactical issues during MHL:

1. Lack the idea in PC Attack

2. No variation in structural of play in each match

3. Most teams lack depth in bench

4. Goalkeeping aspect still poor

5. Similar play in all 4 quarters

6. No sheet on rolling subs timing

7. Depended too much on National Senior players to perform

8. Fitness strength was poor even with enough rest between matches - online fitness program in doubt.

9. Some players are overweight

10. 2021 Junior players unfit and most players played below par

11. Most teams played the same structure and pattern which easy to counter and not many of variations was implemented.

Overall the big top 4 - THT, UniKL, TNB and Maybank overides the poor bottom 4 teams - NurInsafi, UiTM, Sabah and TNB Thunderbolt who are just participating with most unwanted and recycled players without any proper long term targets and success.

Even at women segments, the gap is too wide between teams and which 2 teams PKS Uniten &  UniKL are dominant due to engaging 7-9 National players. Women League needs a total overhaul and proper short and long-term approach.

The Organiser needs to:

1. Post-mortem - on quality and future

2. Rules - no away goal decision if playing same venue

3. More new teams - tough as we lack large pool of talented players anymore

4. Video Referral at Charity Shield and League

5. More matches at League level min 2 rounds

6. Reduce Foreign players to allow priority given to local talent

8. More Teams must give employment rather than playing contracts to stir the interest of other young players to play in MHL.

9. Quality & Pool of Umpires need to be enhanced and only about 6-8 good umpires we have at this juncture.

10. There is a need for MHL Div 2 to be the incubator and a stepping stone for small clubs to grow.

11. To have defined dates of MHL for 2022 & 2023 for teams to be well prepared and managing their budget & sponsorship.

12. Certain teams do not deserve to play in Premier League due to lack of competitiveness.

We hope the Organiser would take some suggestions and move forward to make our Malaysian Hockey League as one of the best Leagues in World hockey.

To be honest, we are ranked 11th but it doesn't reflect in the quality & standards of our Malaysian Hockey League.

All stakeholders must look into these matters with an open heart with the interest of the sports and not personal vendetta or get's upset with my writing as the sports belongs to our Nation and it's people.