There are some exciting changes to the Masters Championships in 2024. These are being introduced in line with insight gained from the results from a survey for entrants into the Championships.
The changes are as follows.

The Championships ages groups are revised to Over 35s, Over 45s, Over 55s and Over 65. This means the Women’s and Men’s competitions align and reflects that Masters hockey starts at the Over 35 age group now; the Over 40s and 50s age groups were set when we started the competitions almost 30 seasons ago.

The Over 65s competition will be for County teams or, where approved by the Area Masters Committee, teams made up of two or more Counties Players must represent the County that their Saturday adult league club play in. Counties will be able to field more than one team.
This reflects that few clubs could field an Over 65s team made up of players from their adult Saturday league teams but ensures that there is a structure for selection. It also reflects that there is increasing Masters’ county activity.

There was strong support for limiting “guest” players in club competitions, ie those who do not play for that club on a Saturday. In 2024-25 regulations will be revised so that:

Teams will be limited to two England masters players (who have played for England in the current or previous season) if they do not also represent that club in Saturday adult league hockey.

Players may not play for a different club to their Saturday league club in any Championship at the same age group that club has entered.

The final change is the introduction of a Tier 3, Shield competition in any of the Championships with 32 or more entrants. This will be for early round losers in the Tier 2 Plate to increase playing opportunities and most teams will have a minimum of three games.

These changes will mean more players will be able to enjoy the Masters championships, fairer competition and increased opportunities for more matches.

We very much hope that you can encourage your clubs to enter the Championships. For further details and the link to the entry form see - https://www.englandhockey.co.uk/competitions-and-events/championships/england-hockey-masters-club-championships/masters-club-championships

Please contact Jo Stratfull, jo.stratfull@englandhockey.co.uk with any queries.