Hello all, first I must set the record straight. At Sheffield July was the proposed best time for the worlds. The main reason for this was that it coincided with most if not all countries school holidays. This is an important factor for a number of reasons, firstly if it is not in July a number of countries have said that they will not be able to send junior teams.

Secondly, these junior teams contribute sign on fees towards the competition, with the strong possibility of there being less teams due to leaving CMAS, the organisers have to consider registration fees. The fewer teams there are means that registration costs will be dearer. Further to this there are the ethical questions of making sure our sport grows by the promotion of junior competition.

On the opposite side of this argument is the fact that it is the holiday season in South Africa so things do have the potential to be dearer. Having said this one has to consider the exchange rate in South Africa which is extremely good to most countries and could possibly offset the dearer tariffs.

I am currently in discussion with South Africa to achieve the best outcome for hockey overall, I hope this sheds some light on the factors to be considered when making these types of decisions.

Cheers.
WTD