Lower Great Southern Hockey Association currently non-operational after unsuccessful annual general meeting

After an unsuccessful annual general meeting last month, the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association has reached crisis point by declaring it is currently non-operational. The AGM was held on November 23 with “an extremely poor attendance” of 10 people, forcing the LGSHA to email members and say the association was now under care and maintenance. No nominations were received for four vacant positions on the association’s board, including the role of president. As per the LSGHA constitution, the association cannot go ahead if the vacant roles are not filled. There are three members who will remain on the LGSHA board from last season — the vice-president, the sponsorship manager and development director. The association plans to hold a meeting with all club presidents on December 14 as it tries to find a resolution to its board woes. If a resolution is unable to be found, the 2021 LGSHA season will not go ahead and that would be a major blow for hockey in the region given Albany is set to host the 2021 Australian Country Hockey Championships next year. Vice-president Hudson Field said it was an extremely disappointing position to be in. “It’s a busy time of the year so I think that’s why it was poor attendance but it was disappointing to still not receive any nominations before the meeting,” he said. “We would have loved some feedback prior to the meeting if people wanted to nominate for positions but weren’t able to make it. “We will be meeting with all the clubs to try and sort a resolution out. “The biggest thing we have been told is our constitution is not correct, so we may look at changing that to get more clubs involved. “If we don’t have a board that means we will have no season next year, that’s the outcome.” The vacant positions on the LGSHA board are president, treasurer, secretary and facilities director. With the major national championships scheduled for Albany, Field said the local hockey community must find a resolution and avoid hockey not happening. “That would be hugely disappointing considering we have the country champs next year,” he said. “It would be embarrassing and very disappointing. “The treasurer and secretary don’t have to be involved with the sport, anyone can do that job so if anyone wants to help, feel free to.” Anyone who can help find a resolution or wants to nominate for a position can contact the association via email at secretary@ lgshockey.asn.au.