Octopush News British Octopush Is Working Tration

Octopush Edition 6, News Autumn 2003 The magazine of the British Octopush Association, the ruling body for underwater hockey in the UK Red tape Inside...

North West hits sport Tourney: Page11

Tanya backs UK hockey: Back page

BIG changes are hap- don’t abuse their positions.(P6-7). introduced. Britain is lobbying pening in the world of And, in international octopush, hard to persuade the world au- underwater hockey— PLAYERS will soon have to qualify thorities to make this scheme and you’re not going as REFEREES in order to attend voluntary. The Colour of tournaments. to like it. QUALIFIED Money: Page 4 The rule has been instituted by New UK laws coming into ef- the world underwater hockey “But players who want to go to fect in the next year mean eve- ruling body, Cmas, to make sure the 2006 world championships ryone involved in running an everyone who takes part in the would do well to get qualified octopush club or a team will sport gets the most out of it. now, just in case.” have to register with the au- LOBBY *PICTURED: A Xarifa player in thorities to find out if they Boa Chief Referee Neil Dixon, Manchester gets ready for crimi- have criminal convictions. who also represents our views to They will also have to attend Cmas, says: “We will do all we can nal checks. Photo: PHIL Web Relaunch: courses to make sure they to prevent this rule from being THOMPSON. Page 8 People and Places New intake for sport’s top jobs

IN: Sue OUT: Fiona

THE NATIONAL Sue Mitchell replaces Fiona who is also moving Down Un- Alistair started playing with Squads meeting ap- Buttery as temporary Secretary. der to further her career as a his current club in 1991, and proved a number of Fiona is devoting more time to vet. (“Down udder,” surely? Ed.) served as the Boa’s junior competitions manager for new appointments to her MBA studies. Mark is currently vetting new Sue is a full–time personal as- swimming pools for national four years — keeping a vital Boa posts. sistant at Yell, formerly known competitions, but says the aspect of the sport afloat. Terry Jackson takes over as as Yellow Pages. Nautilus will still be held at Thanks to all the retiring post– Ladies’ Elite Manager. Steve Prince is stepping Crystal Palace this year. holders. Our sport would not be He replaces Rob Liscoe, down as Boa Vice–chairman. He says: “Keep watching the the same without you. who has decided to step back Your efforts mean that from national team adminis- He’s moving back to his na- website and Octopush News British Octopush is working tration. tive Australia later in the year. for more announcements.” together in a more optimis- Terry works as a civil engi- Steve is a computer program- A search is underway to get tic and positive way than for neer for Exeter Council in mer who has spent much of the a suitable full–time coach for the many years. Devon. year updating the association’s Ladies’ Elite team. And good luck to the He has never played the web presence (see page 8). Alistair Skeen, an Orkney sport. But his daughter Jenna new appointees as we A short list of replacements teacher, is the new under 19s’ has represented GB ladies. prepare for the World “It’s going to be a steep is being drawn up. manager. Championships in New learning curve, but already Mark Sullivan is the new He began playing octopush in Zealand next year. people have been offering Competitions Manager, replac- the 1970s, while a Bristol Uni- help,” he says. ing the popular Michele Wok, versity Student. TIM ARNOLD 2 BLUEPRINT 2006 IS ANNOUNCED Raising Our Game

By Perry Rich, National Squads Manager

BLUEPRINT 2006 is the Boa’s development plan to regain our rightful place in world hockey. CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE: The BOA will use regional pools for UK training It was agreed at the national squads meeting The good news is that the True, there are some players and This will make it easier for recently as the best way squads meeting decided to put all coaches that don’t stop. I applaud people to attend. I wouldn’t forward for our game. this behind us and focus together them. expect all prospective squad We invented this as one sport, one association, and However, all of us, even when members to go to all the wonderful sport, after all. one country, in order to attain we wind down in the summer, sessions — just to the ones But no country will hand our common goal of getting back need to keep a basic level of in their two nearest regional results on a plate to us. on top of international octopush. fitness so we are better prepared centres. The only solution is for us I think it can be done. And here’s These innovations will lead all to work together. And how we are going to do it. to many economies of scale. work smarter. There should be an explicit “We must The cash saved can then be I have noticed that the UK recognition that the GB elite squads regain the top re–invested in the sharp end game has been far too of the sport. fragmented and divided over are the peak of our game. position in the For example, I would like to recent years. So we need to put into effect sport we see some of this new money True, the personal a ladder which gives a natural being used to subsidise enthusiasm has been there — progression from novices created” people who travel the and commitment, too. through to national players. A However, this scrappy way golden thread of commitment for the next event. farthest distances. We can of working has not been and excellence running right the Our management procedures, also have longer sessions — successful in delivering way through British underwater too, should not turn to dust and and more of them, too. medals. hockey. blow away at the end of a Communication of ideas That in turn has let to a We must make people assume championship. between the teams would blame game of people from the first time they get into We must use this down time in also be greatly encouraged accusing others of letting our the water that they can, and must, a more effective way, starting with We can involve more experts advisers, too.Of country down. aim for the top. regular meetings to discuss tactics course, the actual training This approach has been This new style will need to be and direction. priorities for the teams divisive, pointless, and carefully managed, in order to Another objective I have is to would still be decided by damaging to our international prevent the previous stop/go set up four regional centres of individual coaches and prospects. management approach of excellence where all prospective players. I say the tragedy is that people stumbling from the European GB players can get together and But, overall, it’s a winning have not realised that we, as a Championships to the Worlds can train as Team UK. sport, would be much stronger and back again with little or no These will be based at regional package which really will raise if we acted together. continuity of purpose. pools up and down the country. our game. 3 Cash Crisis British Octopush is running out of money. That’s why the subscriptions are rising. By Tim Arnold, Chairman

4 UNDERWATER Cash support for the na- Organising national A working party is getting tional teams. This is normally championships such as the underway to consider HOCKEY in the UK worth around £1000, which Nautilus and National Finals. movingtowards individual, is still reeling from goes towards the entry fees Holding meetings where instead of club, membership. for European and World players can directly elect the We also hope to raise more cash through spon- the effects of mas- hockey events. officials who represent them. sorship and selling advertis- sive insurance hikes Representing our sport An improved, profes- ing in Octopush News. in the aftermath of to national bodies such as the sional website, where players I hope you agree this edi- Sports Council and the Brit- can get up–to–date tion is the best ever, and the World Trade ish Underwater Sports Asso- information about their sport. something which will really Centre bombing. ciation. Without these links, we It will soon also be used as a interest advertisers. could not send national teams valuable tool to recruit new A tenner a year to run the The resulting cash short- to play in international cham- octopush players. Boa and get insurance? Yes, age leaves the Boa with only pionships. Bearing the administrative that’s 20p a week. Peanuts. That’s because Cmas, the burden of disclosing players’ We will not be able to the barest of funds to sur- world ruling body, will not al- records to the authorities move forward as a sport until we get more invest- vive. low the Boa to directly join it. (without this, the Boa would ment. That means more Yet raising subscriptions is We have to go through a third fold). coming from players. not necessarily the answer, for party. Organising coaching Our athletes already en- Developing coaching events. it puts off the less committed dure financial burdens manuals and referees courses Looking at the above, it is clubs from re–joining — and which do not hit players (Around 50 people success- nothing short of miraculous from other countries. we lose net income. fully graduated last year.) that the association does its I would like to give Last year’s basic subs were This is especially important for work so effectively. them more from Boa £145 per club. That provided international players as they will But cracks are starting to funds. But we cannot do us with an income of around soon not be eligible to compete appear. The increasing insur- that without yet an- £7 500. Of that, nearly £5 000 abroad without an appropriate ance burden is putting a real other big rise in sub- went on insurance. We just referee’s qualification. strain on our finances. scriptions. about broke even. This year, our insurance quote is more than £6 000. That’s why we are having to put up the subs to £180. The move means that we can continue to run the association at around the same level of benefits as last year. Our alternative would be to cut back on our other core services of Octopush News and subsidising the national squads. Each each individual club player should only have to con- tribute between £10 and £20 per year, even with the new adjust- ments in insurance. — that’s 20p to 40p a week per person. For that, the association currently funds the following benefits. TWIN Octopush News. Each is- PROBLEM: sue costs around £430, just to Terrorist at- print and mail (layout and edi- tacks in New torial is done by volunteer la- York caused insurance premi- bour). We are constitutionally ums to rocket. obliged to publish at least Now UK three times a year (£1290). octopush is reaping the whirlwind 5 WELFARE OF THE VULNERABLE (WOV): Keeping The

IT IS A SAD fact of life that all Last year, the Boa asked people doing sports attract some people national squads work to get police checks. A few did. Most did not. Find these who only take part in order to POLICY further their own ambitions. This year, as part of falling into line with Fair enough. But it is quite another the forthcoming legislation, anyone documents thing when those people take seeking to work with the national squads needs to be ‘disclosed’ so that the BOA HERE is what you need to advantage of their positions by foisting can start the necessary checking process start the process of being themselves onto the young and as easily as possible — and with the checked out to work with the vulnerable. minimum of expense. vulnerable. That’s one reason why the Boa is co– This policy will gradually be rolled out Those documents are broken down operating with tough government throughout the rest of the association to into two groups: legislation intended at stamping out comply with the law. the sickos from sport. We also have documents which will help Group 1 Documents Ministers are about to implement a new people setting up clubs to make sure they Valid Passport law which forces all sporting bodies comply withthe law. UK driving licence (amongst others), even the small ones, to WAKE UP CALL Original UK Birth Certificate introduce complex measures to check all This may seem like a great deal of red Valid Photo ID card post holders for past criminal activity. tape. UK Firearms Licence SQUADS But clubs which do not comply with the Group 2 Documents Previously, it was merely best law will probably be banned from hiring pools P45/P60 practice to carry out criminal checks when the legislation comes into force. Marriage certificate for people who might be in contact The sporting authorities are making it Non-original UK birth certificate with minors (those people under 18 clear — this law is going to work. Bank or building society statement years). They say the legislation should also act Now the idea is to be given legal as a “wake–up” call to people who may Utility bill force — and extended to anyone in a have cast a blind eye at others who they Valid TV licence local octopush club or indeed the Boa suspect of getting up to mischief. Credit card statement who has a position of responsibility, The civil law already provides a minefield Mortgage statement Valid NHS card from chairman to club coach to for people who want to look the other NI number card secretary to national squads manager. way when inappropriate activity is going on. And not just acts involving minors. Visa/work permit The new government rules will now apply So the message to anyone involved in even if you are not working directly with sport is clear: you have to clear up your The good news is that you don’t have minors. act. to produce each of the documents – Ministers say the developments will There are severe penalties for those just one document from Group 1 and two further documents from Groups make organisations visibly more who take part in this disgusting behaviour 1 or 2… OR five documents from transparent, open and safe for their — and those who cover it up. Group 2 only. members or prospective members, of *The Boa wants to hear from Each person will also need to provide any age. But we need to take steps anyone with information about details of a character referee known to now to fall in with the new rules. inappropriate activities in our them for at least two years, witha full Otherwise, the Boa will cease to function sport. Email details to name and address, as well as their own in just over a year. [email protected] NI number and bank details. 6 . : YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES e Sickos Out BSAC thought it could never happen to them

Picture posed by model

PREVENTION is better than A number of legal cases involving sickening This will save us time and money. Bsac than cure. cases of abuse — too nasty for a family publi- will also manage appeal cases from peo- cation like Octopush News to list— forced the That’s why the Boa has put together ple who have criminal convictions but Bsac to act. who still want to continue with a leaflet aimed at fighting all kinds of That group is now helping the British octopush — for example, those with abuse. Octopush Association to put together poli- motoring offences. The publication is written in association cies which will protect the vulnerable from The idea is to make the process as with the British Sub–Aqua Club, which perverts. knows only too well about what happens Bsac is also offering to act as a “clearing transparent as possible. if you ignore the warning signs of inap- house” for applications from our associa- But perverts watch out: you can run, but propriate activity. tion. you can’t hide. 7 Log on... The Association is continuing its commitment to better informing players and clubs with a professional, bright, new website, developed by vice–chairman Steve Prince — as he explains WEBSITE: WWW.GBUWH.CO.UK

IT’S FINALLY One click of your mouse I also want to see a page Would you like to see other happened. The Boa has button gives access to news dedicated to underwater information included? If so, let me know. its own, permanant, articles, announcements, hockey images, and an archive section that can be used to official website.You can thenational squads, committee EDITORIAL store information on the information, local club I would also appreciate it if find it at history of the sport in the UK. contacts, the Boa shop, you could mention the site www.gbuwh.co.uk. The Boa needs your help to get Octopush News, and on your official Boa email The idea is to provide a the most out of the website. background information about signature, and ask others to complimentary service to Send in your announcements the sport, including the rules. link to our site. the existing, unofficial, about forthcoming And keep an eye on the There is still some work to websites and the e-group, tournaments and training editorial content. and also to be a one stop be done to include pages for sessions for the calendar. Do send me an email if you shop for UK underwater recent results for both official The images section needs spot an error. hockey. and unofficial tournaments. contributions, too. No one’s perfect! Extract the corporate digit if you love your sport I GET USED to people arguments. “I don’t have the Stop shouting from the sidelines whinging about the Boa. Editor’s time.” and exercising power without But it still makes my blood “I work too much.” responsibility. boil. Talk—Talk: “My family demands my full The sport can only go forward “Why do we pay our subs?” or attention.” if you — the membership — “What does the Boa do for us?” “I train all my spare time.” steer it in the right direction. are questions which frequently Alun Mitchell “I can’t afford it.” That means you.For, truly, YOU come my way. That’s why it’s amazing that “What’s the point?” are the Boa. Let me answer that cliché by some people in the past have This is as disingenuous as it is And you can start by writing a paraphrasing President mounted sometimes vitriolic and nauseating. letter to Octopush News, Kennedy: ask not what the sport frequently ill–considered All the committee are working whether or not you agree with criticism of colleagues who put does for you. Ask what you do or running their own businesses. my arguments. their own time and money to for our sport. They are devoted to their We’ll publish a cross sections Every octopush player in the benefit the sport — and the families. They also support their of opinions on the subject. UK is the Boa. It is a highly other players. democratic organisation. And I welcome constructive local clubs. I can also put you in touch the association works for you criticism. That’s democracy. But, The difference is that they are with the right people if you whether you bother to notice frankly, if you feel strongly about willing to put themselves out and want to go onto the committee or not. an issue — do something put the extra effort in to make or become a regional rep. Consider this: the committee Put yourself forward for a the sport better. Those people who stay in the is made up of players from committee post. Or become a Not JUST for themselves… but boat without rowing will be various backgrounds who want regional representative. for everyone involved with guilty of helping to choke our the sport to work. They are I can already hear those same underwater hockey. wonderful sport. willing to devote their best people who whinge rehersing So it’s time for people to back And that would be something to efforts to helping YOU. their other, equally tired, their words with effort. complain about. Write on... Got something to say? Let the rest of the underwater hockey world know with a letter to the editor of Octopush News. Send contributions to the address on the back page

Thanks to her support and Ordering from the shop is Thankfull in commitment,the Welsh ladies Under new easy. Just drop me an e-mail has become capable of with your request and I will competing in tournaments management get back to you with the cost. the hillside such as the home From Jenny Griffiths internationals. From Georgina Ashley Here’s to Newport and Welsh Ladies One day we may even leave BOA Shop Manager News All I WANT TO thank Fiona the bottom of the table! [email protected] Buttrey, who is standing I know that the rest of the I DO APPRECIATE those From Mick Hyde down as Boa secretary, for octopush community will join who have supported and Rochdale CONGRATULATIONS her contribution to me in praising her helped me to take over the on the improved octopush. commitment to her role as BOA Shop — especially my Fi has been a constant BOA secretary, too. Octopush News. Let’s encouragement to me and to We know that she is destined predecessor, Zoë ensure that everyone all the other ladies in Wales for to excel in her forthcoming Dunkinson, for making it a playing our sport gets to a number of years. business masters. fairly painless operation! see it. Get bug blasting now

MOST octopush equipment is cleaned regularly environment too and you bleach solution, then rinse players have probably and stored correctly. could get a sore throat from and dry it. had a sore throat or an For example, if floats are breathing in its spores if it Don’t lose too much sleep upset tummy after stored flat then the water that happens to take up residence over these bugs. Adopt the stays between them festers in your snorkel. playing hockey. above measures for a few and may cause tummy upsets Take these steps to The nasty illness can last for when they are put back into dramatically reduce the weeks and you should notice a several days. real difference. It’s probably the result of the water. likelihood of infection. That early morning “gravel vile bugs which latch onto This bug is the same one that GET a new mesh bag — and humans at the drop of a face makes your kitchen dishcloth keep it in an airy place, not throat” attack should mask. smell! your car boot. disappear — along with the So start cleaning up your Your mask and snorkel suffer REMOVE your mask and upset stomach. act — and your kit. this same environment each snorkel from your kit bag You might also find work week and you may be (along with your trunks and Bacteria and fungi are more palatable the next day. exposing yourself to these towel) as soon as you get everywhere — even in a Or maybe not… pool environment, where little nasty critters every time home from a session. the water is checked you put on your octopush kit. RINSE your mask and throughout the day, bugs still Not only is it possible to get snorkel in fresh water and SARAH LISCOE lurk where it is warm and a tummy upset from bugs like allow it to dry. Director of Coaching humid. this one, but fungi like this fetid CLEAN that kit in a mild 9 Juniors GB TEAMS UNITE FARNHAM and Guildford’s under 16s BRITAIN’S chief improvised with low–tech The Elite Men maintained team scooped the referee, Neil Dixon, is cardboard cutouts, instead. their position as third in national “And… the personal Europe, behind the French taking a well–earned championships at computers also went belly up winners and the Dutch Manchester Aquatic break after organising runner–ups. on the opening day of the Centre in March. the European championships. The Elite Women faced a Tournament organiser “Yes, I was a bit of a headless dramatic play off with France Championships in the Chris Careless says: chicken at one point. But all the to get into the final. Italian principality of “Congratulations to the sides were very supportive, and GB were one–nil up until the Guildford Gremlins for San Marino. the Italian hosts were most dying minutes of the game, He was originally invited to grateful for my input, so it was when their continental regaining their position at co–ordinate the referees, all worth it.” neighbours managed to the top after being but the authorities then That happy atmosphere was not equalise. deposed last year by GRASP asked him to take over as lost on the GB teams, who co– Rochdale.” The French got a decisive goal FINAL ORDER (Movers) tournament director — in operated with each other in a in extra time and the British 1 Guildford q 1 place overall charge of the event. sporting manner, actively hopes were dashed. supporting whichever side was in 2 Rochdale r 1 place “I didn’t get a swim for the John Bull’s best were forced 3 Orkney V first few days of the the pool, and offering practical help into fourth place while their with problems such as broken 4 Inverness q 3 places tournament because I was opponents went on to become 5 Sheffield too busy with paperwork. mask straps. the overall runners–up, behind UK squads manager Perry 6 Huddersfield r 2 places “This included organising the tournament winners, 7 Dawlish q 1 place Rich says: “The increased co– Holland. more than 100 buckets of 8 Dunstable q 1 place operation made a great deal of One Boa official says: “Many quick drying concrete to r sense. of the team members found 9 Tarot 3 places make up a mix to build crowd 10 Thames Valley control barriers for the ELITE representing their country a “It improved morale, and made heavy burden. 11 Orkney III q 1 place event. 12 Orkney II r 1 place “The high–tech electronic the event more enjoyable and “We just advised them to get just fun. We’ll build on this as into the pool and enjoy their 13 Plymouth q 1 place score board went on the 14 Newcastle r 1 place blink for four days. We we prepare for the World game. This approach certainly Championships next year.” made a big difference.” 15 Stoke SLOWHAND SHEEHY STEALS SHOW READING proved a to end the season. The ample sunshine provided National Final Reading Ladies did not manage a light sheen to the water, which 1st Reading class act as they was clean and clear — a big such a commanding dominance 2nd Southport grabbed the National of their league, but did provide improvement from the Semi– Finals. 3rd Southsea Final at Crystal Palace. drama when their game against 4th West Wickham Spectrum Angels of Guildford A pioneering sounding system They outplayed their rivals 5th Midlands A went to a golden goal for the in the middle pool proved with style and panache — popular. 6th Dewsbury including some teams who runner–up spot. International referee Chris Referees used a handheld tried to drag them down with remote control device in the Careless says: “In general, the National Plate Final aggressive and water — instantly signalling a standard of play and 1st Leeds Beavers unsportsmanlike behaviour. stoppage through the main 2nd Slough But the Thames Valley’s sportsmanship in national buzzer on the side of the pool. finest kept their composure, events has improved a great Outgoing Competitions 3rd St Albans with slick play even in the face deal. Manager Michele Kwok says: “It 4th Totnes of provocation which “The results of the plate final was definitely a hit, both with 5th (Joint place) Putney and challenged the referees to play were very close. Despite the the teams and the officials. Edinburgh the advantage rule. pressure, the players were on Vincent Sheehy in particular “We also tested out a new their best behaviour during the buzzer designed by Reading. “ shone with a gentle flick to goal National Ladies Final in the last game that was so games.” She adds: “Thanks to everyone A television crew from who supported and participated 1st Southwest Ladies slight that it appeared to be 2nd Spectrum Angels telekinesis. Transworld Sports was on hand in the competitions I have run Words cannot do justice to to capture the action, and their over the last two years. 3rd Reading Ladies the move but it was truly shots are beaming UK hockey’s “The experience was thoroughly 4th Wahine Warriors inspirational, and a great way success story to millions of challenging, enjoyable and 5th Yorkshire Ladies 10 people around the world. rewarding.” 6th Orkney Ladies Picture Gallery

Oi’ll drink to that, m’dears! A DEVON team got the drinks in after an octopush tournament in Manchester. Kingsbridge’s mixed side didn’t bear any grudges after failing to bring away a trophy. “We only entered for a laugh.” Pic: Phil Thompson

FLOATING AN IDEA

Farnham and Guildford used their “barbi-push” open air sessions at Guildford Lido to rehearse innovative tactics for their forthcomg Islington grudge match. TTANYANYAA Briefly... SHOPPING: The Boa shop has just taken in a new stock of gloves and pushers. Prof- its go to the National BBAACKSCKS Squads.Details: BBAACKSCKS [email protected] UKUK SQUSQUADAD WORLDS: Organisers of the Christchurch Champion- ships have published the competition’s logo (above). RELOCATION: Guest players are welcome at Slough Octopush club’s sessions on Sundays at Ealing’s Gurnell Leisure Centre at 15.30. Fee: £5. The club relocated after Slough Council closed the Centre Pool. Web: http:// freespace.virgin.net/ douglas.greenwood/ octopush/index.htm JUNIORS: An under–19 development session is being held at Churchill’s Pool, South Bristol, on Sunday FREEDIVE world BREATHTAKING: Tanya Streeter in October 12. Details from record holder Tanya action (above) and relaxing (below) madsisters@ Streeter is backing UK octopush.fsnet.co.uk Octopush by giving ad- TOURNAMENT: A vice on breath–holding record number of teams are techniques. entering the fourth Ladies’ She has agreed to give a mas- Home International tourna- ter class to the Ladies’ Elite ment, held at the Basingstoke squad on the weekend of No- Aquadrome on Sunday De- vember 8/9. cember 6. Send refereeing A venue for the visit is still be- offers to ing worked out by GB player [email protected] Mandy McPhail. EVENTS: Octopush News She says: “This is a real coup for wants a jpeg picture and 250 UK octopush. Tanya will be show- words (in English, with con- ing us how she broke breath ventional grammar) about holding records.” your club’s news event. You More details from Mandy: can’t be in it if you don’t en- [email protected] ter into it...