Sport | Field hockey |
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Jurisdiction | Australia |
Abbreviation | HA |
Founded | 2000 |
Affiliation | FIH |
Affiliation date | 1925 |
Regional affiliation | OHF |
Headquarters | Melbourne, Victoria |
President | Stuart Grimshaw |
Vice president | Clare Prideaux |
Official website | |
www |
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Hockey Australia is an organisation that formed from the merger of the Australian Hockey Association and Women's Hockey Australia in 2000. It is the national body responsible for the promotion, development and administration of field hockey in Australia. Hockey Australia is a full member of the International Hockey Federation, and comprises the State and Territory associations.
The British Army has been credited with the spread of hockey throughout the world, but in Australia's case, the British Navy deserves the honours. In the late 1800s, Australia did not have a naval fleet of its own and relied upon the Royal Navy for the security of the coastline. The British Naval officers stationed in Australia taught the locals the game of hockey and laid the foundations for a sport which Australians have developed and mastered.
Hockey Australia is the governing body that oversees Australia's National Teams.
Hockey Australia organises National Tournaments, at various levels. These are as follows:
In August 2015, Hockey Australia announced its Indoor Australian Championships will be held in Wollongong in 2016 and 2017. The three-week festival of indoor hockey will be played at the Illawarra Hockey Centre, in Wollongong. Championships will be played in Open, Under 15, Under 18 and the Under 21 categories, as well as a new Under 13 event, over the 23 days. This is the first time all Australian Indoor Championships are held in one venue.
The Australian Hockey League is the premier field hockey competition in Australia, it began in 1991, with its arrival the Open National Championships were discontinued.