The South African Ice Hockey Association has a strong Long Term Athelete Development Plan which is in line with the IIHF and other international hockey playing nations.
Ice hockey players can start as young as 4yrs old and there is also no ceiling as to how late players can start. It is with this in mind that we have adopted a policy of development which considers these entry points. Our cross-ice hockey program runs from u10 – u14 and is designed to give players the most amount of touches, playing time and involvement. We also encourage our member organisations to run skill based programs which include station based practices which focus on the fundamentals of ice hockey. This gives players the best chance of success.
As a Federation we are always reviewing our development structures to ensure that we implement the best structures and policies at the youth level. Our youth leagues start from u10 up to u18 and encompass Boy’s and Girl’s of all ages. The SAIHF hosts an annual Inter-Provincial Championship which decides the top ranking team in each age division.
We believe Ice hockey is for everyone!
Mens and Ladies Hockey starts at the youth level and runs up to any age. In all our organisations we have both competitive and social leagues.
The top tier of ice hockey in South Africa is the Super League where our top Men’s Senior players compete. This competition is designed to not only promote higher levels of play but also to showcase the local talent in a high speed, high intensity environment. This league features our top National Team players and foreigners. It is our elite division.
Each region has higher leagues and lower leagues and there is a mix of ability in these divisions. Each region runs its own leagues and some are also played in a tournament format to decide the regional champions each year.
Adult hockey in South Africa is a great place to compete but there is also a space for those who wish to play recreationally.
The South African Ice Hockey Federation has more than 100 official’s country wide.
Officials are crucial to a healthy hockey organization. Currently South Africa has 4 internationally accredited officials. Our commitment to ensuring a safe and fair environment for players is driving the continued growth and development of this portfolio.
Our leagues are run in accordance with the IIHF Officiating Standards. Safety and players well-being is paramount to our federation.
Respect for the officials is one of our benchmarks which strive to work towards.
Coaching is crucial to any aspirations of a world class sporting body. The SAIHF continues to invest heavily in this aspect of growth and our ongoing commitment to developing local coaches.
The need for world class coaches is a key ingredient. The federation has therefore implemented the SAIHF CEP (Coaching Education Programme) which is designed to educate and accredits coaches from Level 1 to Level 3 on an annual basis.
Coaches are not merely there to draw x’s and o’s. They play a fundamental role in developing both hockey players and people by being role models and leaders in their organisations. The SAIHF has a dedicated local coaching staff who develop players along the principles which we have identified as crucial to long term success.
All our coaches are accredited and licensed by the SAIHF.
SAIHF and the Coaching Education Program require both certification and registration to be eligible to coach. Registration is done on an annual basis. Certification is also required. A few basic steps requirements are as follows:
SAIHF Requirements (Must be completed before participating in any team activities)
Register as a member of SAIHF
Complete specific documentation relating to coaching (Code of Conduct & Registration)
Coaching Education Program Requirements (Must be completed by Dec. 31)
Find, register and attend the required certification clinic. You can only attend one clinic per season and all coaches start at Level 1.