1st World Vintage Hockey Carnival
October 21st to October 28th 2012, Barbados
Hockey in Paradise
June2011
Vintage Hockey is delighted to announce that the 1st World Vintage Hockey Carnival is set for the 21st October to 28th October 2012 in the beautiful and exotic Caribbean Island, Barbados.
Preparations are well and truly underway, the website has been launched, invitations have been sent and brochures have been printed.
Teams and players over the age of 35 are invited to participate in what is geared up to be an exciting celebration of field hockey and an opportunity for you to relax and soak up the sun in fabulous Barbados.
In this issue:
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What is Vintage Hockey?
Vintage Hockey is the latest sport to join the growing Vintage Sports Movement that already includes rugby, cricket, softball, golf and football. Vintage Sports Carnivals are designed for players of all abilities, agilities and experience, over 35 years of age. And if playing the sport you love isn't enough, carnivals are staged in attractive destinations where the chosen sport, in this case hockey, have a significant presence.
The FIH laws of Hockey will apply with variations to suit the age and ability of the participating teams. Vintage Hockey rules will differ little from the FIH rules and any variations to rules will be advised prior to any Vintage Hockey Carnivals or matches.
Teams may vary the rules, prior to a game, by mutual agreement between team captains but can only be varied in order to promote and preserve the Vintage Sports code - good fun, good competition and the full participation of all those who wish to play.
Games will be played over two 25 minute halves with a 10 minute half time break. Players may be replaced at any time. Players will be provided with special vests to recognise their age and to protect them from any aggressive or vigorous play.
What is a Vintage Hockey Carnival?
A traditional biennial Vintage Sports Carnival consists of 3 days of games at local sports fields, usually played on alternate days with rest days in between focused on local tours, shopping or simply relaxing in the company of friends in beautiful locations. Destinations are selected by players and teams from a short list of places where hockey is a strong sport and where players, family and supporters want to visit.
In summary, a Carnival can be the ultimate experience for an avid mature sportsperson (over 35 years of age) who whilst never reaching representative status can now 'compete' against and relax in the company of similar aged people from all over the world - every 2 years!
Who is organising the 1st World Vintage Hockey Carnival?
Ricky Clarke, of the well-known Cockspur Old Gold Roosters Hockey Team is the Carnival Manager of the Inaugural World Vintage Hockey Carnival. Ricky is a leading sports business operator in Barbados and has hosted many teams and groups visiting the Island. Ricky and his team are looking forward to welcoming teams to Barbados and they will be available and permanently on hand during the Carnival.
With administrative and promotional support from the Vintage Hockey Office (part of the Vintage Sports Organisation that has managed Vintage Sports Carnivals in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, South Africa, USA, Argentina and Barbados) and enthusiastic efforts from the hockey population in Barbados, the carnival is shaping up to be an exciting and well organised event.
Barbados - "one day"
Sun, Sea, Sand and HOCKEY!!
Many people tell us they intend to visit Barbados "one day". With the tropical light blue Caribbean Sea and its soft white sandy beaches, Barbados is one of the Caribbean's most attractive holiday destinations. Once you've experienced this beautiful paradise island you'll be planning your next visit.
If you are a hockey enthusiast, we are going to provide you with the chance to experience not just "one day" but 7 days on this perfect hockey and holiday island.
Barbados is a small island which makes it very easy to explore. The island has many beaches where you can relax and enjoy a spot of swimming on the beautiful south and west coasts or, if you're a little more adventurous, head towards the East Coast Atlantic coast for some surfing.
Friendly Bajan locals, comfortable accommodation, glorious weather and many great bars and excellent restaurants make Barbados a truly fantastic place to visit.
There are great opportunities to squeeze some shopping in during your visit to Barbados. In between playing hockey, soaking of the sun and meeting new friends you could try your hand at a range of fun activities and attractions including wildlife reserves, jewellery stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals, sightseeing, cave exploration and surfing.
If you haven't been on a truly unique holiday to an exotic, fun filled and relaxing location, here is your "one day" opportunity.
If you have been to the Caribbean before, here is your chance to return and create friendships and even better memories.
The Programme
- Sunday October 21:
Teams arrive, are met at Grantley Adams International Airport and transferred to Carnival accommodation. Early evening, teams will be transferred to the Plantation Restaurant for a spectacular Opening Ceremony-Cocktail Party including the popular Bajan Roots 'n' Rythms Show Enjoy a minimum of formalities, a great dinner and welcome from local hockey authorities and dignitaries.
- Monday October 22:
Morning transfer to the grounds for the 1st round of matches. Games will be played continually during the day and will be of 1 hour duration with a 10 minute break at half-time (25 minute halves). Midday shuttles will be provided to enable teams to travel back to their accommodation after their fixtures or to arrive a little later in anticipation of afternoon matches. Evening at leisure.
- Tuesday October 23:
Morning transfers to Harbour Master Cruises for an exclusive day long cruise along the beautiful West Coast of the island including a Bajan Fiesta with lunch and drinks included and the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear blue Caribbean Sea.
- Wednesday October 24:
Morning transfers to the grounds for the 2nd round of matches with arrangements the same as for Monday. The evening will again be free to enjoy the fantastic restaurants, bars and nightlife.
- Thursday October 25:
A welcome day of leisure with the opportunity to play golf at the excellent Barbados Gold Club, to take any of the various day tours on offer or to relax at ypur hotel, by the beach or alongside the pool. The evening will again be free to enjoy the fantastic restaurants, bars and nightlife.
- Friday October 26:
Morning transfers to the grounds for the 3rd round of games with arrangements the same as for Monday. The evening will be free for a special experience - an evening at Oistins Fishing Village enjoying the fun, music and fantastic local food in the relaxed Barbadian atmosphere.
- Saturday October 27:
a day at leisure and the chance to do more sightseeing, relaxing or shopping at the interesting and cute markets in close proximity. After a relaxed day, transfer early evening to a venue to be advised for a fantastic dinner and dance Barbadian style. The evening will feature very few formalities and plenty of fun to wind up a great week of good hockey, great experiences and creation of new friendships.
- Sunday October 28:
Transfer to Grantley Adams International Airport for a sad departure or, if you are one of the lucky ones, continue your holiday in a Caribbean paradise.
Playing conditions for games, including age grouping and grading.
Our main intention is for all people joining us at the carnival to enjoy their experience of Vintage Hockey and Barbados to the maximum. Playing conditions are recommended and will be circulated in detail before the Carnival but can be varied to suit teams if captains agree prior to matches starting.
There are a number of regulations that are not to be varied and these will include duration of games; replacement rules and wearing of identification vests for older players. Games are for 11 a side teams.
Important factors include;
- Designed for men's teams, women's teams and mixed teams.
- Teams are asked to grade themselves into one of three grades.
social semi-competitive competitive
- To advise their approximate average age as one of the following
35 to 45 45 & over mixed
Every effort is made to grade teams according to their selected playing category and approximate average ages.
The main "playing conditions" to remember are that:
All games are expected to be played in a sportsmanlike manner in keeping with the objectives of Vintage Hockey.
Objectives:
- To provide good quality hockey in friendly surroundings at a wonderful destination.
- To enjoy fun, friendship, good competition and camaraderie on and off the field.
What is the cost of taking part and what does it include?
Carnival packages start from US$ 1,295.00 per person (share twin, double, share triple or share quad). All prices are per person and are quoted in US dollars. All packages are subject to availability and where particular properties and rooms are sold out; the organisers will offer similar rooms and hotels. Click here to view packages.
Given the quality of the accommodation, the attractions included and the hockey opportunities they certainly are good value and each package includes the following:
- Seven nights' accommodation at one of the Carnival Hotels.
- Continental breakfasts.
- Meet and greet at Grantley Adams International Airport.
- Transfers to and from the Airport upon arrival and departure.
- Three games of hockey.
- Transfers to and from the hockey fields.
- Opening dinner and Bajan Roots & Rhythms show at the Plantation.
- Mid-week all day cruise including food and beverage.
- Closing Dinner and Dance and Awards evening with a three course meal and beverages.
- Carnival polo shirt and cap.
- Carnival survival pack and handbook.
- Carnival souvenir newspaper.
- One team photograph per player.
The following are not included:
- Airfares and international travel.
- Meals except as shown.
- Gratuities.
- Personal insurances.
Terms, Conditions and cancellation dates are available on line at www.vintage-hockey.com.
Is there an early bird offer? YES!
Teams entering the 1st World Vintage Hockey Carnival prior to 30th September 2011 will receive;
- 10% discount on quoted prices.
- Waiver of the team entry fee.
- Team Welcome Pack of Banks Beer, Cockspur Rum, soft drinks and nibbles (meaning the First Drink is on Us).
- Your team will be entered into an Early Bird Draw for dinner for the team at The Ship Inn in the St Lawrence Gap.
- Your team will be entered into an Early Bird Draw for dinner for the team at Bajan Breeze Restaurant at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort.
Teams entering the Carnival prior to the 30th of November 2011 will receive:
- 7.5% discount on quoted prices.
- Team Welcome Pack of Banks Beer, Cockspur Rum, soft drinks and nibbles (meaning the First Drink is on Us).
Teams entering the carnival prior to the 28th February 2012 will receive:
- 2.5% discount on quoted prices.
- Team Welcome Pack of Banks Beer, Cockspur Rum, soft drinks and nibbles (meaning the First Drink is on Us).
The closing date for team entries will be Friday 14th of September 2012.
How to enter?
Entering your team is very easy:
Please let us know if you experience any difficulty and we will post, fax or e-mail you an entry form to be completed and sent back to us by post, fax or e-mail.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to drop us a line at queries@vintage-hockey.com.
Yours in Sport,
The Vintage Hockey Team
or check out our website for updates.