Extraordinary Delegates’ Conference, 5th – 11th March 2007

Only one not yet decided question:

Points at WCh

The Executive Committee would like to define a system that helps to increase the will to win every match of a tournament and at the same time to decrease the will of making “friendly draws”.

 

The Executive Committee has received a number of suggestions:

 

Version A. Awarding 3 points for the win, 1 point for the draw and 0 point for the lost game. The results of the mutual matches are taken from the Basic groups into the Division groups at the same time, e.g. players from the same Basic group will not play again their mutual match in the Division group.

 

Version B. Awarding 2 points for the win, 1 point for the draw and 0 point for the lost game. The results of the mutual matches are taken from the Basic groups into the Division groups at the same time, e.g. players from the same Basic group will not play again their mutual match in the Division group.

 

Do you agree on changing the point system at the World Championships?

 

[ ] Yes, we agree on using 3 points for the win and taking results of the mutual matches from the Basic groups into Division groups (Version A).

 

[ ] Yes, we agree on using 2 points for the win and taking results of the mutual matches from the Basic groups into Division groups (Version B).

 

[ ] No, we do not accept this change.

 

 

ALL following questions were already decided

The following questions were set for the schedule of the Extraordinary Delegates’ Conference.

Tournament Rules

Do you accept the Tournament Rules? (http://www.ithf.info/stiga/ithf/docs/TourRulesJanuary2007.htm)

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

Open Category Wild Cards for WCh / ECh

The Tournament Rules (http://www.ithf.info/stiga/ithf/docs/TourRulesJanuary2007.htm) have the following statement:

The Executive Committee of the ITHF reserves the right to award special exemptions for entry to special guests at the World and the European Championships in any class except the team competition.“

 

Do you want to forbid awarding of „wild cards” for the OPEN class/category?

 

[ ] No. The Executive Committee can award one or two wild cards for the open category. The wild cards can be awarded only in exceptional cases.

 

[  ] Yes, we want to change this statement to forbid any wild cards for the OPEN class:

The Executive Committee of the ITHF reserves the right to award special exemptions for entry to special guests at the World and the European Championships in any class except the open class and the team competition.”

 

 

Points at WCh

The Executive Committee would like to define a system that helps to increase the will to win every match of a tournament and at the same time to decrease the will of making “friendly draws”.

 

The Executive Committee has received a number of suggestions:

 

Version A. Awarding 3 points for the win, 1 point for the draw and 0 point for the lost game. The results of the mutual matches are taken from the Basic groups into the Division groups at the same time, e.g. players from the same Basic group will not play again their mutual match in the Division group.

 

Version B. Awarding 2 points for the win, 1 point for the draw and 0 point for the lost game. The results of the mutual matches are taken from the Basic groups into the Division groups at the same time, e.g. players from the same Basic group will not play again their mutual match in the Division group.

 

Do you agree on changing the point system at the World Championships?

 

[ ] Yes, we agree on using 3 points for the win and taking results of the mutual matches from the Basic groups into Division groups (Version A).

 

[ ] Yes, we agree on using 2 points for the win and taking results of the mutual matches from the Basic groups into Division groups (Version B).

 

[ ] No, we do not accept this change.

 

 

Also different suggestions were made about taking the mutual matches from the Basic groups just into the Final groups (the Top Division), but not into the Placement groups (lower Divisions).

 

 

Do you agree on taking all mutual results from Basic groups into the Divisions at the World Championships?

 

[ ] Yes, we agree on taking all results of the mutual matches from the Basic groups into the Division groups.

 

[ ] No, we agree only on taking the results of mutual matches from the Basic groups into the Final Group (the Top Division).

 

[ ] No, we do not agree on taking any results from the Basic groups into the Division groups.

 

 

Additions to the Tournament Rules

The next suggestions for adding more points to the Tournament Rules

(http://www.ithf.info/stiga/ithf/docs/TourRulesJanuary2007.htm).

 

Addition 1. Will be added to the paragraph 3.4 During the tournament:
The organizers have to ensure that all the postponed matches are played as soon as possible, not later than 3 rounds before the finish of the current group stage. The organizers must announce a break for other players if it is necessary for playing the postponed matches. If a postponed match occurs among the last 3 rounds before the finish of the current group stage, such match must be played immediately.

 

Do you accept this “Addition 1” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

Addition 2. Will be added to the paragraph 3.4 During the tournament:

The organizers can decide to stop showing the continuous reports of tournament results and standings before the finish of the current group stage.

 

Do you accept this “Addition 2” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

Addition 3. Will be added to the paragraph 4.4 Making a complaint to the committee of referees:

A complaint must be submitted right after the incident or right after the finish of the match when the incident happened.

 

 

Do you accept this “Addition 3” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

Addition 4. Will be added to the paragraph 2.1 General rules under Seeding:

Players from the same country should be seeded in equal amount in all groups, if possible.

 

 

Do you accept this “Addition 4” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

Addition 5. Text removed from 2.5 International championship and will be added to the paragraph 2.1 General rules under Grouping:

The organizers have to prepare a schedule for the group stages of all competition classes in a way that the players from the same nation meet during the first rounds of the group. This rule must be kept as much as possible.

 

 

Do you accept this “Addition 5” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

Addition 6. Change of the whole paragraph 2.2 Committee of referees:

The organizers of each tournament must form a committee of referees (committee). The head referee shall be a person from the organizing committee who can answer all questions about the tournament and clarify and enforce all ITHF rules and guidelines. The committee of referees is responsible for running a successful and enjoyable tournament.

 

At least one member of the committee must be fluent in the English language, but each member of the Referee Committee should be able to understand English.

 

It is recommended that each member of the Referee Committee has different nationality.

 

All members of the committee are selected by the organizers of the tournament at least 1 week before the tournament. The members of the Committee must be confirmed by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee can make changes at the Referees Committee before the tournament.

 

The committee must always have three (3) members and two (2) substitutes. Members of the Technical committee (TC) of the ITHF must be selected as members of the committee (as many as possible).

 

If there is no member of the TC at the tournament then his/her position in the committee can be taken by any representative of the ITHF. If there is no representative of the ITHF present at the tournament then any foreign player selected by the organizers can take a position in the committee. If there are no foreign players at the tournament then the board of the local association has to select members of the committee.

 

If any member of the committee or any member of the TC of the ITHF presented at the tournament find any conflict with the ITHF rules before the tournament starts, they must report it to the tournament organizers immediately. Organizers must correct it before the tournament starts and ensure that there are not any critical delays during the tournament.

 

The committee must resolve any disputes as soon as possible. Committee can ask the organizers to delay the tournament if any disputed results can potentially affect the tournament results.

 

When solving any dispute, the whole committee must hear each player involved in the dispute.

 

Each member of the committee has one vote. Each dispute resolution must be made in consultation with the entire committee.

 

If any member of the committee is involved in the dispute then he must be replaced by a substitute when the committee is resolving this dispute.

 

The committee must announce the final decision to both sides of the dispute.

 

The committee of referees must select a person if a player or both opponents ask for a referee to watch their matches. It must be ensured that both opponents will understand the referee. An interpreter may be used. The referee does not need to be a member of the tournament’s committee of referees.

 

 

Do you accept this “Addition 6” to the Tournament Rules?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

 

ALREADY DECIDED ... Changes in the ITHF Constitution – General voting rights

 

(The Constitution of the ITHF: http://www.ithf.info/stiga/ithf/docs/ithf_const_reg.htm)

 

The existing Constitution says:

11.2.1    Each active member with seven or less World Championship players has one vote. Each active member with eight or more players in the World Championship has two votes. The active member’s rights to vote are not transferable. The count of World Championship players is taken from the last held World Championship. If the Delegates’ Conference is held during the World Championship, then the count of World Championship players is taken from the just running World Championship.”

 

The Executive Committee would like to define a system that is not dependent on the participation at just one tournament. The Executive Committee suggests these possible solutions:

 

Version A. To have more ACTIVE players should mean more power during the voting at the ITHF Delegates’ Conference. The World Ranking can be used as the decision factor of how many active players are in each ITHF member nation. The suggestions of evaluating the proportion of the amount of active players at each ITHF members and the power at the ITHF are these:

-       The ITHF members with at least 100 players with at least 250 points at the World Ranking would have 3 votes at the Delegates’ Conference;

-       The ITHF members with at least 25 players with at least 250 points at the World Ranking would have 2 votes at the Delegates’ Conference;

-       The other ITHF members with a right to vote would have 1 vote.

 

Version B. The principle is the same as at the Version A. Just the numbers are different:

-       The ITHF members with at least 50 players with at least 500 points at the World Ranking would have 3 votes at the Delegates’ Conference;

-       The ITHF members with at least 25 players with at least 500 points at the World Ranking would have 2 votes at the Delegates’ Conference;

-       The other ITHF members with a right to vote would have 1 vote.

 

Version C. One vote for every ITHF member, no matter how many players are active at any nation.

 

Version D. One vote for every ITHF member, no matter how many players are active at any nation. The Executive Committee has the veto rights, e.g. can return any decision made by the Delegates’ Conference for reconsidering.

 

 

Do you agree on changes of point 11.2.1 of ITHF Constitution?

 

[ ] We agree on the following change of the point 11.2.1 of the ITHF Constitution (Version A):

11.2.1  Each active member with at least 100 players with at least 250 points at the official World Ranking of ITHF has three votes. Each active member with at least 25 players with at least 250 points at the official World Ranking of ITHF has two votes. Each active member with less than 25 players with at least 250 points at the Official World Ranking of ITHF has one vote. The active member’s rights to vote are not transferable. The count of players per nation is taken right after entering results from the last held World Championship.”

 

[ ] We agree on the following change of the point 11.2.1 of the ITHF Constitution (Version B):

11.2.1  Each active member with at least 50 players with at least 500 points at the official World Ranking of ITHF has three votes. Each active member with at least 25 players with at least 500 points at the official World Ranking of ITHF has two votes. Each active member with less than 25 players with at least 500 points at the Official World Ranking of ITHF has one vote. The active member’s rights to vote are not transferable. The count of players per nation is taken right after entering results from the last held World Championship.”

 

[ ] We agree on the following change of the point 11.2.1 of the ITHF Constitution (Version C):

11.2.1  Each active member has one vote. The active member’s rights to vote are not transferable.”

 

 

[ ] We agree on the following change of the point 11.2.1 and adding following new points XX.1.1 and XX.1.2 (Version D):

11.2.1  Each active member has one vote. The active member’s rights to vote are not transferable.”

 

XX.1.1  The Executive Committee announces decisions made by the Delegates’ Conference not longer as 14 days”

 

XX.1.2  Within 5 days after a decision was made by the Delegates’ Conference, the Executive Committee can ask the Delegates’ Conference to review the decision by a motivated refusal. If the Delegates’ Conference approves the same decision without changes, the Executive Committee can not make any objections for the second time.”

 

 

[ ] No, we do not agree on changing the point 11.2.1 of the ITHF Constitution.

 

 

ALREADY DECIDED ...Changes in the ITHF Constitution – Admission regulations for the active members

(The Constitution of ITHF: http://www.ithf.info/stiga/ithf/docs/ithf_const_reg.htm)

 

Existing Constitution says:

6.2            The admission of active members ensues by written application to the ITHF-Office, containing a legally binding signature. The By-Laws, Charter or Articles of Incorporation of the association have to be enclosed.”

 

The Executive Committee suggests making changes in the ITHF Constitution concerning accepting new ITHF members. The Executive Committee supposes that an organization asking for the ACTIVE membership in the ITHF should prove certain table hockey ACTIVITY at the national level. That is why the Executive Committee would like to add these conditions for the new active members into the ITHF Constitution. The Executive Committee believes that these conditions can ensure that the national organization is a good representative of the nation and can be accepted as an ITHF member.

 

Do you agree on changes of point 6.2 of ITHF Constitution?

 

[ ] We agree on the following change of the point 6.2 of ITHF Constitution:

6.2       The admission of the members ensues by written application to the ITHF-Office, containing a legally binding signature. The By-Laws, Charter or Articles of Incorporation of the association have to be enclosed.

 

6.2.1   The following conditions must be fulfilled to get the ACTIVE member status:

1)  To be officially registered by the national authorities as an organization connected with table hockey;

2) To have at least 15 adult members (players) from the nation. If clubs are the members of the national association then the number of members of these clubs is considered;

3) To organize at least 5 tournaments within the national region with at least 10 players (each tournament) every year. These tournaments have to be open for all table hockey players;

4) To be open for any table hockey players from the home nation and to support table hockey development in the whole country.”

 

6.2.2   The members who don’t fulfill the conditions described at 6.2.1 will get the OBSERVER status.

 

[ ] No, we do not agree on changing the point 6.2 of ITHF Constitution.

 

 

ALREADY DECIDED ... Changes in the ITHF Constitution – ITHF Members with Minor Activities

The current ITHF members who don’t meet the conditions suggested above for accepting the new ITHF ACTIVE members would NOT have the right to VOTE at the Delegates’ Conferences as long as the conditions would not be fulfilled. They would remain the ITHF members, but only with the observer status.

 

The rules described above would be valid immediately for the current ITHF members with an exception of the first rule – the registration of the national association. This rule would come into effect on 1st September 2007.

 

 

Do you agree on adding fallowing point into the ITHF Constitution?

 

11.2.2. Each active member at all times must fulfill the conditions set at the point 6.2.1. If any active member does not fulfill these conditions the Executive Committee of ITHF can suspend the voting rights of this active member until the conditions are fulfilled again. The ITHF member with the suspended voting rights gets the observer status.”

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

NOTE: If this change will be accepted, it is valid only if also the change about Admission regulations for active members will be accepted.

 

 

Application of a new member – Pakistan

The Executive Committee has received an application for the ITHF membership from the Pakistan Table Hockey Federation.

 

Do you agree on accepting the Pakistan Table Hockey Federation as the member of ITHF?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

Application of a new member – Ukraine

The Executive Committee has received an application for the ITHF membership from the Ukrainian Table Hockey Federation.

 

Do you agree on accepting the Ukrainian Table Hockey Federation (Федерація настільного хокею України) as the member of ITHF?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

 

New international tournament – World Club Championships

The Executive Committee suggests the introduction of a new international tournament: the World Club Championships (WCC). This tournament could help to develop the table hockey club movement in the world.

The WCC could be organized by one of the WTHT tournament organizers on the other day than the WTHT tournament.

The rules needed for clubs to participate at this tournament would be announced by the Executive Committee later.

 

Do you agree on introducing the World Club Championships into the calendar of the ITHF season 2007/2008?

 

[ ] Yes, we accept.

[ ] No, we do not accept.

 

ADDITION FROM 21st February

The Executive Committee has decided to add the following two questions to the schedule of the forthcoming Extraordinary Delegates' Conference:

 

1) The point 2.1 of the Tournament Rules draft, the part "Points System" says:

Placement of players in particular groups will be decided by using the following criteria (in order as it is written):

1)     overall number of points,

2)     number of points from mutual matches of players with the same number of points,

3)     goal difference (number of goals for minus number of goals against) from mutual matches,

4)     number of goals for from mutual matches,

5)     overall goal difference (number of goals for minus number of goals against),

6)     overall number of goals for,

7)     overall number of wins,

8)     an extra overtime match finishing with 1st goal.

 

There was a suggestion to change these points and to take wins as the second tiebreaker.

Do you agree on using WINS as the second tiebreakers after the points? The results of the mutual matches would be used as the third tiebreaker:

 

1)     overall number of points,

2)     overall number of WINS,

3)     number of points from mutual matches of players with the same number of points,

4)     goal difference (number of goals for minus number of goals against) from mutual matches,

5)     number of goals for from mutual matches,

6)     overall goal difference (number of goals for minus number of goals against),

7)     overall number of goals for,

8)     an extra overtime match finishing with 1st goal.

 

 

[ ] YES, we agree on wins to be the second tiebreaker.

[ ] NO. We agree on the suggested version of the tiebreakers (the draft of the Tournament Rules, point 2.1).

 

 

2) Do you agree on keeping the European Championship tournament in the schedule of the ITHF tournaments? The next European Championship would be organized in 2008.

[ ] YES, we agree on keeping the European Championship in the schedule of the ITHF.

[ ] NO, we don't want the ITHF to organize the next European Championship.

 

 

 

The Executive Committee has also decided that the first voting will decide the voting system during the next Delegates' Conference. All other questions will be voted after the voting system question is decided - using the new voting system.

This decision may mean that the Delegates' Conference will long more time as probably more voting rounds will be needed at the beginning of the Delegates' Conference to decide the voting system question. The Delegates' Conference can long one more week - till 18th March.