They were last seen about five years ago, but the Premiership Finals (or 'Super Cup') are to make a return to the hockey calendar this season, albeit in a different guise.
Under proposals to be introduced at the end of the 2009-10 season, the top five men's Premiership sides will play-off to decide which clubs qualify for the EuroHockey League. The proposal stems from an idea put forward by the Premier Hockey League Forum.
At the end of the season the top club in the Premiership will automatically qualify for Europe and will be entered into the EuroHockey League as the third ranked team. They, and the next four teams, will be entered into a play-off competition to decide the clubs that will qualify for the 2010-11 EuroHockey League. England is currently allocated three places.
The Premiership Champions will have the opportunity to improve their ranking from third place depending on the result of the play-offs. Ranking has an effect on the quality of opposition in Round One of the EuroHockey League as the teams are seeded to reduce the chances of the top clubs knocking each other out early in the competition. There were objections under the old Premiership 'Super Cup' system that the leading club could be eliminated despite having played a successful league season. Under these proposals the league champions place in Europe is secure.
Details of dates and venues for the qualifying competition have not yet been announced.
There is no Premier Hockey League Forum for women and England Hockey is consulting with women's clubs with a view to the possible introduction of a similar competition for women.
IN ANOTHER CHANGE TO THE LEAGUE STRUCTURE, the number of players than can be registered has been raised from 27 to 30. This is to ensure that there are sufficient players available to a club when top players are called up on international duties.
