Field Hockey Canada hosts special meeting with members
This weekend, Field Hockey Canada (FHC) will host a Special Meeting for members to consider proposed amendments to the FHC bylaws. This article takes a closer look at FHC’s governance structure and the purpose of this weekend’s meeting.
As the legally binding rules that guide how FHC is governed, managed, and operated, the bylaws are a key foundation of our organization. Bylaws shape how we operate as an organization and are tied to broader principles of good governance
FHC firmly believes that good governance at all levels, from clubs and community organizations to the Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) and national body, is the foundation of a strong sport system. Good governance outlines how an organization makes decisions and allocates resources to ensure business is conducted with transparency, accountability and integrity.
FHC bylaws are regularly reviewed to ensure full alignment with the governance standards outlined in the Canadian Sport Governance Code. This code applies to all Sport Canada funded National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and mandates best practices around strategic planning, board composition, financial controls, organizational transparency and established discipline policies.
FHC’s governance structure begins with the role of its Board of Directors, who are responsible for overseeing strategy, policy, and organizational direction, in a clear separation of duties from NSO operations overseen by FHC staff. The board structure incorporates best practices through the following five key pillars.
- Athlete Voice:Two athlete directors on the board ensure that competitors’ rights, well-being and perspectives are reflected in decision-making.
- Board Diversity & Independence:The board uses a skills matrix and an annual open nomination process to support diversity, independence, and effective governance.
- Financial Accountability:FHC publishes audited annual financial statements and provides the board with regular financial reporting to support oversight.
- Strategic Alignment:FHC operates under a clear strategic plan supported by risk management frameworks.
- Integrity and Safety: FHC ensures policies and standards, including the Code of Conduct, are upheld at all levels to promote integrity, respect, and safety across the organization.
Established governance principles also shape how formal decisions are made within the organization. This weekend, the proposed bylaw amendments will be reviewed by representatives of the PSOs, as the PSOs are the formal members of FHC and hold the voting rights on key governance decisions.
While PSOs hold the formal voting authority, broader community input remains an important part of FHC governance. Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and universities are recognized as Registered Participants and offer an essential voice in our sport’s development. In the last strategic cycle, under our ‘Team of Teams’ operational framework, FHC created an extensive and high-functioning network of committees to support governance in specific areas, such as Coach Education, Officials, Masters, USports Advisory and Athlete Council. These committees provide an important mechanism for Registered Participants to contribute expertise and perspectives into governance and decision-making.
All our members, Registered Participants and community stakeholders play a critical role. Through voting, committee engagement, and feedback, they help shape the direction of the organization and FHC is committed to continued transparency and clarity around the governance structure that supports the field hockey community in Canada.
Together, working as a Team of Teams within the framework of good governance structures, we can all help build a stronger field hockey community in Canada. For more information on governance at FHC, go to our main Governance page which is full of resources related to general meetings, our strategic plan, FHC committees, as well as the policies and athlete documents which underpin the organization.
