IHA to review rules as Annadale accept replay decision

The Irish Hockey Association has agreed to undertake a review of its rules for national competitions following controversy over an abandoned Irish Hockey League (IHL) tie last November. Annadale were leading Cookstown 4-1 at Coolnafranky, when the game was abandoned near the end of the third quarter due to a frozen pitch. The IHL appeals commission subsequently ruled the tie should be replayed in full, a decision appealed by Annadale, who wanted it re-started with the scoreline intact.

The committee upheld its decision, but has now — at Annadale’s request — agreed to review their competition rules, while the Belfast club will take their grievance no further in return. An IHA statement said: “Under the IHA constitution, Annadale have the right to further appeal to Just Sport Ireland under their dispute resolution service. “However the pursuance of this course of action could be time consuming, potentially disruptive to the IHL match programme, and more importantly, detrimental not only to the IHL but also to the image of Irish hockey. “The IHA will undertake, as a matter of priority, a review of all Irish competition rules, in full consultation with clubs. Annadale will make no further appeal in this case and the decision of the appeals commission issued on  January 19 is acknowledged. “Both parties are pleased to have resolved this situation and look forward to the continued success of the IHL.”