With the way Areas are set up what prevents them doing their own thing?

The current landscape of governance structures in hockey shows that a number of HA’s are already the Company Limited by Guarantee, however all have varying constitutions and relationships with other governance organisations below their Regional or County HA level.

Within the new structure, Areas have to apply to become members of England Hockey and by doing this, they are agreeing to adopt common articles and rules of membership. Under this agreement, they abide to operate under delegated powers of responsibility directly from the board of England Hockey.

If Areas decide to move away from these articles of association, then there are steps in place for England Hockey (as the National Governing Body for hockey in England) to resolve the situation as swiftly as practical.