Sydney East Hockey Association’s Open State Championship season has been launched.

If you are interested in playing Opens in 2026, please review this email in full as it contains vital information for Sydney East Hockey Association “primary” players (those registered with a SEHA Club in 2026).

Nominations

Sydney East is calling for nominations for Mens and Womens teams to represent Sydney East at the Hockey NSW Open State Championships 2026 (Division 2 & 3) at Macarthur Hockey Centre, Narellan on the June Long Weekend.

Please complete the nomination form by Monday 20th April 2026. It is hoped the selection process will conclude by early/mid-May. 

Apart from the teams participating in the Open Field State Championships on the June Long Weekend, training will be determined by the person appointed as Head Coach.

Sydney East’s division

Sydney East's 1st Mens & Womens teams will both be in Division 2. If we can enter a 2nd team in the championships (which will be determined based on the number of entries received), they will be in Division 3. All the games for these teams will be at Narellan.

Sydney East Opens Clearance (release) Policy

Sydney East’s Representative Policy with regard to clearances will be strictly applied by the SEHA Board in the 2026 Open Rep season.

What does this mean?

·       Any SEHA primary player who wishes to play Open state championships in 2026 are required to complete the nomination form and be available to represent SEHA if selected.

·       If a player does not complete the nomination form, they will not be eligible for a clearance to play for another Association.

·       If a nominated player is selected in a SEHA team, they will not be eligible for a clearance to play for another Association.

·       Players who are SEHA primary players who wish to play for another Association because that Association is in Division 1 will not be eligible for a clearance to play for another Association.

·       SEHA primary players who do not complete the nomination form and request a clearance at the last minute due to a specific request to play for another Association (who may be short of players or for some other reason) will not be eligible for a clearance.

Please note: SEHA primary players who have a genuine Association of Origin are eligible for a clearance under Hockey NSW regulations to play for that specific Association, however all SEHA primary players are encouraged to nominate and represent SEHA at Open State Championships.

Location

Hockey NSW has split the Open State Championships into two locations

1. Division 1 - Men & Women – Wollongong (10 teams per gender)

2. Division 2 & 3 - Men & Women -Narellan (8 teams per division per gender (approx.))

Coaching

Sydney East is currently seeking expressions of interest for the Opens coaching positions, in particular the Men’s opens team. The appointed coaches will be responsible for reviewing nominations and working with the Sydney East Open Rep Committee to complete a selection process.

Thanks,

SEHA Open Rep Committee

repconvenor@seha.com.au