We decry the tactic of responding to a social crisis by using the tactic of a “review”. Kicking the can down the road always ends up with the can further scuffed and dented.
So it has been with HockeyNZ’s review of something about coaching and team culture. The review garnered more media coverage than even the original “problem”. It encouraged complaints, and speculation about them. It raised expectations and attention when the report surfaced, the redaction of which made the whole thing look paltry.
It has now lost both national coaches. It has killed off the sponsorship of its golden goose, Owen Glenn. The team is on a losing streak.
After wasting time, effort and public attention the sport can’t spare, especially for its grassroots, HockeyNZ’s review has kicked a very battered tin can.
