We thought the following may help you understand 'player starring' and dispel some of the myth and misunderstanding at the same time;

What is starring?

Norfolk Hockey enforce a starring system to all but the lowest team of each club that have teams in National, East or Norfolk leagues.  This currently only effects Pelicans ladies teams.

The concept is simple.  It balances out any potential disadvantage to smaller clubs and reduces the possibility for larger clubs with more players to play more advanced players in lower teams and avoid any 'unfair' advantages or which may result.  (for example a strong 1st XI team player could not then play for a 3rd or 4XI team in the same period and risk unfairly raising the sides ability to win)

A starred player must play in at least 60% of games in the team they have been starred for and cannot play for a lower ranked team at their club during the starring period.

Starring is reset every September, October and January which allows clubs to reorganise their teams and avoid a player being unable to progress naturally through the club as their skills and ability improve.

Starring is not a reflection on ability or 'talent spotting' and neither should it be considered a burden or punishment. Starring is not a secret - following your feedback we are working on how we can ensure this information is publicised to you in the best way possible (as it changes quite frequesntly we want to make sure the information we give you is up to date).

There are mixed opinions on starring but Pelicans do not have any choice as this is enforced by Norfolk Hockey and must be abided by.

For more information follow this link: Norfolk Hockey Starring System