Clubs penalised for playing Hockeyroos
Two Perth Hockeyroos who won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland are disappointed Hockey WA penalised their local clubs for playing them during a recovery period.
Jayde Taylor and Jane Claxton play for Westside Wolves and Victoria Park respectively in the Women's Melville Toyota League.
After investigating a complaint, Hockey WA found both teams breached a rule banning Hockey Australia high-performance athletes playing at club level during designated recovery weeks.
The clubs were fined $500 and docked points. It is understood both teams will appeal against the decision and are considering hiring lawyers to contest the ruling.
Taylor, who made international headlines for her "selfie" with the Queen at the Games, said she had been unaware of the rule.
"If they are the rules, we'll have to cop it on the chin and we will know for next time," she said. "We play club hockey for fun and to meet people - that's why we do it."
Claxton said she was disappointed it hurt the club.
"We play club hockey because of the relaxed atmosphere outside the serious nature of international hockey," she said.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said the rule was to ensure elite players were not overworked.
"We have specific programs for each day for each athlete and we've had a situation where two of the girls replaced a conditioning session with a game," he said.
"That gives their team an advantage over their opponent . . . and we are trying to keep the integrity and fairness in the competition."
He said it was an innocent mistake.
Hockey WA chief executive Peter Churack said this year had been exceptionally busy with the World Cup and Commonwealth Games and coaches were cognisant of rest periods for the athletes.
A female league player, who did not want to be named, said the rules had not been properly explained and it was disappointing that Australian representatives were denied the chance to play when they wanted to.
