On and around mid 2002 LSM, through its innovative ideas and imaginative skills, created a concept of a prime domestic championship which would not only be attractive from commercial point of view but also upgrade the standard and popularity of the game. This was how the idea of the Premier League was conceived by LSM. IHF gave it’s approval immediately hoping for a new beginning of the game of hockey in India.

Here on LSM swung into action and started its research in order to make the dream of introduction of Premier League a reality. It nearly took two years of continuous hard work and marketing efforts of LSM to give a proper shape to this innovative idea and bring together ESPN- Star Sports(ESS), a leading satellite sports network to join hand in this meaningful and attractive endeavor.

Subsequently the entire concept of the league was presented at the IHF AGM at Guwahati on 29th January 2002 and all members whole-heartedly appreciated and approved the same and gave its mandate to LSM to go ahead in introducing the same as exclusive promoter for IHF.

We now present to you comprehensive details of the Premier Hockey League, the biggest hockey event of IHF that is scheduled to start in the winter months of 2004.

• Reform in the game of hockey to restore the sport to its rightful position– a National League with the top Indian Players taking part, under lights in the best stadia, with new format to be seen first time in India
  
  
• Indian Hockey’s biggest malaise in recent times has been the lack of any meaningful domestic competition leading to top players rarely seen in action. Improve media exposure for the game as well as players so as to widen the market for the game.
  
  
• Create a“made-for-TV”hockey property with international television production standard that holds viewer appeal

• To be divided into two tiers i.e. Tier I – the Premier Division and Tier II – the Second Division. Both the Tier – 1 as well as Tier II will have 5 city based teams each in the first year. From the consequent years more teams are likely to join in the tiers.
  
  
• Teams chosen by IHF on merit for the inaugural edition.
  
  
• The teams will function under the aegis of the State Bodies affiliated to IHF.
  
  
• Each affiliated unit will have to manage, regulate and select teams under their jurisdiction.

• TIER - I
  • To be played on round robin format. All team to play each other twice. The winner to be chosen on the basis of total point.
  • All games would be played under flood lights at night.
  • In the first year only Hyderabad will host the games unless upgradation takes place in Bangalore stadium and Chennai stadium get flood light.
  • All games to be played on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays). Exact draw and timings of each match to be firmed up in consultation with the host broadcaster, ESPN-Star Sports.
  • Each team can register five foreign players and play maximum four in a match.

• TIER - II
  • To be played on round robin format. Each team plays each other twice.
  • Tier II matches would be day games and the venues could be finalized in consultation with IHF and the host broadcaster.

• Games will be played for 70 mins in line with the standard rule. However instead of two halves the games will have four quarters.Each quarter will be of 17 mins and 30 secs. This format is intended to make the games well paced while allowing more commercial segments to support the high budget TV production.
  
  
• Introduction of the concept of time outs for the first time. To start with each team will be allowed 2 x 2 mins time outs and 4 x 30 secs. time outs per match. This would stretch the game a bit but would add a lot of value in terms of excitement as the teams would be able to use their time outs strategically.
  
  
• The number of players on the field will progressively reduce if a game goes into extra time as follows:
  
  

  	Extra time	2 players less
  	Additional extra time	2 players less

  
  Intention is to inject more excitement in terms of strategic thinking in the extra time (whom to drop – defenders v/s midfielders etc.)
  
  
• 3 points will be given for a win, but points get shared 2 - 1 for wins in extra time. This is to reward a good performance.
  
  
• The players serving corporate houses may be taken on lien for 2 - 3 months.
  
  
• Players to sign appropriate legal documents for participation.
  
  
These innovations would be essential for successful commercialization of the league.

• Ensuring drawing up of schedule and circulating the same by IHF to all concerned persons.
  
  
• Ensuring that corporate companies/PSU's release players on lien to IHF/teams.
  
  
• Ensuring smooth functioning of all league related matters with state associations.
  
  
• Ensuing availability of venues and finalising long term arrangement between stadium authorities, state associations, IHF and LSM.
  
  
• Ensuing execution of appropriate documents between Corporate Companies, PSU's, IHF, State Bodies, Teams, ESPN and LSM for interconnected issues of NHL.
  
  
• Liasoning with organizing committees / state bodies for obtainance of clearances that are required for implementing commitment to sponsors / broadcaster.
  
  
• Assisting IHF, State Bodies, Clubs and Sponsors in hosting Press Conferences before and during the league.
  
  
• Fabrication and Placement of ground runners and other publicity materials at all venues.
  
  
• Arrangement of go-downs at all venues for safe storing of ground runners and other publicity materials.
  
  
• Collection of match tickets from Organizers, State Bodies and distributing the same to all the local officers of the sponsors as per commitments.
  
  
• Liasoning with sponsors to order gifts for press, association & others.
  
  
• Ensuring timely order of trophies, medals, replicas and other prizes.
  
  
• Ensuring appropriate distribution of trophies, medals, replicas etc. to the venues.
  
  
• Ensuring proper co-ordination between Broadcaster, State association / Clubs and IHF and LSM and helping broadcaster for smooth telecasting of the games.
  
  
• Getting clearances from appropriate authorities if the sponsors wish to do promotions during the games.
  
  
• Ensuring delivery of branding commitments to all sponsors.
  
  
• Arranging II tier signages including erecting of gates, pillars, banners for the sponsors etc.
  
  
• Ensuring booking of hotels for teams as per budget at all venues
  
  
• Liasoning with print and electronic media to ensure adequate publicity and promotion of the league besides proper projection and mileage of title sponsor.
  
  
• Ensuring travel of teams from its base to several venues.
  
  
• Ensuring local transport of teams at all venues.
  
  
• Arranging of ball pickers at all venues.
  
  
• Ensuring timely payment of daily allowance to participating teams.
  
  
• Ensuring availability of prize money on the required date and arranging display of dummy cheques for sponsors benefit.
  
  
• Arranging smooth conduct of opening and closing ceremonies and ensuring display of proper backdrop during prize giving ceremonies.