SASI restructures hockey program as source claims disturbing culture of bullying

The state’s leading hockey program has been drastically “restructured” after claims of cultural issues.

The state’s leading hockey program that develops and supports athletes seeking Australian selection has been slashed by its government department amid complaints of bullying and cultural issues.

A source previously involved in the program revealed the culture within the South Australian Sports Institute program, including athletes being in tears at training and one having “whore” written on their car.

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, detailed allegations of bullying among players, athletes sustaining injuries and poor player management by leadership.

The program had up to five staff in 2023, according to SASI documents, but is now managed by one part-time coach, and elite players are forced to train individually rather than in a team environment.

The source said the culture in the program declined in 2023 and “crumbled” in 2024.

“There’s a fine line between bullying and banter when people are going to training crying, or leaving training crying,” they said.

“I witnessed it.”

Players were allegedly leaving SASI training crying. Picture: File

The source said players were not reprimanded when they were disrespectful, nor were the needs of players properly accommodated.

“It caused a level of frustration as they’re training as part of an elite program, but not attending an elite training,” they said.

The source said nobody outside of the hockey program or Australian selectors knew what was happening during the daily training environment.

“Nobody knows what was happening … people were crying, that there were complaints going on, that somebody had whore written on their car,” they said.

“One player left because they nearly had to have surgery on their hip, the stress fractures were that bad and they were being made to train.”

The source gave examples of the inflexibility of players being able to modify practice sessions and burnout.

Disturbing claims have emerged about the SASI hockey program. Picture: File

The Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing confirmed in September last year it was investigating a complaint, and as a result, gender specific training sessions were put in place.

The department last month said the investigation had been completed and none of the allegations could be substantiated and therefore no further action was taken.

The Advertiser asked further questions regarding the future of the SASI program and its leadership, as per its website, only for the website to be updated to reflect a new hockey program and previous coaches listed being removed.

The spokesperson said the program had been “restructured” after a four yearly-cycle review of all SASI programs and hockey athletes would be supported under the Individual Athlete Program ­– supporting players in a non-SASI sport, such as triathlon.

The state hockey centre, also known as MATE Stadium, at Gepps Cross.

The spokesperson said the program would be under the guidance of one part-time coach.

“SASI, in partnership with Hockey Australia and Hockey South Australia, is currently supporting 12 IAP hockey athletes who are receiving individual skills coaching under the guidance of part-time hockey coach Holly Evans,” the spokesperson said.

“Hockey athletes in this group were part of the previous program.

“SASI also provides these hockey athletes with access to other services including health care, sports science, a world-class strength and conditioning gym and recovery facilities.”

Originally published as SASI restructures hockey program as source claims disturbing culture of bullying