Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson quits role

The boss of Hockey NSW has voluntarily quit his post just weeks after an investigation into bullying allegations surrounding an elite junior team.

The boss of Hockey NSW David Thompson has voluntarily quit his post just weeks after an investigation into bullying and drunken behaviour by a coach of an elite junior representative team was completed.

The sudden departure was announced in a statement by Hockey NSW president Adriana Care on behalf of the board on Friday.

Former Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson.

In response to questions, Ms Care said Thompson’s departure had no link to the findings of the independent investigation and the board hadn’t requested his resignation.

There is no suggestion Thompson is accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the bullying allegations.

“David was CEO of Hockey NSW for five years, including the past two where he led the organisation through an extraordinary period for senior sports administrators,” she said.

“He has decided to resign and hand over the role and allow a successor time to prepare for the 2022 events and programs calendar.”

Thompson was criticised by angry parents earlier this year following his response to allegations of bullying inside the NSW under-18 women’s team at the Australian Championships at Tasmania.

“There were some girls who were a little bit upset, although nothing was reported to us officially,” Thompson told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We spoke to the coaches. There are a few girls that aren’t friendly with each other … I think it’s girls being girls, kids being kids.”

The story included reports of players being reduced to tears due to poor behaviour from some teammates and being forced to move from their hotel rooms during the competition.

As a result of angry parent feedback, the NSW Hockey board called for a independent investigation into the allegations in July.

A final report was handed to the board last month after more than 100 people took part in the investigation process, with Ms Care revealing a summary of the findings would be publicly shared “shortly”.

“Our priority has been on briefing the squad and others directly involved,” she said.

A recruitment process has been launched for the vacant CEO position, with chief operations officer Craig Beed acting as interim CEO.