Board
The Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) is led by a dedicated and experienced group of board members who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Each member of the board plays a crucial role in steering the strategic direction of the federation, ensuring that hockey continues to grow and thrive across the region. These leaders come from diverse backgrounds, with deep ties to the sport and a shared commitment to promoting inclusivity, development, and excellence in hockey. Their collective expertise ranges from grassroots development and international competition to governance and community engagement, making them well-equipped to guide OHF in achieving its mission.
Cam Vale
President
Cam Vale (Australia) was elected as the incoming President of Oceania Hockey Federation’s Executive Board at the AGM, attended by most nations, on April 28. Cam comes with experience as a CEO, with Hockey Australia (2013-2017), and Baseball Australia from (2017 – 2021). He is a qualified accountant and has been running his own sports management consulting company since 2021. Cam has participated in a senior leadership program with the AIS and was awarded the Graeme Samuel Scholarship from the AFL. He is regularly invited to speak at conferences across all areas of the business of sport, most recently speaking at the 2023 ONOC Conference in Brisbane in April.
Nihal Seneviratne
Vice President
Nihal has led the Solomon Islands Hockey Federation extremely well and ensured that they take part in regional competitions. The national teams have regularly medalled since 2017, a highlight being silver medals for both men and women at the 2019 Oceania Cup in Rockhampton, Australia.
Andy Rowe
Board Member
Andy Rowe is a seasoned hockey leader with a deep commitment to grassroots development, having served on the Hockey New Zealand Board from 2011 to 2021. As the chair of the Major Events Committee, Andy played a pivotal role in bringing world-class hockey events to New Zealand, including the FIH Hockey Pro League and the 2011 Champions Trophy. Despite these accomplishments, Andy’s greatest pride lies in fostering consistent year-on-year growth in grassroots participation, making hockey more accessible across the country. A former Marlborough Hockey Chair and Life Member, Andy’s passion for the sport began during his days as a player and coach in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. His dedication to hockey has been recognized with the prestigious RNZAF Gold Badge, the highest sporting honor in the Air Force. Even in semi-retirement, Andy continues to contribute to the sport he loves, with a focus on enhancing hockey’s reach and capability in the Oceania region.
Baden Sharp
Board Member
Sharp, a native of Australia, has vast international field hockey experience as a player and a coach. His playing career included eight years with the Northern Territory senior men’s team competing in the Australian Hockey League. He also played 1st Division English Club hockey for Doncaster from 2001-2002 and played in the Budislig for Frankfurt 1880 from 2002-2004 in Germany.
He has coached men’s and women’s club teams in Germany and also has worked with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Among other positions, he has worked as a teacher and as a tour guide at Kakadu National Park in his home city of Darwin.
A 1996 graduate of Northern Territory University in Darwin with a B.A. in business management, he holds a U.S. Field Hockey Level II Coaching certificate and a State A badge in umpiring. In the summer of 2008, he served as assistant coach of the South Region team in the Women’s National Championship.
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