Following representations from Connacht to review the fact that they are the only province who do not have an automatic pathway through to the Irish Hockey League, the Management Board agreed to a change to the qualification process to the women's Electric Ireland Irish Hockey League.

From this season, the winners of the Connacht league will automatically have a place in the IHL, thus seeing the first Connacht club side in the competition from next season (2013/14). This will see the number of wildcard places on offer reduced to one from the Wildcard Tournament consisting of: Ulster 5, Leinster 5, Munster 3 and Connacht 2 - making it a winner takes all.
 
Commenting on the change, Yvette Quinn, said "We're delighted; recognition for the improving standard in the West; coupled with investment in facilities it gives us the chance to attract more sponsorship and keep players playing hockey locally and competing with other sports."
 
The IHL Rules & Regulations for the season 2012 /13 are currently being finalized to reflect the Management Board decisions from May and Sept and the EHL Rules Variations announced in September and are expected to be released within a week. Please note also, that the IHL Pool Match Schedule and Dates for 2012/13 is currently been revised following the Calendar changes announced this week.