School Hockey Rankings: A Mirror, Not a Verdict

For nearly two decades, the SA School Sports rankings have been part of the rhythm of school sport in South Africa — not as a tool of exclusion, but as a celebration of excellence, consistency, and the incredible passion that drives school teams across the country.

In girls’ hockey especially, the rankings have become a catalyst — not for pressure, but for progress. They have inspired fixtures and tournaments that may never have happened, drawn national attention to talented players, and helped to shape a culture where competition doesn’t diminish values but strengthens them. When used wisely, rankings do not define a team’s worth; they highlight a journey of growth and the honour of being tested by the best.

What the Rankings Really Are

Let’s be clear: rankings are not perfect, nor are they intended to be. Who can forget 13^th ranked Japan beating the world champion Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in 2015?

They are, however by design, a reflection — a mirror. Some look into that mirror and see something to strive towards.

Others, however occasionally, see something they wish were different. But rather than blaming the mirror, we encourage looking at what it reflects: the results, the matchups, the courage to take on strong opposition, and the willingness to be measured over time, not in isolated moments.

Using a formula that considers who you play, the strength of that opposition, whether you win or lose, and the margin involved, the rankings aim to capture a season’s performance in totality — not just its highs or lows.

For nearly two decades, we’ve committed to ensuring this mirror is as accurate and fair as possible.

Celebrated When Convenient?

Over the years, many coaches, players, and parents have come to understand that the rankings are not based on guesswork or emotion. They are built on a formula that has evolved, season after season, to ensure fairness, strength of schedule, and performance under pressure. And while it’s tempting to assume how the system works, the truth is: clarity is only ever a question away. Our door has always been open to those who seek understanding, and generally the top coaches do make it their business to get clarity before complaining. 

There is, however, a pattern that emerges year after year — the coach who applauds the rankings when their team qualifies. Who shares it with pride, uses it for recruitment, and backs the system… until their team doesn’t make the cut. Then, the rankings are suddenly “flawed” or “biased.”

It’s human. It’s natural. But it’s worth pausing to consider: credibility in sport is not just about how we win — it’s about how we respond when we don’t. A respected sports culture is built on consistency, not convenience.

Let’s also acknowledge the countless coaches across the country who, regardless of whether their team sits at number 1 or number 81, use the rankings as a benchmark — not a burden. They inspire their players, set goals, build character, and take pride in each step forward. These are the voices that matter most in the development of school sport — constructive, forward-looking, and committed to the long game.

Much has been said in recent times about the balance between holistic education and competitive pressure. We wholeheartedly agree that sport should be a vehicle for more than just results. It should teach teamwork, humility, and resilience. But these values do not stand in opposition to competition — they are often forged in the fire of it.

To pretend that rankings somehow rob school sport of its deeper purpose is to ignore the excitement, ambition, and community they help generate. The reality is: the biggest tournaments in South African girls’ hockey use them. Why? Because they offer a consistent and transparent way of recognising performance. That recognition brings reward, but also responsibility.

We must be careful not to confuse structure with suppression. The calendar has always been tight, and school demands are real — but when schools work together, plan sensibly, and communicate openly, the system works. It has for years. Schools of all sizes and from all provinces have broken through and made their mark. What matters is courage, commitment, and consistency.

Criticism Is Welcome — Just Be Honest

To those who criticise the rankings, we say: good. Scrutiny keeps us sharp. But critique must be fair. If your issue with the rankings only surfaces when your team misses out, perhaps the real issue isn’t with the rankings — but with the teams results.

Let’s not confuse disappointment with injustice. Many of the schools that just missed out this year had brilliant seasons and may feel aggrieved. That’s understandable. But in a national system, where hundreds of matches are played, there has to be a line — and inevitably, someone falls just short of it.

The Broader Picture

The real value of the rankings is not just in qualifying for the Super 12 or breaking into the Top 20, but in the broader development of school sport. They provide a reference point — a benchmark that drives competition, growth, and recognition.

The rankings are here to stay. Not because they are perfect, but because they serve a purpose — a meaningful one. They tell the stories of teams who dream big, train hard, and earn their stripes. They are not an obstacle to joy in sport — they are a tribute to the journey.

To the young women stepping onto the turf week after week, remember this: your place on a list does not define you. Your effort, your spirit, and your unity do.

To those who qualify for the various hockey tournaments— congratulations. To those who didn’t — keep going. The season may be drawing to a close, but the story is far from finished.