Handball. Stopped after three N1 games, Caen is preparing his future in Proligue

By Aline Chatel
Published on 19 Feb 21 at 18:54

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Huge favorite for French National 1 champion, quick winner of his first three games, almost assured of the rise even before the start of the season, the Caen Handball has been at a standstill since October 11, 2020. It has been four months since he played the slightest game in a championship that was too heterogeneous to be considered professional by the Ministry of Sports. The Vikings were training while waiting for a position from the French Handball Federation. This Friday, February 19, 2021, they received a letter from the body validating their ability to access the Proligue despite the premature suspension of competitions.

The settlement pleaded for Caen

The regulations effectively stipulate that in the event of an interruption before the end of the first phase, “the first two VAP (the administrative statute granting the right to climb, note) access the Proligue subject to meeting the requirements of the Proligue”. However, Caen Handball is obviously part of the first two VAP… especially since there are only two this season in National 1!

We are sorry and saddened not to have been able to make the sporting season that we wanted to do but our road plan was to go back to Proligue. If it goes through an administrative rise, I assume. You can’t refuse a climb.

Specifications to be respected

To validate its ticket, Caen must now comply with the financial requirements of the higher level. “We know the specifications since we have played for three years in the NHL (National Handball League, which brings together Starligue and Proligue, editor’s note). It has been revised downwards following the economic crisis generated by the Covid. The Caen HB must present a budget of 900,000 euros minimum, against one million euros originally. This season, it is 780,000 euros.

The minimum is not really the vision of Caen Handball. Wishing to professionalize its commercial sector, the club is part of the logic of the future Palais des Sports. The first two years in the Proligue will have to establish its structure to pass a significant milestone in 2023, when the new Caen enclosure will emerge from the ground.

Stability in the staff and the workforce

The Vikings will approach this second stage of their new cycle with Roch Bedos at their head. The coach has extended his contract for three years. He should rely on a little changed squad next season. “We are starting to want to draw a Proligue team, within reasonable limits,” explains Thomas Lamora. Overall, we will remain stable. The idea is to keep 80 to 90% of the current collective and to increase certain positions. There are sectors that require more experience and experience. “

At least the Caen have time to look into these questions. They still hope for a resumption of activity at the end of the season. “We feel a hesitation on the part of the federation. Whatever happens, even if the championships did not officially resume until September, anything that could be organized at the end of the sports season would be positive. “

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