Following the ongoing developments and latest government announcements regarding COVID-19, Hockey NSW wishes to provide the following update.
As with many other organisations, Hockey NSW takes guidance from Government Agencies in relation to actions and decisions concerning COVID-19. We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation daily and receive regular updates from Hockey Australia in conjunction with the Federal and State Departments of Health.
Based on recent advice, and in consultation with our key stakeholders, Hockey NSW will be cancelling a number of upcoming events. This also follows the recent advice provided by Hockey Australia regarding the cancellation of their National Field Championships.
Hockey NSW has an important responsibility to assist with reducing the risk of infection. We continue to regard the health and wellbeing of players, officials and staff at all levels as our highest priority.
Cancelled Events
• Over 35/55 Men's Masters Moorebank - 3-5 April
• Over 40/45 Men's Masters Tamworth - 1-3 May
• Under 18 Boys Wollongong - 15-17 May
• Under 18 Girls Lismore/Ballina - 22-24 May
• Under 15 Boys Armidale - 29-31 May
• Open Men Moorebank - 6-8 June
• Open Women Narellan - 6-8 June
• Under 15 Girls Lithgow - 19-21 June
• Under 13 Girls Grafton - 2-5 July
• Under 13 Boys Parkes - 9-12 July
• Women's Masters NORTH Taree - 24-26 July
• Women's Masters SOUTH Wagga Wagga - 24-26 July
The Federal Government’s directive prohibiting gatherings of 500 people or more would have been relevant to these Championships, and after considerable consultation and assessment the decision was made to cancel the above Championships for 2020.
While we recognise that this is extremely disruptive and unfortunate for the players who have been impacted, we consider this to be a responsible and sensible position to take at the current time.
Due to the already crowded nature of this year’s hockey calendar with respect to National, State and domestic competitions and events, together with the time-frame unpredictability around COVID-19, it was determined there was not a suitable window to reschedule these Championships.
Hockey NSW acknowledges the uncertainty of the current situation and that this advice can rapidly change as the situation evolves. As such, Hockey NSW will continue to monitor and act accordingly in response to statements and policies enacted by both Federal and State Health authorities.
At this point in time, Hockey NSW will be prioritising our energies into planning for the resumption of community hockey competitions around the State when it becomes safe and practical. We will be in constant contact with our Associations and Clubs over the coming weeks and offering any support we can to ensure we get our hockey community back out onto the field when the appropriate time comes.
Further advice on the Coronavirus COVID-19 can be found from the Australian Government Department of Health (www.health.gov.au) or for general advice regarding COVID-19, call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information above or any other COVID-19 enquiry, please click here to submit it to our team. We will endeavour to respond to all enquiries within a reasonable time-frame.