Hockey ACT CEO Outdoor Competition Update – Thurs 16th September, 2021

A Message from the CEO regarding
Hockey ACT’s 2021 Outdoor Winter Competition

Thursday 16^th September, 2021

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you and your family well and managing the current lockdown situation as well as can be expected given the trying nature of the current climate.

As you are no doubt aware, on Tuesday the ACT Government extended the lockdown in the ACT through until Friday 15 October, 2021. In our conversations and communication with ACT Sport & Recreation they have advised that they believe that once lockdown ends we can expect that there will be a slow roll out of stages to return to community sport. From those conversations we do not believe that it is possible to resume our 2021 Winter Season until November at the earliest. Given the earlier decision that HACT would not extend the season beyond 10 October, it is with extreme disappointment that the decision has been made to declare the 2021 Winter Season complete. This decision is incredibly difficult to make, however given the current climate it is the only decision that could be made.

In line with previous communication I would like to congratulate the Premiers for the 2021 Winter Season. It is not the way many in Australia envision winning a competition but we believe it is important to recognise the hard work of those teams through the competition and reward them for the season they have had.

I do want to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to all members for their support to make the 2021 season possible. The last two seasons have been an incredible challenge and your support and cooperation has allowed HACT to play 35 rounds and last year’s finals series under the most trying of circumstances. Thank you for following our COVID protocols and making Hockey possible. It is never lost or taken for granted your amazing commitment to our sport and for that we can only thank you.

Hockey ACT are now focusing our efforts on our Indoor and Summer Social competitions. Unfortunately, the lockdown extension may also affect our Indoor and Social start dates, and Hockey ACT are working through all possible scenarios to get you back onto the pitch as soon and safely as possible. We are currently working with an anticipated start date for matches being in November, pending ACT Government Health advice and restrictions available at the time.

Furthermore, our Brophy McKay Presentation Evening will be an entirely online and open to all members to join us to celebrate the incredible achievements of our members over the past 12 months. We are very excited to be presenting, for the first time, Best and Fairest awards and leading goal scorers across all senior grades so we hope you will be able to join us. Information regarding the Presentation will be sent through to you in the coming weeks.

Hockey ACT apologise that this news couldn’t be more positive. It is incredibly upsetting that the season has come to this point. But our concern first and foremost is the health and wellbeing of our membership. Please understand that this is not the end we had in mind for this season and we are truly sorry that the season has come to this point. I hope you are all managing well in lockdown and please do not hesitate to contact admin@hockeyact.org.au if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Rob Sheekey
Chief Executive Officer
Hockey ACT

A full list of 2021 Premiers can be found here.