HOCKEY ACT OUTDOOR COMPETITION UPDATE

Hockey ACT CEO Update

Friday 27^th August, 2021

Dear Members,

Hockey ACT has received survey feedback from all clubs to establish criteria for a return to play if and when the health advice improves to allow community sport to recommence. It appears it will be a difficult road to be able to complete the season however we have established some timelines and criteria that we will be working towards so that our membership understands how Hockey ACT are planning for the remainder of the season.

The criteria has been established with the following as the key priorities driving decision making:

• ACT and NSW Health advice;
• The health and wellbeing of the hockey community and the broader ACT and NSW community;
• Player welfare at the forefront of decision making;
• Summer sports seasons coming online;
• We want to avoid Hockey fatigue by having firm decision timelines in place and avoid the season dragging out.

The criteria is as follows:

• The season will not extend beyond Sunday 10 October 2021.
• The regular season will be deemed complete if training cannot recommence on or before Monday 13 September 2021.
• The season will be deemed complete if training cannot recommence on or before Monday 27 September 2021.
• If finals are unable to be conducted the season will be deemed finalised. At this time teams that are in first place on the ladder will be declared the Premiers. If all teams in the grade have played the same number of matches this will be determined by competition points. If teams have not played the same number of games this will be determined by percentage points. All ladders online are currently correct with positions being determined by the measure that will be used to determine Premiers.
• The competition will only resume if NSW residents in the areas within the ACT bubble are able to play.
• Unless competition matches recommence on Friday 3 September all teams will be given one full week of training at least before competition matches will recommence.

We understand that not all may agree with the above decisions however HACT believe it is important to inform our members of the processes we will be using in our decision making. HACT would dearly love to be able to conclude the season in some way but remain understanding that in this environment the health of the broader community must come first and there is a real possibility that this may not be possible in 2021.

As always Hockey ACT appreciate the support and understanding of our members. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at rob.sheekey@hockeyact.org.au.

Hope you are all keeping well, and staying safe during lockdown.

Kind regards,

Rob Sheekey

CEO

Hockey ACT