Hockey Australia Masters: Travel Suspension – Update March 12, 2019

Memo: Hockey Australia Masters (HAM) – Hockey Australia (HA) Travel Suspension

Following on from the announcement over the weekend of the HA International travel suspension, a teleconference was held on Tuesday with CEO of HA, Matt Favier.

He restated that in the wake of the ongoing and increasing outbreak in Europe, HA has taken the unfortunate but necessary decision to suspend all international travel for its national teams. This includes all Masters teams.

HA made this determination after regular consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Institute of Sport, and after monitoring the latest updates from the World Health Organisation and Australian Government. Following today’s conversation, we are confident that HA had sought the most up to date advice on the Covid-19 virus which enabled the decision to be made.

Above all, HA, together with HAMC, places the safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and volunteers as the number one priority.
At this stage we are aware that World Masters Hockey (WMH) is continuing to drive forward with plans and preparations to deliver each tournament. HAMC, guided by HA, will assess each tournament based on the prevailing advice, geographic location and timeframe with a view to re-assessment as indicated.

HAMC is aware of the financial ramifications of such a travel ban. Our self-funded Masters World Cups teams and officials, have committed to airfares, accommodation, uniforms or other travel incidentals. HAMC has already incurred substantial costs in booking hotel accommodation on behalf of all teams and officials

The Masters community need to be assured that this decision was not an easy one. Reducing the risk of exposure for travelling teams will remain a high priority.
With this in mind, HAMC conducted an Executive meeting today and discussed the production of a timeline/deadline for decisions we must take in relation to our participation in the forthcoming World Cups.

We will communicate these decisions as soon as practicable, ensuring all participants are well informed of the ever-changing situation.

The full memo can be read here.

– Hockey ACT