FOLLOWING the ongoing developments and latest government announcements regarding COVID-19, Hockey NSW has decided to cancel a number of this year's state championships - affecting a host of South Coast players.
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As with many other organisations, Hockey NSW takes guidance from government agencies in relation to actions and decisions concerning COVID-19, while continuing to monitor the situation daily - receiving regular updates from Hockey Australia in conjunction with the federal and state departments of health.
Based on recent advice, and in consultation with their key stakeholders, Hockey NSW will be cancelling a number of upcoming events, affecting Illawarra South Coast products such as Sam Wright-Smith (Culburra Beach), Scott Crisafi (Callala), Wade Phillips-Hands (Worrigee), Iszi Crawford (Nowra), Yasmin Phelan (Cambewarra), Mackenzie Ford (Gerringong), Neave Campbell (Gerringong), Nick Jennings (Bomaderry), Josh Mayo (Gerringong), Alex and Callum Mackay (Nowra), Kyah Gray (Shoalhaven Heads), Grace Stewart (Gerringong) and Barbara Muldoon (Greenwell Point).
Those cancelled events include;
- Under 18 boys - Wollongong (May 15-17)
- Under 18 girls - Lismore/Ballina (May 22-24)
- Under 15 boys - Armidale (May 29-31)
- Open men - Moorebank (June 6-8)
- Open women - Narellan (June 6-8)
- Under 15 girls - Lithgow (June 19-21)
- Under 13 girls - Grafton (July 2-5)
- Under 13 boys - Parkes (July 9-12)
- Women's masters north - Taree (July 24-26)
- Women's masters south - Wagga Wagga (July 24-26)
"Hockey NSW has an important responsibility to assist with reducing the risk of infection," a Hockey NSW representative said.
"We continue to regard the health and wellbeing of players, officials and staff at all levels as our highest priority.
"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 its energies into planning for the resumption of community hockey competitions around the state when it becomes safe and practical.
The will be in constant contact with their associations and clubs over the coming weeks and offering any support they can to ensure they get our hockey community back out onto the field when the appropriate time comes.
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