A TENTATIVE July 18 date has been set for the return of hockey in New South Wales, while it has also been revealed that mid-week games could become a feature of season 2020 in Bathurst.
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On Friday afternoon Hockey NSW announced it would target a July 18 return, with team training sessions permitted from July 1.
Bathurst Hockey Association president Kent Bestwick stressed that the recommencement date is by no means a definite as the state body will continue to act on advice from the government given the uncertainty still surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
However, he said that the members of the BHA executive had discussed options for the format of its 2020 competitions.
One of those is mid-week fixtures to ensure players get a substantial amount of matches.
"It could change depending on what the health department says, we are guided by them like pretty much everyone else ... hopefully we keep going in the right direction," Bestwick said.
"We have spoken about it as a body corp, there are a couple of options on the table we could possibly run with. At this stage, because of all the other summer sport, there is a bit of a catch 22 as a lot of our members play other sports in summer.
"We are just fortunate we are in the position where we don't have to share our fields with anyone so we can adapt to different models, we can play mid-week.
"I know a lot of people don't like mid-week games, but unfortunately that might be the only option we've got.
"So whether it be a shortened season or we play a first-past-the-post type comp, what we do now I'm not really 100 percent sure because we haven't got any feedback from the clubs.
"I know Goulburn is not having a comp at all, they are throwing their winter comp away ... I think as long as anyone is on the paddock, as long as we are playing hockey, that's the main thing."
Bestwick said aside from the deciding upon the format the season will take - something which will be finalised after consultation with clubs - other measures are likely to be implemented.
They include possible limits on spectators and cleaning protocols.
"I just don't know how we will roll with it because things are still up in the air, but we've got the complex looking pretty tidy and it's ready to roll," Bestwick said.
"Whether we look at things like having no crowds and telling teams they are only allowed to arrive half an hour before games ... we are also going to have to disinfect the dug-outs after each game.
"we'll need to look at things like if anyone is caught spitting by the umpires then it's a yellow card or a monetary fine."
Bestwick said in regards to fees that no discussion had taken place in regards to a possible reduction given the prospect of a shortened season.
However, Hockey NSW stated that any registered players who have had a change in circumstance due to the COVID-19 pandemic can request a refund for the Hockey NSW portion of their fees.
That refund does not include the Hockey Australia portion of registration, nor does it include club or association fees as Hockey NSW does not have jurisdiction to make decisions in those areas.
Additionally, a member may choose to let Hockey NSW hold onto its portion of the fees and in exchange, that player will have their fees for the rest of 2020 covered, as well as the entire 2021 season.
Hockey NSW CEO David Thompson spoke about the importance of supporting its members during these tough times.
"Our members are always at the forefront of every decision we make for the sport, and this situation is no different," Thompson said."Hockey NSW is leading the way in the sporting industry with this response and we hope to see other sports follow our lead and support their members in a similar way."
"It is an extremely difficult task to ensure that hockey in NSW remains economically viable while also weighing up the desperate financial situation of thousands of our members."
Online refund forms will be available on the Hockey NSW website from May 4.
