2021 Metro Winter Season Update

Despite our collective best efforts on and off the field, 2021 has not gone as planned for our state and our game of Hockey.

We dusted off the sticks, remoulded our mouthguards, and got to engage with our teammates after a tough year without any play. We saw an amazing display of resilience and community spirit across our state when we Returned to Hockey, from Gippsland to Greensborough.

COVID-19 has disrupted all our lives and unfortunately, the game that we all love. Once again, we find ourselves in trying times but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

HV’s vision is to create an environment that delivers quality lifelong Hockey experiences, social connections, and opportunities for all Victorians. The safety of our community has been at the heart of all our decisions throughout the pandemic.

Over the last two years, our players, coaches, officials, and administrators have been able to adapt to the everchanging landscape and we have loved the support and collaboration. We have gotten to know our community better through discussions, club and player surveys, and direct feedback with our affiliates. All of which, have been crucial to standing up our sport and getting back onto the pitch when safe to do so.

Off the back of last week’s government announcement to extend lockdown 6.0, we have made the unfortunate decision to cancel the remainder of the 2021 Winter Season for all Metropolitan Competitions, including:

• Seniors
• Juniors
• Masters
• Mid-Week

In light of the above, Hockey Victoria will provide a partial credit for Team Entry Fees in 2022, which we hope will assist the competition affiliates with managing their member fees.

We are hopeful that there is still a possibility for Regional Victoria to Return to Hockey once Government restrictions allow and subject to HV’s Return to Play conditions.

As our planning now turns to the 2022 season, we will continue to stay engaged with our members through updates and online opportunities to keep the passion for our great game alive. If restrictions allow before the end of this year, we also plan to offer modified Summer Hockey and Indoor Hockey playing opportunities. Summer Hockey will be run for free (conditions apply) with HV funding ground hire and umpires for a short season.

We know you will have questions about what this cancellation means for promotion, relegation, and awarding premierships for this season. Please see a summary of season outcomes for our competitions below:

• No Premiers awarded
• No Promotion*
• No Relegation**
• No Competition Awards including B&F

*Promotion can occur where a vacancy exists in the higher grade
**Regulation 5.2.3 may be used if required to ensure 10 team grades in Pennant grades only

We would like to acknowledge the incredible work of our volunteers within the clubs throughout the past two years. In particular throughout 2021 as we have navigated multiple lockdowns and changes to the season.

Hockey Victoria encourages everyone who is eligible, to book a vaccination and help move toward the vaccination targets critical to re-opening and subsequently returning to play.

Hockey Victoria Management & Board

 

Photo Credit: Stuart Westmore