THE Riverland Hockey Association (RHA) season is on track to begin on Saturday June 20 according to the association’s executive committee.
This comes after the decision was made last month to postpone the season, which was originally scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 2.
If successful in getting the season under way on June 20, hockey looks set to be the first of the major Riverland winter sports to commence competition.
The Waikerie Hockey Club has already recommenced training under strict health and social distancing protocols, while Berri Hockey Club players will also resume training today.
Clubs are able to currently hold non-contact trainings in groups of 10, with a maximum of three groups permitted per pitch.
According to Hockey SA, as of June 5, training in larger groups will be allowed, while competition simulation will also be permitted.
In a recent email sent out to all clubs, RHA president Tim Vivian said signs were positive for the local competition to be able to begin on the rescheduled start date.
“It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to inform you that our Riverland hockey competition is ready to go and has (at this stage) been approved by Hockey SA,” he said.
“It certainly has been an interesting year and will go down in the history books like no other.
“The board and management of Hockey SA together with RHA committee are dedicated to delivering a strong, enjoyable, and successful hockey season in 2020.
“We certainly appreciate your patience and even though we may be starting later than normal, there is no reason why we still cannot make a go of the 2020 season.”
Speaking to the Murray Pioneer last Friday, Mr Vivian said at this stage it is unlikely spectators will be permitted when the local season begins.
“Unfortunately, under Level B restrictions, set down by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, spectators are discouraged from attending sporting events, and a spectator free environment is the preferred option,” he said.
“Junior players may have one parent/caregiver per person watching but social distancing and hygiene practices must be observed, including any guidelines that may be specific to the hockey field.”
Mr Vivian listed some of the strict protocols that will be enforced when the season kicks off.
“Hockey SA is pushing to all clubs and associations ‘not to push the boundaries’ approach when it comes to returning to sport,” he said.
“Warmups prior to the game will need to be done according to social distancing.
“Players will be encouraged not to take the field until all other players from the previous game have departed.
“Once games have finished then players will be asked to leave the venue immediately after their warm down exercises.
“Players will be encouraged not to use change room facilities and to shower with in their own homes.”
In his email, Mr Vivian also mentioned that all club presidents, secretaries and executive committee members will have a meeting with Hockey SA general manager Nadine Hewson on Wednesday, June 17.
Clubs were also supplied with a lengthy document with the protocols and rules put in place as per the current Level B restrictions.