THE Riverland Hockey Association (RHA) has joined other winter sports in postponing its season start date until June due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was announced via an email to all clubs last week, with the RHA executive committee deciding on Saturday, June 20, as the new start date.
RHA president Tim Vivian said the executive wanted to avoid leaving any changes until too late, with the originally scheduled season start date less than a month away.
“As a committee we thought the season was sneaking up very fast and with no end in sight to the COVID-19 situation we thought it be best to make changes now so that the clubs can prepare their teams and players,” he said.
Mr Vivian believes postponing the start of the season is the right call.
“To be honest I think it has taken a bit of pressure off the committee and gives all clubs a clear direction for the year,” he said.
“Of course we would have loved to start on time, but we must be sensible and make smart decisions for everyone.
“The June 20 start date still gives us nine rounds with a finals series and allows us to still finish on the same date.”
According to Mr Vivian, the committee also proposed a back-up plan for clubs to vote on if the season is unable to start on June 20.
“Our contingency plan, which we have asked the clubs to vote on, is to look at if the June 20 start date doesn’t go ahead, then to start one more round later (July 18) and still play nine rounds, but with no finals series,” he said.
“Whomever is on top after the nine rounds would be named premiers in each division.”
Mr Vivian emphasised that the executive is doing all it can to get some sort of hockey competition happening in the Riverland this year.
“Hockey is everything to our members and it’s what we look forward to every year,” he said.
“The committee is very committed to seeing the season still go ahead and are looking at all scenarios to make that happen.
“There could come a time, and I hope it doesn’t, that we will have to make that ultimate call in cancelling the season.
“Every club and every committee have put a lot of time and effort into their club so I’d hate to see that come to fruition.”