Hockey NSW has been working closely with several stakeholders, including Hockey Australia, the NSW Government and Associations to manage the impact of COVID-19.

Due to the NSW State Government’s current Public Health Order (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) – which does not expire until the 29th June 2020 – our original proposed resumption date of 2 May became untenable.

As such, it is the strong recommendation of Hockey NSW that the start of all hockey competitions in NSW is delayed until Saturday 18th July 2020.

In determining this date, Hockey NSW has taken into consideration the current Government restrictions, as well as the dates of the NSW July school holidays. This would allow a potential return to training on 1st July 2020 subject to the status of public health restrictions and advice.

As the result of this delay, Hockey NSW has made a decision on 2020 season registration fees: Information about Registration can be found here: https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/latest-news/2020-season-rego-fee-update/

The COVID-19 situation is still constantly changing, as is the advice from State and Federal Governments. We are committed to keeping all our members updated over the next few months to ensure they are kept informed of further changes.

Hockey NSW have now prioritised our energies into planning for the resumption of community hockey competitions around the State. Our staff have already contacted all Associations and are providing them with any assistance they require.
It is hoped that the Adult COD program at Maitland will commence on 1st July 2020 (subject to Guidelines)

We appreciate the patience and support of our entire hockey community throughout this period. We would also like to acknowledge the hard-work and efforts of our volunteers at Clubs and Associations who have been undertaking important tasks to ensure that they remain economically viable and can return to the field as soon as practicable.

If you would like clarification around this guidance: https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/surveys/1387/

If anyone left a Rock Wear grey hoodie (size 10) at the fields in the first couple of rounds and would like it back before winter is upon us, please contact Honey (0410429490) to arrange its collection.

Information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the 2020 hockey season are posted below. Please also refer to the Hockey NSW website.

What impact does COVID-19 have on our insurance coverage?

Players, officials, and volunteers registered for the 2020 season will be covered by the National Hockey Insurance Program. The program will provide all registered participants with a minimum level of insurance protection.

Honan are the national insurance broker and details of the insurance cover, the claims portal and certificates of currency can be found on their hockey-specific website – https://hockey.honansport.com.au/

It is very important to note that Personal Accident insurance provides coverage for injuries sustained whilst participating in an activity under the following circumstances;

An official match or training sessions
Traveling to and from an official club activity
Participation in an official club function
Tours or representative matches
Personal Accident insurance does not cover illness, such as Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Club Management and Professional Liability Insurance is provided to all incorporated hockey clubs, affiliations and associations as part of the national insurance scheme and covers for honest mistakes made by directors and officers involved in the management of the affairs for the organisation. However, this coverage would not extend to decisions made which are illegal or in breach of a Government Order.

Will registration fees be refunded?

Hockey Australia and Hockey NSW have not made a decision on refunds at this point in time.

Given the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve and change rapidly, a decision on registration fees will be made once a full understanding of the impact of COVID-19 is available.

It is important to note that the season has been delayed NOT cancelled.

The patience and understanding of members in the interim as we deal with these unprecedented events is appreciated.

Will the season be extended due to the delayed start?

This will be a decision for each individual club, association and competition body and will depend on individual circumstances. It may be beneficial for Clubs and Associations to start investigating what options are available particularly if you are accessing a local government managed facility.

The Hockey NSW advice has been the result of considerable consultation with relevant expert bodies and places the health and wellbeing of our hockey community and the broader public as the number one priority. Hockey NSW is also very conscious that our sport is a genuine family sport involving multiple generations of players, volunteers and supporters that includes a number of at-risk populations including the elderly.

What is happening with Women’s Masters?

The 2020 Masters Championships, scheduled for July, have been cancelled. 

At this point in time, Hockey NSW will be prioritising our energies into planning for the resumption of community hockey competitions around the State when it becomes safe and practical. We will be in constant contact with our Associations and Clubs over the coming weeks and offering any support we can to ensure we get our hockey community back out onto the field when the appropriate time comes.

How do we stay up-to-date with changes?

Hockey NSW will continue to provide updates as government advice and circumstances change. These updates will be communicated on our website, social media pages and via email.

Further Information can also be sourced from expert organisations at the links on this page below.

Further Information
National Coronavirus Health Information Hotline: 1800 020 080
NSW Department of Health Website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novelcoronavirus2019-ncov-health-alert
Australian Institute of Sport: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

Many thanks to the tried and trusted helpers who made the bbq such a great success. Special appreciation for help on the day goes to Joan Hart, Brenda Stephenson, Judy Collier, Kevin Short, Bill Kinsey, David Carratt and Steve Orchard.

Special donations and contributions of bread rolls from Maitland Hockey and drinks from the canteen were a great help and we raised a grand total of $1,250 to give to the Basedow family. What a great effort!!!!!!!

All drinks, sweets, chips, twisties, beers, cider and wine MUST BE SOLD + 2kg of bacon. All at cost & special prices. The Turf Committee is asking for your help to make use of these goods that were ready for the winter season because it is now very unlikely we will get to play any hockey this year.

Open Sunday 9am – 4pm;
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 10am and 3.30pm – 5pm.

Please bring your own bag and remember the ‘social distancing’ protocols.

Hockey NSW have made recommendations that all hockey competitions and training be suspended until 2 May 2020. Maitland Hockey Inc is adopting this response and as such all competitions and training will be suspended until a further review closer to 2 May 2020. Please ensure all team contacts are made aware of this advice. Please see the following link to Hockey NSW official statement https://www.hockeynsw.com.au/latest-news/hockey-nsw-covid-19-response/

In light of the covid-19 issues at the moment juniors for tomorrow night, Wednesday 18 March 2020 will not proceed. We are currently waiting for advice from Hockey NSW which is expected later today, at which time a decision regarding the coming weeks will be made. Please keep an eye on the website and Facebook page for further announcements.

Is anyone interested in playing in Newcastle?? I have been contacted by Cardiff Hockey Club who are a few players short in their 4th grade team who play on Tuesday nights with the occasional Monday or Saturday game. If you might be interested in playing with them please send me your contact details and i will pass onto the contact. Renae

Scorchers 4 def North Black 0;
Hornets 7 def Royals 1;
Bluebees 5 def Blues 0;
Rustlers 7 def Rebels 0.

IF YOU WISH TO PLAY IN MAITLAND HOCKEY INC JUNIOR Under 6, Under 9 or Under 13 teams, PLEASE REGISTER through this link (www.revolutionise.com.au/mhockey/registration) and complete the form below, so teams can be organised.
https://forms.gle/gtWGP4cTYQWwH7daA

U6, U9 and U13 start on Wednesday the 18th March.
Filling in this form assists us to know numbers for each comp and who you would like to play with (no guarantees, but we can try). The first 2 weeks are “Bring a Friend for Free” weeks. If you have any friends who would like to play hockey with you, invite them along and you’ll go in the draw for fantastic prizes, to be drawn in Round 3! We will supply sticks and shin pads to borrow- mouthguards will need to be purchased on the night.

U18’s – We need to get sufficient interest before we can start a comp. The plan is for Saturday mornings so if you want to play
a) fill in this form https://forms.gle/gtWGP4cTYQWwH7daA
b) invite a friend, a few friends, or even an entire team.