A modified season may be the only option for Mudgee District Hockey Association, but it's an option they are grateful to potentially take.
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Hockey has been one of the many winter sports that have suffered a delay in season starts due to the coronavirus, and like many others, July 18 is their target.
"The July 18 date gives us the potential to have a good run towards the end of the season. It will likely mean we modify the season to suit," Mudgee District Hockey Association president Ryan Hislop said.
We are optimistic but also realise this is all dependent on government guidelines.
- Mudgee District Hockey Association president, Ryan Hislop
"Things can change so rapidly. We plan to go ahead at that point but with the knowledge our plans may not be able to proceed."
Due to the likelihood of a modified season, MDHA aims to have a more friendly competition that will focus on skill development and overall enthusiasm, while also growing the sport.
"This may mean mixing up teams, having modified rules, smaller fields. We may have more options on the table that we can choose from as we get more clarity of the situation closer to the start date," Hislop said.
Despite the lack of hockey members being able to play, there remains a lot of eagerness to commence with players having got a taste earlier in the year with a mixed sevens competition.
"Also, our women's Masters premier league team got off to a flying start with a convincing win against Dubbo, so it is a shame that we didn't get to see how they would progress through the season," Hislop added.
And, due to the likelihood that the many have had their lives impacted by these COVID-19 changes, players who register before July 18 will get 90 per cent of their fees from this year carried over into next year's registrations - "essentially two years for the price of one".
"Both MDHA and Hockey NSW note that many lives have been affected through this process and in a lot of cases, this has been seen through some families' financial stability," Hislop said.
Depending on government recommendations, crowds may be limited and that's something MDHA is willing to accept.
"Although it's great playing in front of a packed grandstand, there is a lot of space around the grounds for people to maintain their social distance," Hislop added.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
