The COVID-19 pandemic, and its effect on the 2019/20 season, has resulted in significant impacts on the economic circumstances of many individuals and sports clubs in our community. The impact is also felt further up the chain for the Geelong Hockey Association, as well as Hockey Victoria and Hockey Australia.
With the suspension of play and training, there has been a significant reduction in the GHA income, normally derived from team entry fees, match fees, pitch hire and canteen sales.
Victorian Government Support
Geelong Hockey Association has been fortunate to receive Victorian Government support with a successful grant application via the Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package. The $40 million scheme has provided grants to help community sport and active recreation organisations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to ride out the economic impacts of the pandemic and help them reboot, rebound and recover.
- power, water and phone costs
- cleaning and sanitation
- GHA loan payments
- wages and superannuation for staff (groundskeeper and canteen supervisor)
Geelong Hockey Association has also received support from the Federal Government’s Jobkeeper program which has been valuable in covering staff wage payments.
Team Entry Fees For 2020
In recognition of the very short season, the Geelong Hockey Association have amended the team entry fees and match participation costs which will be charged to clubs, with junior participation costs especially reduced. Clubs will receive invoice details for their teams shortly.
Training Costs
Training hire at Stead Park:
- Senior club and Senior representative teams – $80/ hour for full pitch
- Junior club and Junior representative teams – $25/ hour for full pitch (normally $45)
Team Entry Fees
All teams will be charged an Administration fee of $27.50, which is included in the fees below. Canteen and cleaning levies which normally apply for senior teams and for junior teams at Stead Park will not be charged.
- Senior teams – no fees charged as no competition conducted.
- Junior teams
- U12, U14, U17 at Stead Park $91.00/ team (normally $420)
- U10 at Lloyd Reserve $49.50/ team (normally $135)
- U8 at Lloyd Reserve $44.00/ team (normally $105)
Match Fees
Match fees for junior teams (normally $25 to $60/ match depending on age group) will not be charged at all.
Looking Forward To Summer Competition
We are hopeful that the COVID-19 situation will improve and that the Geelong Hockey Association Summer competitions will be able to proceed. The usual start time for these competitions is mid-October, which allows for 6 to 8 weeks of competition before Christmas and another 4 weeks in February. Competitions are usually offered for:
- Under 8 Mixed
- Under 10 Mixed
- Under 12 Mixed
- Under 14 Mixed
- Under 17 Mixed
- Senior Mixed
- Masters Mixed
- Friday Family
Financial Outlook For GHA
The Geelong Hockey Association Strategic Plan includes the replacement of the synthetic carpet of Pitch 1 at Stead Park, with an expected cost approximately $400,000 to $450,000. The Association has funds in reserve which can be used to support the project, and to provide a basis for negotiating further bank loans as required.
If the 2020/ 2021 Summer Competition does not proceed, GHA may need to draw on these reserve funds in order to meet ongoing expenses.
If there are any questions or problems relating to GHA fees and charges, please contact Joe Crosbie.
Hockey Victoria Fees
As you can imagine, Hockey Victoria’s financial situation is similar but greatly magnified, with no metropolitan competition at all and limited regional competitions to provide income. Hockey Victoria have reduced costs in various ways, including reducing employee hours and wages.
We understand that Hockey Victoria are not yet in a position to advise members about refunds or credits for fees paid for the 2020 season.