COVID Safe Rules for Summer Hockey

Please follow the COVID Safe rules.

We look forward to the beginning of the summer hockey season, and with your help, we will be able to complete the season as planned. To assist in this aim, please make sure that all participants follow the COVID Safe rules.

Check the HV Return to Hockey Guidelines, updated October 29.

Entry to Stead Park

  • Please enter Stead Park via the lower gate on the right (nearest the Marg Murray stand) and exit via the gate nearest the pavilion. Separated entry and exit gates assist with reducing congestion and aids social distancing.

Electronic Record Keeping

  • Every person (player, team official, umpire, spectator etc) who enters Stead Park must record their attendance by checking in using the QR code located at the venue. There are separate QR codes for indoor and outdoor sections of the venues.
  • All electronic record keeping will be via the Services Victoria app using the QR code supplied. Please download the app before you enter the venue.
  • Anyone who cannot checkin via the QR code must complete a manual checkin.

COVID Check In Marshalls

  • A COVID Check In Marshall must be present in order for the facility to operate. Marshalls will ensure that each person entering the venue has provided their details as required prior to entry and checked in using the QR code.

Vaccination Status

  • Community sport is excluded from vaccination requirements if participants are present solely to participate in the sporting activity.
  • Spectators must be fully vaccinated, and may be asked to show a Vaccination certificate.

Face Masks

  • A face mask should be carried by all persons aged 12 and over, unless there is a lawful reason not to. Face masks must be worn at all times when indoors, and worn outdoors when you cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.

Venue limits

  • People who are required to attend to facilitate the activity may attend. This may include coaches, umpires, team managers.
  • Spectators are permitted at games, with a limit of 1 person per dependant (child) or person with a disability. They must maintain social distance of 1.5 metres, and not gather in groups of more than 30.
  • The social area and canteen at Stead Park will remain closed for the present time.
  • The density quotient of 1 person / 4 square metres applies outdoors.
  • Do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled game time. Leave promptly as soon as your game is finished.

Ensure physical distancing.

  • Follow the directions for separate entry and exit gates at Stead Park.
  • Patrons should remain 1.5 metres apart from others.
  • Avoid carpooling where possible.

Practice Good Hygiene

  • Social distancing rules must be observed. Do not stand around close to other participants while waiting to take part in the match.
  • No high fives, handshakes, spitting or contact.
  • Do not attend the venue or participate in a match if you are feeling unwell or have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact in the last 14 days with someone who has tested positive or has had symptoms.
  • Use hand sanitiser before, during and after your match, and wash hands frequently.
  • Bring a full water bottle. Drink taps are not to be used.
  • Arrive for your game dressed ready to play.
  • Use your own equipment and do not share equipment. Do not share water bottles, sticks, clothing, training bibs, towels etc.
  • Avoid touching the hockey ball, cones or training equipment unless you are the designated coach/ team manager.
  • Cones and hockey balls should be cleaned and disinfected after use, before being used again. Wash the equipment in the cleaning solution, leaving it in for at least 10 minutes, before rinsing and drying.
  • Participants should not mix or move between groups.
  • When the game has finished, participants should leave immediately. ‘Get in, Play, Get out‘.

Activity bubbles

  • Limit the number of players, coaches, officials who participate in multiple games or training sessions in the one day. Players may not play in 2 different teams in the one day.
  • Umpires may play one game and umpire another but should try to maintain physical distancing where possible from the second group.

Entering and leaving dugouts

  • While waiting for your game to begin, maintain a social distance of 1.5 m from others.
  • To avoid overcrowding and lack of social distancing at the end of games and training sessions, incoming teams who are waiting to begin their game/ training should gather to one side of the player dugouts.
  • Do not enter the dugout until the outgoing team has retrieved their bags and left the dugout. The outgoing team should move as quickly as possible to clear the dugout for the incoming team.
  • Use the spray disinfectant provided in the dugouts to sanitise touchpoints when the team is leaving.

Change rooms and toilets

  • Toilets are open, with a maximum density of 1 person / 4 sq metres, but change rooms are closed. Face masks should be worn indoors.
  • A maximum of 2 people should be in the toilet area or in the corridor at the one time.

How can you join a team?