Junior Hockey Update June 5/6

Following the release of COVID guidelines which come into effect on June 4 for Regional areas, the Junior Competitions for the Geelong Hockey Association will proceed this weekend.

Hockey Victoria have not as yet been able to provide any definitive guidelines relating to the maximum number of people allowed within the sporting venue (Stead Park or Lloyd Reserve) so we are taking a very cautious approach. The guidelines specify a cap of 50 people, so we are assuming that this includes players and any officials required to be there.

Therefore the fixture for Round 7 has been amended with some alteration to game times and 2 games at Stead Park moved from Saturday to Sunday. Please check the new fixture to be certain of your match details.

If the changes mean that your team is unable to field the minimum number of players required (7), please advise us ASAP. If your team is unable to play, the match result will be recorded as a 0-0 draw.

COVID Safe Guidelines

The following requirements will apply for the weekend’s matches:

• Players and officials should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the specified starting time for the match.
• All players and officials should leave the venue promptly as soon as the match is finished.
• No spectators are permitted inside the venue.  Only players, coaches, managers and umpires are permitted. All other persons should remain outside the venue or well away from the playing fields.
• There will be no canteen facilities at either Stead Park or Lloyd Reserve.
• All persons entering the venue must carry a face mask and wear it at all times when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from others. You are not required to wear a face mask when warmin up or actually playing or engaged in the match.
• Every person who enters the venue MUST check in using the QR code displayed.
• Ensure physical distancing. Enter Stead Park via the gate on the left, exit via the gate on the right. Players, coaches, umpires should remain 1.5 metres apart as much as possible. No high fives, handshakes, hugs or spitting.
• 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.
• Avoid carpooling.
• Practice good hygiene. 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.
• Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces. Toilets are open but changerooms are closed. A maximum of 2 people should be in the toilet area or in the corridor at the one time.