HKHAWS 20-21 Circular No. 16 - Resumption of Competition 27 March 2021
Dear Convenors
Resumption of league 27 March 2021: The situation regarding the latest Covid-19 appears to have stablised. Based on information received from clubs and players in recent weeks, ongoing discussions with other sports organisations and the number of cases within the community the HKHA has resumed its winter league matches so the HKHAWS league will resume on Saturday 27 March 2021 according to the fixtures on the website.
The following teams withdrawn from the league for the remainder of the season:
HKFC G, Valley D and Vets B
Please note that for games this coming weekend umpiring duties must be fulfilled as per the website.
Fixtures: Updated fixtures rescheduling the postponed games will be circulated by the end of this week.
Health & Safety: We continue to monitor the pandemic and place the highest emphasis on player safety. We reiterate the importance of closely following the government guidelines as well as the HKHA Hockey Activities 2020/21:Guidelines and Special Arrangements on Prevention of COVID – 19 before, during and after matches.
By way of update, we have not been made aware of any participants having participated in a match with the two positive cases brought to our attention. We note that more and more people are being vaccinated and being tested more frequently either as part of their jobs or voluntarily.
Should individuals have any concerns relating to Covid-19 and playing we recommend that they take a Covid-19 test as these are readily available to the community.
Promotion & Relegation: In light of the ongoing disruption this year to all teams, the HKHAWS has agreed that there will be no automatic promotion and relegation this season.
Walkovers: the HKHAWS understand that this season has been difficult for all in the current climate. We will continue to assist clubs and teams particularly if a specific Covid-19 related incident arises, but please note that whilst the HKHAWS is willing to waive financial fines in relation to walkovers, the other penalties (i.e. forfeiture of match and potential point deduction) will apply but in particular, if a single team gives three walkovers in the remaining matches this year they will be withdrawn from the league out of respect to the rest of the hockey community.
We understand this delayed start to the league has been frustrating and disruptive to all. We continue as a committee to do our best to act in the best interests of the hockey community as a whole. We thank you for your patience and sincerely hope that we will all be able to enjoy a longer return to hockey.
Warm regards
HKHAWS