CONTINUING restrictions on full-contact training and playing have meant the East Gippsland Hockey Association has delayed the beginning of its open and women’s competitions.
However, the junior grades will begin as planned on Saturday, July 25.
Because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Victoria, contact training and competition for people aged 19 years and over has been delayed.
Full-contact training was scheduled to resume on Monday, with full-contact competition to return Monday next week, however, with a significant increase in coronavirus cases in Melbourne, and active cases in a number of many regional communities, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has determined community sport in regional Victoria must remain non-contact.
Full training and competition for players aged 18 and under can continue.
Further easing of restrictions, including target dates, will be considered by Professor Sutton by the end of July.
The Sport and Recreation Return to Play Expert Advisory Panel is continuing to review return to play plans and provide advice to state sporting associations, including Hockey Victoria.
In line with suspension of the senior competitions, the EGHA has revised the times for junior matches, although the match-ups remain the same as the fixture released last week.
The season will begin July 25, with four clubs playing at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex.
Sale will host Orbost, beginning with the under 11s playing from 8.30am, under 13s 9.20am, under 15s 10.30am and under 18s 11.50am.
Maffra will then play Wellington, with the under 11s from 1.25pm, under 13s 2.15pm, under 15s 3.25pm and under 18s 4.45pm.
The same times will be used for double header days at the GRSC, of which there are five, including the second round.
Swan Reach will host Nagle in the other round one fixture.
For non-double header fixtures, the under 11s will play from 9am, under 13s 9.50am, under 15s 11am and under 18s 12.20pm.
The EGHA has still scheduled two rounds for the weekend of August 22 and 23.
The 10-round season will finish September 19, with premierships given to teams which finish on top of their respective ladders.
