HKHAWS 19-20 Circular No. 21 - Hong Kong Women’s Hockey Covid-19 Update

Attachment:
HKHAWS 19-20 Circular No. 21 - Hong Kong Women’s Hockey Covid-19 Update - Appendix

Dear Convenors,

The HKHAWS is aware of the scale of health crisis that Hong Kong is currently facing and the strain that Covid-19 is placing on people in many aspects of their lives. We have no visibility on when team sports can resume safely given the ongoing precautionary measures implemented by the Hong Kong Government.  After consultation, the following has been decided by HKHAWS and approved by the HKHA Council:

• The 2019/20 hockey season for all women’s league and cup competitions organized under the auspices of the HKHAWS is deemed finished and the remaining league and knock out tournament matches are cancelled.

•  There are too many unplayed games to determine a final ranking in the league standings either mathematically or otherwise. In order to maintain principles of fairness and the integrity of our overall competition, no winners or losers will be declared.

• Accordingly there will be no automatic promotions or relegations and no league titles awarded. 

• The divisions for the 2020-21 season will to the extent possible be the same as at the start of the 2019-20 season taking into account the general principles set out in HKHAWS 19-20 Circular No. 11 - Promotion & Relegation Guidelines and Considerations with the exception of item 5 relating to winning teams.

The decision to cancel the league and not declare any winners or losers or promote or relegate teams is aligned with the majority of other hockey leagues and sports associations globally, including both social and professional leagues.  Details of these and other options considered are appended to this circular.   

In making this decision today we are keen to provide clarity to clubs whilst respecting the significant time, effort and commitment invested by all clubs, players, coaches and volunteers thus far this season, particularly after the disruptions in the first half of the season.  

The HKHAWS remains grateful to the ongoing patience shown by all clubs during what has proven to be a uniquely challenging season from the start.  However we hope that all parties will be able to plan ahead to the 2020/21 season.  

Registration Fees Rebate

• Once the HKHA has calculated any amounts actually saved by the Association as a result of the cancellation of the remaining league and knock-out tournament matches, clubs will receive a discount on team registration fees next season.

Reopening of pitches

• Although the current league competition can no longer be concluded the HKHAWS will focus on bringing the hockey community together if the pitches are reopened in the next couple of months.  For example, arranging for one day tournaments of 5 or 6 aside hockey for each division over one or two weekends enabling clubs to field teams more easily as smaller squads are required and on a voluntary basis as we appreciate that many clubs will struggle to field full squads because of the global pandemic and such teams should not be penalised or pressured to play given the daily uncertainty as a result of Covid-19.

Regards

The HKHAWS Committee