MANAGING THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CANTERBURY HOCKEY
MANAGING THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CANTERBURY HOCKEY
April 08, 2020
To: The Canterbury Hockey Community
From: Mark Beatson, Board Chair
Date: 8 April 2020
Subject: Managing the Impacts of Covid-19 on Canterbury Hockey
Greetings from the Board of Canterbury Hockey.
Just when we thought that we had almost fully recovered from the effects of the earthquakes and following the opening of the two turfs at Nga Puna Wai, our resilience is again being fully tested by the emergence of the Covid-19 virus. As New Zealand remains in full lockdown, no entity or individual is immune to its impact. Coming as it has, so close to what would normally be the start of our season, the Board of Canterbury Hockey would like its members to be aware of our current position and key priorities at this time.
Introduction
You will appreciate the current environment remains uncertain, and very fluid given the changing requirements of the lockdown due to the direction of central and local government. This makes planning the year ahead extremely challenging and we know that a number of sporting organisations are under severe pressure. The key priorities for the Board at this time, are the survival and the ongoing health of the Canterbury Hockey Association, along with the wellbeing of our staff and the whole hockey community as circumstances normalise.
People
At the top of our priorities is the wellbeing of the people in the hockey community and our staff. The Association has been able to access the Government Wage Subsidy and we are actively engaging with staff as we work through our plans going forward. It remains the key role of the Board and management to support the hockey community, and while resources are currently limited, CHA will endeavour where it can, to support the needs of our members. The Board is acutely aware that we must position ourselves to be in the best shape possible when we emerge on the other side, and for this to happen there is a real need to work together and help each other.
Clubs
In parallel with the retention and wellbeing of our highly valued staff, is our concern for the survival and wellbeing of our clubs and schools. We acknowledge that all club officers and members are having to cope with these extraordinary circumstances in their own bubbles. We would urge any clubs who may be facing pressures, to communicate with us, as we are all in this together, and we will provide support to the extent that we are able.
Specifically:
- If your club is facing financial or any other pressure due to Covid-19, please let us know as soon as possible;
- Emma and the CHA staff are available to answer any questions;
- Staff and/or Board members will also be taking steps to stay close to clubs and schools to provide another channel of communication;
- We will communicate with information about fees and charges as the situation unfolds.
The Hockey Season
In terms of the forthcoming season, you may be aware the following applies to Community and Representative Hockey:
Community Hockey - The start date for community hockey has not been confirmed. In conjunction with Hockey New Zealand and Sport New Zealand, we are working through playing options which may be available under each potential Alert Level, as directed by Central Government. The Canterbury community season will now not commence on 2 May as originally proposed, however we will keep you posted on timing as things unfold. It remains a key focus of CHA to plan for, and provide suitable community competitions when we get the green light to do so.
Representative Hockey - All representative hockey for 2020 has been cancelled, including the National Hockey Championship. We are currently considering options around what we can do locally and regionally to fill some of the void left as a result of the cancellation of the 2020 representative programme. Again, our ability to do this will depend on the Government Alert System and what is able to be delivered at each level.
Financial Situation
We are pleased to advise that at this time CHA is in a relatively stable financial position, however this statement should not be construed as certainty that this situation will continue. To mitigate against the risks we are facing, the Board has planned for a range of scenarios going forward, and from this we are quietly confident that our sport will emerge from this comparatively well. We do have limited reserves and while these give some short term security, our situation is being closely monitored.
Conclusion
These are hard times but we have been there before and we will get through. We trust this memo gives you some further indication of where hockey is at during this difficult time. Most importantly, please do take care and look after yourselves, and others.
Mark Beatson
Chairman – Canterbury Hockey Association