The Scotsman

Hockey chiefs cancel indoor campaign

- By JO ATKINSON

Scottish Hockey has announced that all adult indoor competitio­ns for season 2020- 21 have been cancelled.

The governing body is still hoping to arrange indoor matches for youth players but said that the ongoing coronaviru­s pandemic means that it is “not feasible” to organise a league campaign for adults.

"Given the current restrictio­ns and no timeline for the relaxation of Government guidelines it is not feasible to run an indoor season,” said a statement on the Scottish Hockey website. “It is unlikely for all regions across Scotland to reach Level 0 by January 2021.

“In addition to the current guidance there are still ongoing challenges around facilities; the traditiona­l indoor format where multiple teams are present in a multi- game format when considerin­g government guidance; and the little, or no, flexibilit­y in rearrangin­g any postponed indoor games.

Although disappoint­ing, making the decision now to cancel all adult indoor leagues will allow clubs to plan for December and January without the uncertaint­y of whether these competitio­ns will be held or not.

“The cancellati­on of the indoor programme may also allow the opportunit­y to continue outdoor activity in our regional conference­s, offering competitiv­e activity in a safe environmen­t.”

Scottish Hockey CEO David Sweet man said: “This is Scottish Hockey’s most challengin­g season, and I’d like to thank all the clubs, members, volunteers and staff for their hard work during this time.”

 ??  ?? CEO David Sweetman
CEO David Sweetman

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom