The future of the 2021 Goulburn District Hockey Association competitions depend on whether or not the statewide lockdown is lifted this weekend.
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![Turning: Nothing is certain for Goulburn's hockey players, with the future of both the local and representative competitions in jeopardy. Photo: Zac Lowe. Turning: Nothing is certain for Goulburn's hockey players, with the future of both the local and representative competitions in jeopardy. Photo: Zac Lowe.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ijfQKXbsEKgSKGW5xB5NiF/e1254f21-5c94-4fbb-a4f0-64418b92e246.JPG/r69_46_3778_2696_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
In a post to Facebook earlier today, the GDHA announced that it will progress immediately to finals if the lockdown ends as scheduled on Saturday, August 28.
If it does not, the association said, "we will unfortunately need to close off the 2021 Outdoor Season."
"Whilst this is not ideal and is not a decision we have made lightly, we feel that this is the best option for our members to be able to know an "end date" moving forward," the GDHA said.
"Unfortunately we are at the mercy of the NSW Government and Hockey NSW and their restrictions."
The Goulburn Hockey Fields are currently closed, and have been since the weekend of August 15 when the lockdowns began.
No hockey has been played since that weekend due initially to the outbreak in the ACT, which was quickly followed by the statewide lockdown in NSW.
Should the finals series proceed, it will begin on Wednesday, September 1, with all age groups to play on their allocated days.
The format for the finals will see the first and fourth-ranked teams face off and the second and third-ranked teams vie for a spot in the grand final.
The grand finals for the Under 15s and Under 18s will be held on Friday, September 10, while the rest of the finals will be played on Saturday, September 11.
While the GDHA has provided clarity around the future of the local competition, Hockey ACT has been unable to follow suit due to the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in Canberra.
Goulburn resident and Hockey ACT CEO, Rob Sheekey, released a statement late last week in which he said the organisation will remain flexible depending on the length of the lockdowns.
"Hockey ACT remains committed to completing the remainder of the 2021 winter season if the health advice improves in an appropriate timeframe," Sheekey said.
"We are currently working with all clubs on season planning and potential options if we are able to resume. Rest assured HACT have plans in place that should we be able to resume we will do so as quickly as allowable.
"At this stage it is apparent that the season will not be able to conclude on the weekend 17, 18 & 19 September as originally planned. HACT are currently working with clubs to determine a definitive date when the competition will need to be concluded."
For the second year running, the Brophy McKay Medal presentation ceremony will be held online. Hockey ACT also confirmed that new Best and Fairest and Leading Goal Scorer awards will be presented in all senior grades.
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