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Community sport in the Wimmera has taken another blow, with the Wimmera Hockey Association announcing it will not proceed with a 2020 season in the best interests of its competitors. All levels of competition were abandoned on Wednesday night due to the uncertainty around the easing of state government restrictions and the workload volunteers would shoulder if play was allowed to return. "With the uncertainty as to where restrictions may go over the coming weeks, we do not consider it appropriate to expect our volunteers to put in the work required to prepare for a season that may not go ahead, and we do not wish to put them or our other participants and supporters at any health risk," the WHA executive said in a statement. RELATED: Horsham City Netball Association set to return "This decision gives some certainty to all those who may have been involved, and they can now focus on remaining fit and healthy and look forward to working with us to make the 2021 season all the better, to compensate for being unable to participate in their favourite sport this year." The executive feared returning to competition under strict restrictions would negate any of the social benefits of a regular hockey season. "The limitations that will come from adhering to the guidelines for return to competition from both the Victorian Government and Hockey Victoria will lead to restrictions on the important social aspects of the life or our clubs and Association, which we believe will take away one of the most important aspects that attract people to be involved in hockey in the Wimmera," a statement read. The WHA joins both the Wimmera league and Horsham District Football Netball League in abandoning senior competition due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. IN OTHER NEWS TODAY:
The 2020 Wimmera hockey season has been cancelled. Picture: SIMON KING
Community sport in the Wimmera has taken another blow, with the Wimmera Hockey Association announcing it will not proceed with a 2020 season in the best interests of its competitors.
All levels of competition were abandoned on Wednesday night due to the uncertainty around the easing of state government restrictions and the workload volunteers would shoulder if play was allowed to return.
"With the uncertainty as to where restrictions may go over the coming weeks, we do not consider it appropriate to expect our volunteers to put in the work required to prepare for a season that may not go ahead, and we do not wish to put them or our other participants and supporters at any health risk," the WHA executive said in a statement.
"This decision gives some certainty to all those who may have been involved, and they can now focus on remaining fit and healthy and look forward to working with us to make the 2021 season all the better, to compensate for being unable to participate in their favourite sport this year."
Ben Williamson (left) of the Warrack Revengers and Ben Woodhart of the Horsham Bombers fight for control of the ball. Photo: JOHN O'DWYER
The executive feared returning to competition under strict restrictions would negate any of the social benefits of a regular hockey season.
"The limitations that will come from adhering to the guidelines for return to competition from both the Victorian Government and Hockey Victoria will lead to restrictions on the important social aspects of the life or our clubs and Association, which we believe will take away one of the most important aspects that attract people to be involved in hockey in the Wimmera," a statement read.
