Ulster Hockey is aware of the NI Executive’s ‘Pathway out of Restrictions’ which has been announced this afternoon (2 March 2021). A specific pathway for sport has been included in this communication as one of 9 pathways to lead society out of lock-down.
Further detail can be found at the following link:
The Executive’s pathway out of restrictions | The Executive Office (executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk)
The ‘Pathway to Recovery’ places a return of outdoor sport at Phase 2 of the process. Ulster Hockey welcomes the early inclusion of outdoor sport and is cautiously optimistic for the future return of hockey training and competition.
However, there are no dates currently attached to each phase and we have been advised that progress will be data driven and that within each phase there will be an incremental return based on robust protocols being implemented. These measures and mitigations will be applied to ensure everyone’s wellbeing is protected.
A review of the restrictions is scheduled for 16th March ahead of the end of the current restrictions on 1st April. We await the more detail regards the implementation of this phased approach and will provide guidance as to when the hockey family can return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Ulster Hockey was represented in a multi-sport meeting with Communities Minister Dierdre Hargey on 2 March 2021 where she has committed to ongoing face-to-face engagement with the sector. We welcome this approach and are committed to ensuring the voice of Ulster Hockey is heard at this crucial time for sport.
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