Following the NI Executive announcement on Wednesday 14th October, Ulster Hockey, alongside a number of other sports via the NI Sports Forum, have sought clarity from the Department for Communities on aspects of the announcement to ensure we are clear on the implications for competitive hockey.
Whilst we still await this clarification, the Ulster Hockey Management Board has considered factors such as unnecessary travel and availability of pitches and have made a decision to suspend all matches in the Ladies Senior, Ladies Junior, Men’s Intermediate and Men’s Junior Leagues until 14th November 2020. All schools and youth hockey is also suspended. This will take effect from 6pm on Friday 16th Oct.
Hockey Ireland has considered the Provincial Premier Leagues to be exempt from restrictions as ‘elite sport’ under the restrictions imposed by the Government of Ireland. Ulster Hockey is still awaiting guidance on whether the NI Executive’s definition of elite is consistent with this.
Once we have received clarity on from the Department for Communities – which we hope to have in the coming hours – we will make a further communication regards the both Premier League fixtures and training restrictions for all teams.
Ulster Hockey is disappointed to have made this decision as we were delighted to see our leagues back in full swing, but the health and wellbeing of all of the Ulster Hockey family remains our priority.
Stay safe and we hope to be back on the pitch soon.
