Tag: covid-19

Resumption and extension of WPGM Hockey League Summer 2021-22

With what looks like the worst of the fourth wave of Covid-19 behind us, we are looking forward to resuming the Western Province Grand Masters Hockey League.

As we had two cancelled games at the end of last year, these will be carried forward to this year. After those games, a second round of the games will follow. The fixtures for these games are published on the website (and below).

Giving us only March to prepare for IPT in Durban, end of March 2022.

Here is a summary of the league fixtures Jan – Feb 2022:

Date18:3019:30Bye
2022/01/13White v BlueBlack v YellowRed
2022/01/20Red v BlackYellow v WhiteBlue
2022/01/27Yellow v RedBlue v BlackWhite
2022/02/03Black v WhiteRed v BlueYellow
2022/02/10Blue v YellowWhite v RedBlack
2022/02/17White v BlueBlack v YellowRed
2022/02/24Red v BlackYellow v WhiteBlue

Breaking News Durban Camp One and IPT2022 moves to 24 To 27 March 2022

After consultation with KZN and due to the following circumstances, the IPT 2022 has been postponed from February 2022 to March 2022:

  • The threat of a fourth wave of COVID is generally expected mid-December 2021 and the potential adverse effect on a few players’ February IPT2022 and overseas travel arrangements.
  • SA Masters hockey has arranged a final selection camp and trials for 18,19, and 20 February 2022, which may adversely affect the SAGMHA IPT.
  • The potential Covid threat may also result in a postponement of the SA Masters final selection camp and trials; hence, the “early bird catches the worm.”
  • The February 2022 IPT would require non-scheduling of games from 10:00hrs until 12:00hrs x 3 or 4 Astro’s due to the heat. This will also negate and influence the previous 1-5 day planned Camp and also contribute to additional costs for Astro rentals.
  • The postponement permits additional time for players to “attain” and improve their fitness.
  • The long week-end prior to the latest date was considered, but flights and accommodation are at a premium, and Durban is not the “best” place to visit on a long week-end.

WMH will be informed of a potential short delay regarding the registration of WC 2022 teams.

SAGM Hockey will still be able to procure kit.

From communication from SAGM Hockey

WPHU League Status Update, 15 June 2021

Many of you will have seen the letter doing the rounds that was issued yesterday by SAHA.  The WPHU Executive have had discussions on this and the decision has been made to allow the league to continue this week. The situation in terms of COVID-19 infections in the WC is very different to that of other Provinces where there has been a substantial resurgence in number of infections, which is what prompted the decision by other Provinces to halt their leagues temporarily.

We will assess the COVID-19 stats on a weekly basis and make decisions based on what the numbers look like.

While the Covid-19 numbers are concerning and have been on the increase over the last 3 weeks, none of the cases that we are aware of, can be traced back to playing / practising hockey.

It is our social behaviours that are of more concern when it comes to the well-being of our hockey players.  We therefore urge all players to exercise caution in this regard.  Let us not have social gatherings just for sake of having a good time post matches.  Let us adopt the behaviour of arrive play and go home.

Please note that each club and venue remains responsible for COVID-19 screening protocols at their venue (as per SAHA’s return to play documents).  We also urge you to please engage with your membership around doing the responsible thing when it comes to isolating and/or testing should a player show any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in direct contact with a COVID-19 positive case.   Players must notify their coach or club management immediately of the details this regard.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice in this regard should you not be 100% sure on how to deal with a particular situation.

Lastly, please be advised that UCT have suspended all sport.  All UCT league fixtures for the next 2 weeks will be postponed to the 2nd half of the season.

Due to all the University postponements that need to be made up in round 2, if necessary we may need to extend the league beyond the “final date fixtures” if required to do so.  This is something that we spoke the possibility of in our Council meeting earlier this year.

Kind Regards

Robyn Morgan