Hockey ACT hopeful ease of restrictions lead to July restart date

The National Cabinet is expected to lift some restrictions at the meeting, which could allow more sporting activities to return across the country.

Hockey was one of the last sports to be suspended in Canberra due to the coronavirus-forced shutdown, with Sheekey expecting it to last until at least July.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled a 15-point plan for the resumption of sports last week, with states and territories to have the final say about when sports can restart and under what restrictions.

Sheekey hopes the ACT government will be given those powers following Friday's meeting, so they can begin working towards a return date for hockey.

"We're hoping these decisions can be placed in the state governments' hands and from that, we can start working with the ACT government on what we need to put in place to get hockey back up and running," Sheekey said.

"The ACT is going to be an exceptionally tricky area to navigate through because we have a high percentage of NSW participants.

"We will probably be in line with NSW in a lot of things we do, which to be fair is going to be required for most sports in Canberra because there is a large crossover of participants.

"Once we have a date, we can start pushing with all the things we need to put in place. We'll certainly follow the ACT government's advice through all phases."

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The hockey season could be played in full if the sport returns in July, given they do not share their facilities with summer sport.

Sheekey is prepared to run a shortened season if starting dates are pushed back further, but is wary of delaying any competition beyond November.

Hockey ACT has reached out to its members via a survey for feedback on potential starting dates and format options.

"We'll be pretty close to a full season if we get a July start but we're taking in mind everyone's feelings on this and advice from our members," Sheekey said.

"The great news out of our survey is 96 percent of members are keen to participate in hockey this year, which gives us motivation for when the time is right."

Hockey ACT appointed three new directors to its board following meeting, electing Louise Crossman, Peta Derham and Jo Scard.

Their appointment sees Hockey ACT meet the territory government's advised quota of having 40 pecent female presentation on sporting organisation boards.

Julie Allais, Margot Grant, Ian Lowrey, and Robert Parkes were also granted a Life Membership for their years of contribution.

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