Hockey: Coronavirus may force a staggered start for GNL

Originally penciled in for an early April start, the competition's season plans were thrown into turmoil with fields closed and seasons temporarily suspended on March 17.

"Given the situation on the North-West Coast in particular, there might be greater restrictions there so that could place some staggered time frames," he said.

"The South may be able to start sooner than the North potentially but we just don't know that. We are going to adhere to advice from government as to when it's safe to do so."

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

As the countdown continues to tick down on a return to sport, Hockey Tasmania is looking for suggestions from the community on how to re-launch 2020 in line with government protocols.

With members advised to speak to their club presidents to have their messages passed on, Smith described this process as "crucial" to the sport's season.

"The return to sport or hockey is a really important piece for us.

"These are unprecedented times for all of us so we want any suggestions as to how we can best return to our sport.

"Given the impact that this is having more broadly in terms of people's jobs and whatnot, there's a whole range of issues that we need to deal with to make sure we get as many people back playing as possible."

Despite the doom and gloom of the COVID-19 outbreak, the sport has still seen some positivity throughout the time off with clubs using social media to stay active.

"It's really impressive to see how the clubs are adapting to the distancing and isolation that we've had to put up with.

"It's been really pleasing and just goes to show how tight our hockey community is and how they've banded together during this really difficult time."

In another positive vein, Hockey Tasmania is continuing to meet its financial goals, meeting the targets set by the board in late March and are awaiting outcome on a government grant.

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