How does Tier 4 affect hockey? Not a question many of you would have thought of or been asking yourself recently – understandably too. How this affected your Christmas and livelihoods are naturally the first. Today we can bring you up to date on the following.

What does this mean for adult and junior hockey?
What does this mean for adult league hockey?
When will this be reviewed?

What does this mean for adult and junior hockey?
On Monday, club representatives were briefed on what tier 4 and tier 3 means for us all. As of Sunday 20th December, tier 4 areas have reverted to Step 1 in England Hockey’s Return to Play road map for adult participation – no games or training.

For juniors – under 18’s - training sessions ARE ALLOWED to continue in line with tier 4 restrictions:

- Staying local and not leaving or entering other tier areas – our area defined as Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes. See the government website for more detail.
- COVID secure sessions

Parents – our junior leads will be reaching out in the coming days and weeks about the appetite for sessions to continue.

What does this mean for adult league hockey?
The East Region Hockey Leagues have not yet, at the time of publication, made a public announcement on how this affects league standings or fixtures. From previous statements made by the ERHL indicate that season has been extended to the end of April already.

We will share any future official updates with you as and when we get them.

When will this be reviewed?
The government will review the tier 4 locations on 30th December 2020. The feeling is the earliest date will be February if the area - Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes – all move out of tier 4. When in tier 3, training and local games, can restart.

The next committee meeting is online on 4th January 2021. We will share an update in due course of the meeting.

Make the most of your Christmas and most importantly, stay safe. Say goodbye 2020 and hello to – a more positive – 2021.