Coronavirus shutdown: Five questions facing Cairns Hockey
Local sporting organisations are trying to plot a path forward during this unprecedented time of uncertainty, as they aim to ensure they are in a position to play when the whistle sounds.
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Coronavirus put most community sports on the backburner until at least June, though that will depend on future health and medical advice.
In the meantime, local organisations are trying to plot a path forward during this unprecedented time of uncertainty, as they aim to ensure they are in a position to play when the whistle sounds.
Every organisation faces a multitude of issues which will affect them in the short and long term.
Here’s five questions facing Cairns Hockey.
1. Will the player base remain as strong?
The coronavirus pandemic is as much as a health crisis as it is financial.
Many people have been stood down or lost work, and the amount of money many have coming out of this crisis is expected to be far less.
That will likely flow-on to sports and individuals’ participation.
It’s wishful thinking to expect everything will go back to normal straight away, with players forced to seriously consider if they can spare the cash to play the sport they love.
Of course, organisations will have to revisit their structures which could impact fees, competitions and the delivery of programs.
2. What will the competition’s international player program look like moving forward?
Cairns has attracted plenty of international players over the years, with visitors from places like Belgium, United States and South America.
The coronavirus pandemic forced a massive reduction in the number of international flights available, with countries implementing strict border controls to restrict movement.
Not only does that influence international players for if the season resumes this year, the international player program could very well be impacted into the future.
We don’t know how attitudes towards playing overseas may be affected by the pandemic, and with other considerations such as discretionary spending, travel and the availability of jobs, it might be far too early to consider what it could look like when hockey resumes.
3. Will Cairns still be able to host the national masters championships?
The national masters championships would have brought hundreds of hockey players and visitors from across the country to the Far North this year.
Instead, the event was rightfully called off early as coronavirus took hold.
With schedules for future championships seemingly in the book, what will that mean for Cairns as a host city?
We can’t ignore the economic hit many families have and will experience throughout this crisis, so even if the Far North city hosts the event the numbers may well be down.
4. How will the shutdown affect the return of the open representative program, and players’ desire to take part?
Cairns Hockey, and its players, were understandably excited about the return of a real, open-aged state carnival in 2020.
But the competition, which was due to be held for the first time in years this year, fell victim to the coronavirus early in the piece.
There are questions as to whether the hockey community will be on board with the concept next year.
The momentum is gone, playing futures are on hold, and there must be genuine concern as to the future of either a Cairns team in the competition, or the program itself.
5. Will Cairns become a more attractive destination for players?
It might be far too early to consider how the coronavirus will impact the region’s standing as a sports destination in future, but we can’t ignore the numbers.
Cairns has had a pretty good run as far as COVID-19 infections are considered, and when compared with the “more attractive” capital cities is in a much, much better position.
The standard of hockey is high, in particular in the teenage ranks, and the geography provides potential players with one of the best places in the world to live.
The combination of those factors could be enough to lure keen hockey players to the region, which boasts some of the best facilities in Queensland.
Originally published as Coronavirus shutdown: Five questions facing Cairns Hockey