Dear Members

Firstly, I understand the challenges our clubs, players and communities are feeling at this time. It is not easy, but through a positive spirit we will recover and be back participating in our great game. 

NWSHA fully endorses today's communication from Hockey NSW regarding 2020 Season recommencement update. 

Link to HNSW 2020 Season Recommencement Update

Hockey NSW focus in 2020 will be on community hockey competitions. NWSHA field representative teams will NOT be involved in any competitions or carnivals in 2020. No decision has been made regarding indoor hockey. State indoor championships involve a large number of players, officials and spectators in an indoor space and the decision will be detemined by HNSW based on government guidelines.

With most hockey played on synthetic surfaces with no (minimal) competing sports for the facilities, NWSHA executives supports an extension of the season past normal 'winter' end dates, but this will be dependent on competition associations and turf bookings. HNSW will be actively working with all competition associations to provide the best outcome for our members - despite the delays and challenges we have all experienced. NWSHA clubs play in 7 different competitions across 5 different associations. Getting our members back playing weekly Hockey in a safe environment must be our guiding mission for 2020.

2020 SEASON NWSHA REGISTRATION FEE UPDATE

Link to HNSW 2020 Season Rego Update

With the commencement of the 2020 hockey season delayed until Saturday July 18th 2020, NWSHA has now made a decision on registration fees. Following the announcement from Hockey NSW, NWSHA will align our response for registration fees closely to Hockey NSW. It will be a different process, so please review both processes.

It is important to note that the following advice ONLY applies to the NWSHA portion of registration fees. Hockey Australia or Club fees are not controlled by NWSHA and therefore we have no jurisdiction to make decisions on these portions of the registration fee. Please review HNSW link for their process.

NWSHA members who have already paid the 2020 winter registration fee will be given two options which are outlined below.

1. Any member who has had a change in circumstance due the COVID-19 pandemic can request a refund for the NWSHA portion of their fees.
2. A member may choose to let NWSHA retain our portion of the fees they have already paid and in return the member will have their NWSHA fees covered for the remaining portion of the 2020 season PLUS the entire 2021 hockey season.

We want to reward any member who chooses to support NWSHA during this uncertain period with a free year of NWSHA registration. If any member of our community who has not yet registered wishes to receive the same incentive in option two above, we encourage them to register as normal before July 18th.

Members will still be able to register after July 18th, 2020 but will not be eligible for the 2021 season incentive.

It is important to note that information detailed above only applies to the NWSHA portion of registration fees. Hockey Australia and Club fees are not controlled by NWSHA and therefore we have no jurisdiction to make decisions on these portions of the registration fee.

Any member wishing to apply for a refund of their NWSHA fee can submit a request via a form on the NWSHA website which will be made available on May 4th. Requests for refunds will be open until Sunday 31st May. Refund requests will only be accepted through the official form and each individual member must submit a request (i.e. no group or family requests).

We will endeavour to process refunds as quickly as possible. However, this will be a complex process involving several parties including revolutioniseSPORT, multiple financial institutions and one volunteer NWSHA Treasurer. We appreciate our members patience and understanding during this process and urge you to be considerate as there is the potential to be processing a large number of refunds.

As this is a complex situation, we have compiled a list of answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) you may have below.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY 2020 CLUB FEES?

NWSHA have communicated our decision with Clubs and encouraged them to work with their members to find the best solution for their organisation going forward. Each Club will be in a different position and have the right to make their own decisions regarding their fees. We urge you to contact your Club regarding their portion of the 2020 registration fees.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY 2020 HOCKEY AUSTRALIA FEES?

Hockey Australia has not yet made a decision regarding refunds for their portion of 2020 registration fees. We encourage you to check the Hockey Australia website regularly for updates. Hockey NSW will continue to advocate on behalf of our members for Hockey Australia to honour all refund requests received during this process.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY 2020 HOCKEY NSW FEES?

Please review Hockey NSW communication for options regarding fees and process.

HOW MUCH ARE MY NWSHA REGISTRATION FEES?

Players U11 and below: $13.75 ($4.50 NWSHA Fee + $8.25 Hockey NSW Affiliated Assoc Fee)

Player U13 and above: $24.74 ($16.50 NWSHA Fee + $8.25 Hockey NSW Affiliated Assoc Fee)

DO I REQUIRE ANY PROOF TO CLAIM A REFUND?

NWSHA understands some members have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 situation and we do not wish to place any further burden on them. We WILL NOT require any proof of hardship for refund requests submitted by 31^st May.

However, we encourage any member who is in a financially stable position to consider supporting your Club, NWSHA and Hockey NSW by allowing each party to retain their section of your 2020 registration fees. Asking for a refund will add increased workload on our volunteer community. We consider that offering you 2020 and 2021 registration for NWSHA and Hockey NSW by paying your fees before July 18 is appropriate recompense for a fractured 2020 season.

WHAT IF I HAVEN’T REGISTERED YET BUT WANT TO PLAY WHEN HOCKEY RESUMES?

Any member who is in the financial position to do so, may register as normal up until the 18th July for the 2020 season and will also have their NWSHA registration fee covered for the 2021 season.

If you are unable to register now, there will still be an opportunity to register later in the year when hockey resumes. Members who register after the 18th July or do not register in 2020 will not be eligible for the 2021 season incentive.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY A REGO FEE NEXT YEAR?

If you are registered with NWSHA by the 18th July and have not requested a refund your 2021 NWSHA registration fee will be covered free of charge.

However this does not apply to the Hockey Australia levy or any Club fees. These will need to be paid for as normal before the commencement of the 2021 season unless your Club or Association has indicated otherwise. Please ensure you contact your Club or Association to check on their individual arrangements for 2021 fees.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY REFUND?

NWSHA will begin to process refunds during May. As this is a complex process involving multiple parties, refunds will take different times to process. We hope to have all refunds processed by June 30th. In order to ensure your refund is processed in a timely manner, we encourage you to submit your request as early as possible and ensure all personal details provided are accurate and current.

There is the potential for NWSHA to be processing a large number of refunds over the coming weeks, so we request your patience as our volunteer treasurer undertakes this huge challenge. NWSHA will not be accepting any requests to expedite the refund process. The only way to ensure your refund is processed quickly is to submit your request by 31 May. We encourage our members to wait until June 30th before enquiring about the status of their refund. If you have not received your refund by this date, we will be happy to assist in getting it to you as quickly as possible.

CAN I REQUEST A REFUND AFTER THE 31st MAY?

NWSHA will consider any requests for refunds after the 31st May 2020 on a case-by-case basis. We encourage anyone who wishes to receive a refund to submit their request before the 31st May.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER?

The NSW Government has confirmed that the $100 Active Kids Voucher used by a parent to partially offset registration fees cannot, under any circumstances, be returned as cash.

Hockey NSW along with several other State Sporting Organisations have requested clarification from the NSW Government on the Active Kids Voucher. Hockey NSW will provide further advice on Active Kids following guidance from the NSW Government.

1. second $100 Active Kids voucher is available from July 1st and we encourage you to access it and use it with hockey. Registrations for our Centre of Development program will open later this year and all participants can use the Active Kids voucher to offset part of the COD registration fee.

If you have any questions about the advice above, please email info@nwsha.com.au to submit your enquiry. As a volunteer organisation some responses may be slightly delayed. However, we will endeavour to reply to you as soon as practicable. Please note: NWSHA will not be taking any requests for refunds through email correspondence. Only refund requests received through the official form will be processed.

Yours in Hockey, Stay Safe.

Evan Watson

President NWSHA

president@nwsha.com.au