THE start of Manning Hockey's new season is in doubt after the association's headquarters at Taree Recreation Ground was inundated during last weekend's devastating floods.
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The centre is now closed less than a month before the start of the season on Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17.
"Taree Hockey Centre felt the full force of the extreme weather, with the Allan Taylor and the Terry Launders fields totally submerged, as well as the downstairs part of our clubhouse and the centre's surrounds,'' Manning Hockey Association president Tony Barton said.
"In the coming days and weeks, the centre will require an accurate assessment to understand the extent of damage and what will be required to get functioning again. The health and welfare of our members is paramount and initial investigations give us enough concern that the flood water may be contaminated thereby exposing members to potential infections.
"After much deliberation, the Manning Hockey board of management made the decision to close the Taree centre until further notice. Essentially this means that any use of the fields, clubhouse and surrounds are now prohibited. Direct any enquiries to the secretary at secretary@manningvalleyhockey.org.au
"While we are fortunate that the third field appears to have escaped flood water damage, we will need to ensure the foundations of the playing surface have remained intact before any type of play can take place.''
Mr Barton said the board will take a considered decision making approach to each obstacle.
"We will do our very best to clearly communicate not only our decisions but also the reasons why. Each of these decisions will be member focused with every effort made to conduct competitions and to give our members the opportunity to play hockey.''
RELATED:
The Mid North Coast Hockey League, a division one competition for men's and women's teams from the Manning and Hastings competition is due to start this year. Details were announced in last Friday's Times.
The association will also host two major State championships, although not until later in the year.