THE first state league season domino looks to have fallen, with Hockey Victoria declaring that should sport not be able to resume by September 10, it will forgo its season, without awarding premierships.
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No resumption in play could have long term ramifications for Ballarat's WestVic with both men and women holding out hopes of securing premierships which would have guaranteed both promotion in 2022.
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Should no premierships be awarded, the club would have to state its case for promotion, based on its ability to field both senior and reserves sides going forward.
While Hockey Victoria stills holds out slim hopes of a restart should restrictions on sport lift on September 3, it appears unlikely at best given the state's latest upsurge in infections.
In a statement, Hockey Victoria said: "If, from September, the restrictions get extended for another week, and if in the week of September 6 an announcement is made that community sport can resume from September 10, we will still recommence the season from September 10", it said.
"In case that the restrictions are extended for additional two weeks (or more) so that we can't recommence the season from September 10, it is our strong recommendation to cancel the remainder of the 2021 season.
"This will allow us to collectively focus on any possible summer or indoor hockey activities that may be able to be delivered before the end of 2021.
"If we are not able to conclude the 2021 winter season, premierships will not be awarded in 2021."
As the season currently stands, WestVic women find themselves second on the ladder, having lost only once this season, while the men are also comfortably positioned inside the top four.
The club has hopes to be able to return to State League 1 in the women's competition next season, and at least State League 2 in the men's competition, but will need to guarantee its numbers going forward to be able to do so.
