Does Razak Cup Complying with COVID-19 RMCO & Do the Organizer has Return to Competition Protocol for All Stakeholders

Tun Abdul Razak Cup is one of the oldest hockey competition in Malaysia. It used to be the Premier Hockey event and most popular one but over the years it has lost its essence and significant.

This will be the first event for MHC to organize after the pandemic issues since March 2020. There will be a total of 76 Matches combining Men & Women sections and commences from 18th September till 26th September and will held at both National Hockey Stadium in KL Sports City. 

The question is does the Organiser got all the relevant approval from Government and other agencies such as MOH, KBS, Sports Commissioner and PSM to host this event during this extended RMCO announced by the Government that will take effect till 31st December 2020. 

The health and safety of players, umpires and officials is important and you just need one person to create a cluster of the pandemic. Anyway for a first time in history, this event would be played without any spectators including the family members of players and others.

Next question, did the Organiser come up with a detail "Return to Competition Protocol" and discuss with all relevant stakeholders. Organiser via Executive Board must established a COVID-19 Management Committee (CMS) team which comprise of health experts for overseeing this protocol and implement accordingly during competition and other related matters.

Anyway, read below how a good "Return to Competition Protocol" looks like and this document is more crucial and important than rules & regulations as human life's are at stake. 

Organizers Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that a list of those travelling with the team for the match is received. 

2. Contact details for all match officials (umpires; technical officials) should be recorded prior to the competition. For officially appointed umpires and technical officials, these details will be available through the TD & Umpires Manager. 

3. Communicate the COVID-19 management committee (CMC) to the team, umpires, and technical officials. 

4. Ensure that an arrival time for all travelling parties has been agreed and confirmed. 

5. Ensure that the list of those travelling is correct when players and officials arrive at the stadium. 

6. A CMC must be present during the build-up phase of the match and remain at the stadium until the team and match officials have departed after the match to ensure COVID-19 protocols are always adhered to.  

7. Ensure that teams have designated areas on the pitch to base themselves safely. This includes an area for umpires and for match officials. 

8. Ensure that there is sufficient space for substitutes and coaching/management staff for each team to allow social distancing when not playing. Please consider player safety when doing so (e.g. minimise the risk of a player being hit by a ball). 

9. Ensure that an area is designated for suspended players for each team and allow for additional space should several players be suspended at one time. 

10. Ensure that the Organizer is following governmental guidelines for numbers of people allowed inside the facility. 

11. Ensure that only essential match personnel (players; umpires; coaches etc) are allowed inside the pitch in the lead up to and during matches. 

12. Dressing rooms and showers should only be made available if essential and current government guidelines on the use of indoor facilities should always be strictly enforced. A detailed cleaning regime should be put in place by the home club. 

Match Specific Guidance (for all stakeholders): Please note: Umpires are responsible for the conduct of players, coaches etc., in accordance with the Rules of Hockey, within the playing area (the pitch and outer playing area) & COVID-19 measures within the field of play. 

The CMC is responsible for the conduct of players, coaches etc, in respect of COVID-19 social distancing and compliance with the guidance, outside of the pitch (this includes the outer playing area/benches). 

Player and Match Guidelines: 

1. All match personnel (players, coaches, umpires etc.) should follow social distancing guidelines while waiting for the pitch to fully clear from any previous activity. 

2. Teams must not complete line-ups, handshakes/high-fives or huddles prior to the start of the match, or before the start of each quarter. a. This will be enforced through the offending team’s captain receiving a verbal warning in the first instance, a green card personal penalty may be awarded to the captain for repeated offences. 

3. Ball patrol should not be used for any matches. 

4. Players should avoid coming within 2m of an umpire or technical official. If players are asked to retreat from an umpire and fail to do so, they will be issued a personal penalty. 

5. Players are discouraged from celebrating goals as a group. a. This will be enforced through the offending team’s captain receiving a verbal warning in the first instance, a green card personal penalty may be awarded to the captain for repeated offences. 

6. During penalty corners, defenders must have their own, clearly marked defensive equipment. Equipment must not be shared between team-mates. Umpires will manage the time needed to allow players to put on their own equipment (players are encouraged to avoid any unnecessary delay and to assist the umpires at all times). 

7. Players must not spit or clear their nose on the field of play. If this is observed by an umpire, they will issue a green card to the offending player. A repeated offence by any player will result in a further upgrading in the sanction. a. It is acknowledged that umpires will not be able to see every occurrence of this. It is up to players to take personal responsibility and not engage in this behaviour. 

8. Players must not deliberately cough in the face of any other player, umpire, official, ball patrol or spectator. A red card will be issued for this offence, if witnessed by officials. a. It is acknowledged that normal coughs happen within play and cannot always be controlled. Normal coughs that occur at a distance or that are not deemed to be intentional acts of potential harm should not be sanctioned. 

9. When an injury occurs that requires attention, an agreed member of the team of the injured player should attend to the play. Standard first aid protocols apply. 

10. Both teams should supply managers and officials with their own equipment. E.g. captains and managers should have their own pen for signing match cards. 

11. Non-playing members of each squad (substitutes; coaches; management) must ad here to social distancing guidelines when not on the field of play. It is the responsibility of the home club to ensure sufficient space is provided for this.

Note: There must be Technical Officials, Medical Team & Umpiring COVID-19 Guidelines in-placed for Pre Match, During Match & Post Match.

Don't say I didn't warn you all.... Hope nothing happens between 14 days - a period that will dictate virus existence.

To all players & participating teams, you are in control and demand for a better protocol during competition. And is your rights to seek it as health is the ultimate concern during this period of time!