IHL chiefs issue bad weather guidelines

Irish Hockey League chiefs have issued clubs with guidelines to cover eventualities arising out of bad weather in the midst of the controversial decision to uphold their decision to replay the abandoned IHL tie between Annadale and Cookstown. Amid the ongoing fallout from November’s  Coolnafranky clash – abandoned in the third quarter with the ‘Dale 4-1 up – league organisers have laid down a blueprint for future problems, given the atrocious weather that has blighted the season so far. The onus has been placed on host clubs to ensure they have consulted their local meteorological office to confirm weather conditions between 48 and 24 hours before the game, to ensure it can definitely go ahead.The IHL committee have decreed this in the interests of saving clubs and officials money on wasted journeys. This follows a precedent set by the IHA earlier this season, when they advised clubs travelling outside their own province for national competitions not to make the trip amid anticipated icy conditions and frozen pitches. In such circumstances, clubs are also asked to investigate the possibility of playing at an alternative venue or time. Where bad weather occurs less than 24 hours before hit-off, clubs are asked to inform the away team, umpires, IHL committee and spectators. Should the tie still be in doubt closer to hit-off, the decision on the playability of the pitch will rest with the technical officer, a responsability which shifts to the umpires once the game has begun. Abandoned matches will be deemd null and void, and as per the decision made regarding the Anndale/Cookstown clash, will be replayed in their entirity.