ENGLAND Hockey are intending for next season to be run along the normal dates.

The coronavirus pandemic forced this campaign to shut down last month, even though most leagues had only a couple of rounds of fixtures remaining.

The suspension became permanent and the governing body’s board met this week to resolve the remaining issues of promotion and relegation.

Also on the agenda was next season.

At this stage the intention is to stage the competitions as planned, although there will be contingency measures drawn up in case the situation has not improved sufficiently.

The England Hockey statement read: “Planning for the 2020-21 season, in the first instance, is that it will run as normal.

“Currently the first rounds of matches are due to be held on 26 and 27 September 2020 however we will also start planning for different scenarios should that not be possible.”

Oxford Hawks men’s and women’s first teams fall under the England Hockey League remit.

Further down the pyramid, most competitive action this season began on the same weekend as the top levels.