Return to Sport Update – June 19, 2020
As COVID-19 restrictions are being slowly lifted by the Victorian Government, we are pleased that there is a clearer roadmap to return to play. While this is exciting, we need to remain patient and allow associations and clubs the time to prepare as best they can to ensure the health and safety of our community is maintained, while aiming to get participants back on the court.
Basketball Victoria has put forward a position to Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services, that our understanding and application of the Victorian Government return to sport announcement from Sunday June 14, allows for basketball to move to an Orange-50 indoor competition/training reactivation status from June 22 (as per the Basketball Victoria Return to Sport Guidelines) – for players 18 years and under.
Please note: the proposed Orange-50 status – for 18 years and under (confirming the number of people allowed per court) is to be considered for preparation purposes only and not to be treated as confirmed until Basketball Victoria receives the appropriate approval from the Victorian Chief Health Officer.
For players 18 years and over the status is Orange-20 – Indoor/Outdoor Training from June 22.
Summary of Restrictions:
From June 22
- For 18 years old and under – full contact training and competition for both indoor and outdoor is possible from June 22.
- For 18 years and over – non-contact training for both indoor and outdoor is possible from June 22.
- For 18 years and over – full contact training for both indoor and outdoor (forecast for) July 13
- For 18 years and over – resumption of competition both indoor and outdoor (forecast for) July 20
Note: the forecast July dates are not confirmed, the Victorian Government will still need to finalise these dates in the coming weeks.
Domestic Basketball
Every association has different circumstances with venue access and their resources, so this will see a staggered and different return to play for participants and clubs. If your association has indicated that their season is set to return, we ask that you follow all instructions and hygiene protocols advised to you when returning to play.
Associations, Clubs and Venue Access
It is important that participants and parents remain patient and understand the unique position each association is in as they work hard to enable a safe and viable environment for a return to play. Associations will update clubs (if applicable) and participants of intended start dates and associated processes required to return to domestic basketball.
School Access
Basketball Victoria has not yet received formal information from the Department of Education for when school courts will open, however, indications are that DET is considering opening up at the start of Term 3. We have written to DET asking to bring this date forward to June 29 to enable associations to prepare for their return to competitions, we will advise as soon as we have formal advice.
Registrations and Season Format
All participants must be registered in PlayHQ to the particular competition season set up (or continued) by an association before any play recommences. Being registered and utilising PlayHQ’s electronic scoring will also assist with any contact tracing required if there is a COVID-19 transmission/outbreak.
If associations need assistance in deciding to start afresh or continue existing seasons, there is some advice and support here from the Digital Support Team. Please contact them if you need any assistance.
Aussie Hoops
Term 3 registrations are now open.
VJBL
Planning on a July 17 return, venue access and restrictions may impact on the fixture, further details to follow as soon as possible.
Big V
A survey has been sent to associations to seek feedback on potential season options. Further details in the coming weeks.
Country Championships and Events
A full and updated calendar will be available next week.
High-Performance
State Development Program athletes will be contacted with an updated training schedule by their relevant coach, aiming for the 2nd week of Term 3.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of the whole community, we ask that everyone continues to maintain increased hygiene practices as well as adequate social distancing measures to ensure we get back on the court as soon as possible in a safe manner.
Regards,
Nick Honey
Basketball Victoria
Chief Executive Officer
June 19, 2020