Return to Sport Update – 9 June

The Victorian Government, on advice from the Department of Health, has further eased restrictions from the circuit-breaker lockdown for Greater Melbourne and Regional Victoria, with these measures starting from Thursday 10 June at 11.59pm. 

Unfortunately, there is some confusion with the detail of the restrictions released today, specifically for community indoor sport in Regional Victoria. 

We have been in close communication with Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) and what we do know is: 

  • Metropolitan Melbourne: unfortunately, there is no indoor sport until the next announcement for easing restrictionsOrganised outdoor community sport is permitted for children (those who wish to commit to outdoor games for ages 18 and under), with adults restricted to training only. Outdoor activity is restricted to a maximum of 10 people per group. Density quotient of 1 person per 4sqm applies.  
  • Regional Victoria: is open for all ages training and competition, however we need further clarity on the number allowed indoors for each venue. 

We will be receiving detailed “Restricted Activity Directions” overnight and will provide a further update tomorrow.  

For more information about current COVIDSafe settings and the vaccination program, please visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.   

Dear Clubs,

 

The Victorian Government, on advice from the Department of Health (formerly DHHS) has enacted a circuit-breaker lockdown for all of Victoria with these measure in effect from Thursday 27th May at 11:59pm until Thursday 3 June at 11:59pm.

 

In line with this and the update from Basketball Victoria all basketball trainings, programs and competitions will be suspended during this period.

 

In relation to the MEBA/GEBC Junior Domestic Competitions:

 

  • Games scheduled for Monday 31/05 were for Round 1 of the Regular Season and as such will be cancelled.

 

  • Games scheduled for Friday 28/05 and Saturday 29/05 were the final round of the grading phase for the Winter ’21 season and as such will be rescheduled to the next available dates (hopefully Fri 4/6 and Sat 5/6).

 

We will continue to provide updates as we make our way through the coming 7 days.

 

Kind Regards,

 

MARK HALLETT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

P: 03 9802 6711

E: [email protected]

 

Basketball Victoria COVID-19 Update – Thursday 27 May Dear Lorraine, The Victorian Government, on advice from the Department of Health (formerly DHHS), has enacted a circuit-breaker lockdown for all of Victoria, with these measures in effect from Thursday 27 May at 11.59pm until Thursday 3 June at 11.59pm. In line with Victorian Government health directives, […]

Last week the Victorian Government announced further easing of restrictions to increase capacity for community
sport and seated events. Under the new restriction’s community sports facilities can operate subject to a density limit
of 1 person per 2 sqm. As such our venues will now be allowing all spectators to attend, subject to the capacity
restrictions. We ask that you remain considerate of all families attending when bringing along extra supporters.

To assist with managing these increased number of people within the venue (particular during game changeover) we
will continue to ask families not arrive for their game until 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

We are also please to advise that from the start of the Winter ’21 season players will again be permitted to bring a
basketball with them to games. Please ensure any basketball brought to the facility is cleaned with a disinfectant wipe
or with Glen20 spray prior to arrival.

Finally, all patrons are reminded to use the QR Sign-In Code upon entry.

Return to Sport – 26 February Update

Dear Lorraine,

We are pleased to see further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as announced today Friday February 26 by the Victorian Government and Department of Health.

The main change for basketball in Victoria is the restrictions regarding mask wearing.

MASKS
From 11.59pm Friday February 26 – The change is:

Masks are not required during games for Players, Referees & Coaches while on court.

Masks are recommended for all patrons aged 12 years or older, when social distancing cannot be maintained, unless medically exempt.  

Please see full details in our Return to Sport Guidelines (Version 11 / February 26).

Venue density limits still apply, patrons need to maintain social distancing where possible and continue to follow hygiene practices, eg signage must state the number of people permitted inside, wipes and disinfectant must be supplied for use by patrons, record keeping is required and venues with capacity of greater than 500 patrons must publish a COVIDSafe Plan online.

RETURN TO SPORT REACTIVATION STATUS – From Friday 26 FEBRUARY AT 11.59pm

ALL AGES: COVID-Safe

For an explanation on COVID-Safeclick here for our updated Return to Sport Guidelines.

In addition, this information is on our website and will be distributed via social media from 4pm today.

Best Regards,

Nick Honey
Basketball Victoria
CEO

Thank you to everyone for all the hard work you’ve done to get us ready for a return to play this Saturday, we’re almost there!

 

Before the first games tip-off, we wanted to provide one last update/reminder of changes for you to send out to your club members.

 

  • We are currently operating under the Basketball Victoria COVID-Safe Level (Formerly Green-100).

 

  • Matches will run on their usual 45-minute schedule with 18-minute halves. There will be no gap between games.
    • As there are no gaps between games all patrons are instructed to leave the venue immediately following their game.

 

  • We are currently working on the 1 person per 4sqm rule regarding capacity, however Basketball Victoria have advised that associations should limit the number of spectators to 40 per court which we will follow.
    • This means that immediate family can attend but we are asking extended family/friends etc to refrain from attending until further notice.

 

  • All patrons are to ensure they maintain social distancing where possible.

 

  • All patrons must carry a mask. It is strongly recommended that you wear your mask whenever you cannot keep 1.5m distance from others.

 

  • We are now using COVID-Comply as our QR Code software which all patrons will need to use to mark their attendance at the venue. After details are entered the first time you can save your details to make it easier for subsequent visits.

 

  • Team Managers: If you haven’t signed up to Teammo please do so as soon as possible and make payment for your team sheet fee prior to Saturday. We will have door staff present at all venues to assist if required.

 

  • Any club/team that needs to give a walkover must process this through Teammo (even those clubs pre-paying via invoice).

 

  • A reminder that the competition is no longer providing match balls. The coach of each team is permitted to bring 2 balls in for warm up and a match ball selected from these. Players are no longer permitted to bring in their own ball.

 

  • The canteen at Nunawading Stadium will be open, with EFTPOS facilities the preferred payment method.

Return to Basketball and Current Restrictions 

The announcement on Sunday 18 October by the Victorian Government has eased restrictions in several areas across Victoria.

Unfortunately, due to basketball being classified as a “contact sport” (i.e. a sport that is unable to be played at a social distancing length of 1.5m between each participant) by the Victorian Government, basketball is subject to being part of the Last Step of the COVID Roadmap.

Victoria’s current level of restrictions regarding basketball’s return to sport have not changed from our last update, but there is greater clarity around future restrictions being eased at the end of the month. There is also a potential of further announcements this Sunday which may bring timelines forward.

Future eased restrictions were announced yesterday detailing the roadmap for community sport. As of Sunday 1 November at 11.59pm, Metropolitan associations and clubs within Metropolitan LGAs will be able to participate in outdoor competition or regular training (18 Years and Under) or outdoor non-contact training (19 Years and Over) in addition to Regional associations (or clubs) being able to train indoors (non-contact) in the short term.

We will continue to advocate to Government and other stakeholders on behalf of the basketball community to ensure the quickest possible return of Victorian basketball across the state.

Please refer to the Victorian DHHS website as well as Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines for further information.

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 forJuly 13
  • For 18 years and over – resumption of competition both indoor and outdoor (forecast forJuly 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

Please see below a number of communication updates, in addition to events and documents to assist member associations plan on a return to sport.

Save the Date – Return to Sport Forum – June 4

Please RSVP to the next Basketball in Victoria – Return to Sport Update. We hope to have further clarity from SRV and stakeholders in regards to venue access and restrictions, and we can discuss the challenges, impacts and opportunities ahead of us as we plan a return to sport.

Community Sport Survival Grants – Information and Guidance

We have tabled some information here to assist Associations and Clubs apply for the Community Sport Survival Grants. We recommend that Club Grants in particular are submitted ASAP. The Association applications need to be accompanied by a supporting letter from Basketball Victoria, which we can arrange for you. Details in the document attached.

Update – Outdoor Training Guidelines

As you know, the Victorian Government made an announcement about further easing of restrictions effective June 1. The key changes relating to sport are:

  • Up to 20 people can participate in group sport and exercise activities but it must be outside and non-contact.
  • Up to 20 people can use public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks
  • Sport and exercise activities are only allowed if you can keep your distance (at least 1.5 metres apart) and they are not competitive
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools can be opened to a maximum of 20 patrons per separate enclosed space, subject to the four square metre rule calculated on the publicly accessible area excluding the pool and a limit of 3 persons per lane in each pool.

While there is a reference to 20 people participating in group sport and exercise, it is important to note that the activity must be non-contact, with only 10 people participating at any one time in addition to those people running the training (e.g. coach, manager).

For those wishing to participate outdoors, we would like to emphasise the purpose and considerations for participating in outdoor activity or training and suggest you refer to Basketball Victoria’s Outdoor Training Guidelines (updated) that have been developed in line with government restrictions and the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport.

Should you choose to participate outdoors, have fun, but please do so in a safe and respectful manner.

June 22 Restrictions

Basketball Victoria will provide further details on what is allowed under the restrictions from June 22, as well as a specific Indoor Guideline for this stage of the restrictions once we have received greater detail from the State Government. As per previous correspondence, we are seeking clarity on the following rule applying from June 22:

  • Indoor sports centres and venues can be opened with up to 20 people allowed per separate enclosed space, subject to the four square metre rule, with up to 10 people per group or activity

We will continue to update you as soon as we have information available.

Recommended Resources / Suppliers – COVID-19

We have had a number of requests from associations and clubs regarding the sourcing of or recommending suppliers for COVID-19/Hygiene related products or services. We have been able to work with some suppliers to negotiate discounted pricing. Please use the details on this form to access these suppliers or feel free to source your own supplies. In addition, we aim to provide some RTS signage templates that members can access via our website in the near future for you to print and use.

Webinars: Governance – Board Roles, Inductions and AGMs – June 2, 12pm

Join Trevor Newcombe and David Huxtable on June 2, as they assist associations navigate through governance challenges of board roles and inductions, as well as how to run an AGM. Please RSVP here. Information on future webinars such as Communications, Human Resources and Competitions will follow shortly.

We also have our recent webinars and resources including; Finance, Government Advocacy, Cyber-Security and PlayHQ housed here to review and share.

We will continue to update you as soon as information