Dear Members,
I write this letter to you all to provide an update on the COVID-19 situation and how the Busselton Amateur Basketball Association is planning to play out the remainder of the 2021/2022 Season.
On Wednesday the 9th February, the BABA Committee met to discuss the situation regarding the current COVID-19 protocols and how they may affect our competition should a member or members test positive, our venues become exposure sites and if a number of members are forced to isolate due to becoming a close contact in the community.
As President my number one priority is the health and safety of our members and the greater Busselton community in general. Basketball must always come second to the health and safety of everyone involved directly and indirectly to our game.
The BABA committee discussed at length the viability of a competition should we be unable to play with spectators, or if teams are unable to fulfil their fixtures due to isolation requirements as well as the logistics surrounding if a referee or court coordinator were to test positive to COVID-19. We also took into consideration the fact that some of our clubs’ work within the school system and are bound by the rules set out by the education department or private school sector. We sought feedback and advice from BWA regarding protocols and how best to finish the season in the safest possible way, and we also consulted with and received feedback from our 7 club committees. We would all love to see the season finish with a final’s series and grand final games with spectators, as long it is safe to do so.
So, taking into consideration the advice and feedback BABA have received, today I can announce the following:
1. The 2021/2022 season will continue as normal while continuing to follow all health advice. (15 round season and 2 weeks of finals)
2. If the COVID-19 situation changes by the conclusion of Round 13, and the BABA Committee feel it is in the best interest of all participants to finish the season ASAP, the following will occur.
a) The regular season games will conclude after the round 13 fixture (Round 12 for u12 girls and u10s) and the season will move to the finals format of 1v4 and 2v3 with the winners going into a Grand Final to be played during the 2nd week of finals.
b) If at any time government regulations change where it results in indoor community sports are to cease, then the season will be stopped and the team on top of the ladder will be deemed champions.
c) If we get to a finals series and the season is forced to be stopped, then the team who won the 1v2 game (regular season continuing option) or the highest ranked winning team in the event of the 1v4 and 2v3 format will be deemed champions.
For the time being, we ask everyone to continue to follow the current COVID-19 guidelines below:
• Continue to “check in” via SafeWA or ServiceWA apps or manual register at both venues.
• Continue to wear your mask in all indoor settings unless physically playing on court.
• Arrive as close to the start time of your game and leave as soon as possible after, to keep numbers inside the stadiums to a minimum.
• Continue to practice social distancing when in and around the courts.
• And please stay at home and get tested if you are sick or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
I want to thank the entire Busselton Community for their support during this incredibly challenging time. Your support goes a long way to continue the season in the safest possible way. Any Questions on this please contact your clubs as the first point of contact.
Kind Regards
Joshua Daniels
President
Busselton Amateur Basketball Association
