ON a day when their 2020 Waratah League campaigns were due to tip-off, the seasons of all three Shoalhaven Tigers teams have been put on hold.
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Before their matches on Saturday, Basketball NSW released a statement regarding all their on-court competitions.
"Basketball NSW has made the decision to suspend all Basketball NSW managed programs, events and fixtures until further notice."
Related content: 'It speaks volumes to what the Tiger family is about': Morris
This announcement follows Basketball Australia's statement, on Friday, in regards to its coronavirus precautionary measures.
Dear Australian basketball community,
Based on the press conference and communication by the Prime Minister and Premiers this afternoon [Friday], the Government is taking a "step change" approach to the situation based on expert medical advice and as of Monday, March 16, there will be restrictions regarding gatherings of 500 people or more and non-essential overseas travel.
Despite the Government recommendation not being actionable until Monday, based on discussion with our chief medical officer, the Board of Basketball Australia wishes to take a more proactive approach in protecting the health and wellbeing of the players and the families of our basketball community.
As such, Basketball Australia strongly recommends competitions around Australia do not proceed as of 7am Saturday, March 14, and that this position is maintained until further notice.
Related content: Rejuvenated Allan aims to take Tigers to the top
If you decide that your competition should proceed then Basketball Australia recommends that the following restrictions should apply:
- Only support personnel and parents should attend any games
- Anyone who is experiencing symptoms or believe they may have been in contact with someone with the coronavirus should not attend
- People over the age of 50 should reconsider attending games
- Visible signage should be displayed before entry and throughout the venue notifying patrons of potential risks
- All venues should have hand sanitiser and/or wipes upon entrance and exit readily available and accessible for patrons adequate to meet the demand of the crowd
- These non-essential events should have no more than 500 people in attendance.
Basketball Australia has formed a steering group which includes medical experts to oversee the rapidly changing environment.
This group will engage with all stakeholders to ensure appropriate engagement across the whole of sport.
Related content: Ozolins' Tigers out to ground Hawks in season opener
Please note the 2020 Australian under 18 championships is also under review.
The virus and potential implications are changing constantly, will be monitored and acted upon accordingly, and we will keep you updated as new information comes to hand.
All three Tigers teams were slated to play Illawarra at the Snakepit on Saturday.
Next weekend, Ian Ozolins' men's side were to face Bankstown on the road, with Ben Morris' youth league team were supposed to travel to Macarthur - with Kerrianne Allan's women having the bye.
Then on Saturday, March 28, all three Tigers teams were to play their home openers at the new Shoalhaven Indoor Sports Centre.
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
