THE Shoalhaven Mariners will have to wait in the dugout for more than a month, after Baseball NSW's recent decision to postpone all diamond related activities, due to the coronavirus pandemic, until at least Thursday, April 30.
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As such, all winter league competitions, like the Illawarra Baseball League which the Shoalhaven Mariners play in, won't commence until at least Saturday, May 2.
This decision, in relation to the health and safety of our baseball community, has been given careful consideration by Baseball NSW management and the Baseball NSW board of directors.
Advice has also been taken from the federal and state health authorities as well as the World Health Organisation, all who have been advocating extreme caution and diligence.
"From within the sporting community we have taken on consultation from the federal and state government, Sport Australia, Baseball Australia as well as our state and territory baseball counterparts," a Baseball NSW representative said.
"As a result, we will also be postponing our non-essential static gatherings as a precautionary action to assist in stopping the spread of this virus to the most vulnerable members of our communities.
"Baseball NSW are advising that we will cease all training, organization activities, team meetings, events, tournaments and competitions during this period."
Baseball NSW would, therefore, require that all our member clubs and associations do the same. In addition to our regular baseball, this will affect the postponement of 2020 events such as; Australian Women's Championships, Performance Pathway Program, Super Series, Junior and Intermediate League State Championships, Little League State Championships, Senior League State Championships, State League finals, Women's League finals and all winter league competitions.
"This is a quickly evolving situation that changes every day, and that means a decision made today may be updated tomorrow," a Baseball NSW representative said.
"By clearly postponing events in our immediate future, we have the opportunity to make strong plans for the future that will ensure we can recommence baseball activities as soon as it is appropriate to do so.
"All of these championship arrangements are fluid and further decisions will be made on the reschedule of state events based on the timelines provided by Baseball Australia regarding their national championships.
"Baseball Australia's timelines for review of its national events are contained in their full statement.
"Baseball Australia is in an ongoing dialogue with Little League International with respect to eligibility, and the rules for timelines around participation in events, which all parties have conceded will need to be flexible as event timing continues to shift.
"Currently the 2020 winter season with our various associations is now scheduled to commence in early May.
"Consultation with the winter associations will be ongoing regarding the start of their seasons.
"We expect that training for the winter season will be affected by this hiatus, and as soon as it practical we will confirm the start time for the season, all training can recommence."
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