news

Dear Basketball WA Community,

Firstly we would like to take a moment to acknowledge everyone impacted by the bushfires. Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost homes or sustained significant damage. Our gratitude is extended to all the emergency service personnel who have worked tirelessly to keep many residents safe.

With regards to upcoming competition, Basketball WA has made the difficult decision to cancel Weekend 3 (13 & 14 February) of the BWA Country Championships. Due to the restrictions on numbers allowed in community venues announced last night, and the restrictions on travel around the State, we have had to cancel the fixtures for week 3. 

At this stage, Week 4 & 5 are still scheduled to go ahead as planned. 

We hope that we will be able to schedule some competition opportunities for the age groups affected from Week 2 and 3 later on in the year. We will liaise with Associations to determine the best way to do this.

Thank you to all associations, clubs, players, families and the broader basketball community for your understanding. We again share in the disappointment that another weekend showcasing our Country teams has to be cancelled.

——

Overall, it has been a challenging week for our Perth, Peel and South-West communities but we are pleased to hear from the Premier that if there are no new local cases today, the lockdown will end at 6 pm this evening.

The Government and health authorities have advised of some restrictions that will need to remain until it can be sure that our community is COVID-free.

The South West will immediately return to pre-lockdown conditions at 6 pm today (Friday 5 February).

A post-lockdown transition period will be in place for the Perth and Peel regions until 12.01 am Sunday, 14 February – allowing for the full 14-day incubation period to run its course.

As outlined by the Premier and in line with public health advice,

– Everyone must continue to wear a mask in public and while at work, unless exempt or for vigorous outdoor exercise (12 years and older)

– Community sport can start, and involve up to 150 people, including players, officials and spectators.

– 4 square metre capacity rule in place for most venues (for example a venue that is 100 square metres can only have 25 patrons inside)

– Currently, the onus is on businesses to ensure a contact register is available for patrons. But from 6 pm this evening, the responsibility will be shared – individuals will now also face penalties if they fail to scan in using either SafeWA or the contact register available. As always, authorities will apply a common-sense approach.

Basketball WA will be working with our Associations today to determine the requirements for a safe return to competition for the week so that basketball continues contributing to positive community health outcomes.

Basketball in the Southwest, Mid-West, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Great Southern, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Kimberley can continue as usual.

WA COVID Updates: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Basketball WA Updates: https://basketballwa.asn.au/covid-19-return-to-sport-guidelines-information/

#bwacountrychamps #bwa #countrychamps #covid19sport