Basketball Victoria this morning clarified some of the restrictions and it appears that for the next 2 weeks we will be heavily restricted in terms of spectators as well as a heavy focus on checking in and mask-wearing.

Our primary focus (as I’m sure is everybodys’) is getting kids back on the court. To do this means that there is extra work to be done and some sacrifices we all need to make. As much as we would like it to be, there is not an immediate return to normal.

We ask for your support with this and need your assistance in communicating the below to your members. Please remember that we are simply following government restrictions and guidelines, these requirements and changes are not determined by us and we do not have the ability to make changes or grant exemptions to any of the below.

Basketball Victoria made it very clear that we have been given this opportunity by the Victorian Health Department to make a quick return due to the diligence of junior sports clubs in the past 6 months. Venue inspections are to be expected and any failure to adhere to rules will mean that all community sport is put in jeopardy in future. Broadmeadows Basketball will be doing everything possible to support this and therefore the below will be strictly enforced for games Saturday 31st July & 7th August at all venues.

Please also be aware that capacity limits and ‘usable space’ are different for every court across Victoria. So rules will vary from Association to Association and competition to competition.

Spectator Limits
There are strict capacity limits for venues and ‘indoor spaces’. Some courts have more seating space than others, but in order to utilise all venues, the below limits apply across the board for all venues and junior domestic competitions.

10 players maximum per team
1 coach per team
1 manager per team
1 scorer per team
1 ‘child safety representative’*
NO spectators

*Each team is required to appoint a ‘child safety representative’. This person will be permitted to enter the venue and responsible for escorting players in and out of the venue and supervising during the game. This should be a parent who is not performing a coaching, managing or scoring role. Anyone performing any of these roles will not be able to bring in any dependents with them.

We understand as in the past that some families will be in a situation where they have one parent looking after multiple children. As mentioned above, we have no ability to make compassionate exemptions to the rules set by the Victorian Health Department and the state governing body. For anyone in this situation, we can only recommend the parent take the child to the door and have them enter with a coach, manager or another parent in the team they trust and pick them up outside after the game. Or with enough notice, they may be able to make other arrangements. We unfortunately do not have any capacity to accommodate this.

Changeover
Due to capacity limits, we need to vacate the venue after each game, before the next group can enter. To accommodate this we need to reduce games to 17-minute halves. This will allow us around 10 minutes changeover between games. Please ensure you leave your venue immediately after your game concludes.

Check-In
It has been stressed to Associations that the check-in component is the most crucial part of our CovidSafe Plan. ALL persons entering the venue MUST check-in using the QR Codes. Children can be added to the parent’s check-in but need to be listed.

Masks
Masks are compulsory for all patrons over the age of 12 unless a medical exemption* permits.
Players over the age of 12 must have a mask on entry and exit to the venue. Masks can be removed during the game only, not once they get inside the door.
Coaches must wear masks. They can be removed during the game as required to communicate but we recommend they are worn as much as practical.
Spectators, managers and scorers must wear a mask AT ALL TIMES. These cannot be removed once inside the venue.
No mask, no entry.*

*The wearing of a facemask is now a condition of entry for all venues. An exemption to enter without one will require the person to provide proof of medical exemption.

Please ensure this is communicated to all within your clubs so we can avoid any unnecessary disappointment or confrontation with staff on the day. People will be refused entry if they are not adhering to the above rules."

To summarize, that means
- 4 adults per team max, no siblings allowed.
- You will not be allowed entry without a mask. You must continue to wear that mask while inside.
- You must check in with the QR code provided, you must also check-in your child.
- 17-minute halves. Do not enter the stadium until the previous time slot has left. Leave the stadium once your game is completed.
- Not being aware of these rules is not an excuse to ignore them.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me.

Kind regards,
SUBC Admin