COVID protocols to be set down for players and staff

PLAYERS in the WNBL will have to abide by additional COVID-19 protocols, with the league yet to set them out in detail.

All eight clubs will enter a ‘hub’ format to complete the truncated season in North Queensland. While teams from ‘COVID hot spots’ are required to quarantine in Brisbane for two weeks, the league has confirmed there will still be more restrictions on players.

It is understood four teams will be based in Townsville but they will rotate between cities based on the season schedule, which is being drafted.

The league is hopeful of releasing the schedule by the end of the month.

“There will be fixed accommodation in each city where the teams will stay,” a Basketball Australia spokeswoman said.

“During the duration of the hub, teams and league officials/staff will not only abide by the Queensland government’s regulations but additional COVID-19 protocols as set by the league and approved by health authorities.

“Teams will have priority access to pools and gyms but in a controlled manner and in line with the league’s COVID-19 protocols.”

The WNBL will release ticketing details later this month and are hopeful of having venues at half capacity based on the Queensland government’s venue capacity rules.

The WNBL also confirmed yesterday that squad sizes would be increased for the 2020 season, with two development players added to each roster.

This is to combat issues of player fatigue and allow squads to better use their depth in squad rotations and manage player loads. BA head of women in basketball Lauren Jackson expressed appreciation to the WNBL Commission, club general managers and the players for their approach to the season.

“It is a credit to all stakeholders for the collaborative way in which everyone approached the situation that will see the 2020 season proceed during an incredibly important period for the league and Australian women’s basketball,” she said.