Basketball return set

The Warragul and District Amateur Basketball association are planning to see play return to the courts on July 20 after the recent announcements from the state government permitting community sport to restart.

On June 14, premier Daniel Andrews made a series of announcements that paved the way for basketball to return across the facilities at the Warragul Leisure Centre, Bellbird Park, Neerim South and Bunyip.

WDABA Operations Coordinator, Kristy Leslie said the news was exciting and can’t wait to see the players back on the court.

“Our clubs and participants are already planning when we can restart competitions. We have been working closely with the Baw Baw Shire and the YMCA to be ready for this announcement,” she said.

General Manager of Basketball Victoria David Huxtable said that there are still a few things to work through and measures to put in place to provide a safe return to the court, but

WDABA have already begun that process.

“Hygiene protocols are being put in place, we are currently training people to be ‘Bio Safety Officers’ on competition nights, we will be keeping a register of attendees as required and we are working with facility management,” he said.

“WDABA has developed a venue safety plan and together with Basketball Victoria’s Return to Sport Guidelines are progressing to having domestic basketball back up and running in Term 3,” he added.

Basketball Victoria has encouraged associations to make sure all COVID-19 plans are in place before resuming junior competitions.

Over 2000 participants regularly compete in the Warragul Basketball Domestic competition each year, the largest team participation sport in the municipality.

The Association has 7 Junior Clubs from Warragul and the sounding area who provide a healthy and positive activity for the local communities.