The Irish government last night issued new public guidelines on the battle against covid-19. Spectators will not be allowed at sporting events until 13 September at the earliest.
There has been widespread consternation at the announcement from the members of the GAA and football community. Last night, the GAA issued a statement asking for a meeting with the government to empirical evidence that crowds of 200 max at club GAA games spreads covid-19.
This afternoon, Basketball Ireland has issued its own statement on the issue. It says yesterday's statement is 'confusing' and it is awaiting clarification in regards to indoor training.
Basketball Ireland is in contact with Sport Ireland over the Government’s guidelines issued on Tuesday.
Basketball Ireland believes that the latest Government statement on Covid-19 restrictions is confusing when viewed from a sports perspective and we hope to get clarification in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The current government text makes no specific mention of indoor training, merely “limits of 6 apply to exercise and dance classes” and Basketball Ireland is awaiting clarification. Once this has been provided we will also be seeking out what exceptions, if any, will be made for elite level basketball at international and National League level.
We await for clear guidance to be given to Sport Ireland and subsequently passed on to National Governing Bodies. We shall then immediately inform our clubs as to the updated protocols. Clubs should avoid organising training sessions of more than 6 people until this clarification is received.
The 2020-21 SuperLeague season is set to begin on the weekend of October 17.
