Friday 10th July 2020
BASKETBALL TAKES A STEP CLOSER TO FULL-COURT RETURN
Following an unprecedented disruption to normal LSB basketball provision due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown that shut down all basketball activities across the country, the LSB have been advised by Basketball England (the national governing body for all of basketball across England) that they are hopeful a return to indoor courts and coaching may soon be on the way.
Basketball England have been in ongoing discussions with the Government around their 'Return To Play' guidance strategy for the sport, which aims to equip all coaches, clubs and basketball providers across the country with the necessary information and tools that may enable coaching sessions (and eventually competitions) to safely restart in sports halls across the country.
On Thursday, Oliver Dowden (the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) gave a briefing that hinted at bringing basketball back in the weeks ahead as part of a wider directive of new measures for a return to play for all grassroots sports. Mr Dowden announced indoor gyms and sports facilities will be able to reopen from 25th July, with cricket being given the green light to return to be followed 'soon' by other sports, including basketball.
While the news is encouraging for a sport full of coaches and players eager to get back onto court to shoot hoops, these announcements do not mean indoor basketball has been sanctioned for a safe return yet by the Government. The return of indoor basketball is subject to Government approval of the updated Return To Play guidance strategy submitted by Basketball England, which has yet to be finalised.
The next step for basketball will be to secure a return to play date, once the Government has approved Basketball England's updated RTP strategy and guidance notes. Once approval has been secured, the LSB will work closely with Basketball England in implementing the governing bodies guidance and best practise across all LSB provision, starting with our planned summer camps (providing basketball has been authorised to safely return in time for August camps).
As of time of writing, we are unable to confirm August camps will definitely go ahead, however we are hopeful we will be in a position to do so in the weeks ahead if the Government approve Basketball England's plans and it is deemed safe for all to play again. Until then, you can join the LSB Summer Camp waiting list, so you can pre-book your place on one of the camps, should we be allowed to safely go ahead with them all this August.
For more information on LSB Camps in general, please visit: LSB CAMPS
For more information on the Corona Virus and recommended courses of action please visit: NHS COVID 19 ADVICE & GUIDANCE
