Baseball WA COVID-19 Update 6 May 2020

Baseball WA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation while working with State and Federal Governments, Baseball Australia and our state and territory counterparts to develop the safest strategy for getting back to baseball activity.

​As the landscape continues to evolve across the states and territories, Baseball WA is working toward a return to activity based on the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities. These principles will set the precedent for the eventual return to community sports, and in order to safely return to activity, we must follow these principles along with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment. Currently in a draft framework, these principles will be approved in part or full by the Federal Government and then enacted by the States and Territories with additional requirements.

Baseball WA will continue to consult Baseball Australia and the health guidelines of the state and federal authorities with regards to the postponed State Championships. Whilst we understand that many government restrictions are easing as the result of WA’s efforts to flatten the curve, we cannot rush back to baseball too quickly.
 
“Everything is looking really positive for WA as our state continues to achieve goals and targets, but we need to ensure that we allow adequate time to return to competitions to protect the health and safety of our players,” Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale said. “We understand that many members of our community would like to know about our plans for these postponed tournaments, however, we appreciate everyone’s patience as there is at minimum a six-week period required in the leadup to returning to active games including competitions and tournaments.”
 
Baseball WA will meet with charter committees to discuss the possibilities for the State Championships. There are many factors that may impact our ability to hold these tournaments in this ever-changing landscape. Tournament logistics must be discussed, including venues, format and number of teams. Due to the rapid changes in this unique environment, our plans for April’s tournaments would need to be reconfigured for any potential upcoming events. Baseball WA and charter committees will provide updates accordingly.  
 
As a reminder, any groups wishing to conduct training sessions must follow guidelines and restrictions advised by the WA State Government and relevant authorities. Currently, outdoor sessions are restricted to ten people or less while maintaining social distancing requirements. All training participants should have their own equipment and the sharing of personal equipment should not occur. For more information, please click HERE for WA's Community Sport and Active Recreation COVID-19 Factsheet.
 
Please note that the following levels for community sports as outlined by the AIS: 

Level A: Running/aerobic training (solo), resistance training (solo), skills training (solo).

Level B: Full training with small numbers (not more than ten athletes/staff in total).

Level C: Full training and competition.
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WA is currently at level B for baseball. However please note that anyone training needs to check with local councils to ensure fields are open. All members need to use hand sanitiser and proper hygiene measures while staying in groups of 10 people or less.
 
Baseball WA will assess the situation and announcements scheduled for the end of the week by Federal and State Government and further updates will be provided on the Baseball WA website and will also be communicated by the Baseball WA social media channels.
 
The COVIDSafe app is now available and will allow authorities to quickly track and control the spread of COVID-19. Please consider downloading the app to help save lives, protect the community and get baseball back as soon as possible. Click HERE to learn more.
 
For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the WA Department of Health website HERE.