WBA welcomes Sunday's announcement from the Victorian Government regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.  Furthermore, we appreciate yesterday’s clarification from our governing body Basketball Victoria who have clearly outlined the 'Return to Sport Guidelines' details on their website; https://basketballvictoria.com.au/covid-19/

The positive news is that both senior and junior participants can return indoors for contact training and competition.  However, WBA will not resume regular weekly competition until January 2021.

This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand a number of neighbouring associations are kicking off a shortened summer season this weekend.  WBA has been working closely with all ten local junior clubs over the past few months modelling potential seasons, and all clubs were not in favour of playing over the summer holidays or rushing back to the court without sufficient time for registrations and training.  We recommend families read the recent article from Basketball Victoria; Returning to training – the dos and don’ts.  This article highlights the importance of coaches leading safe and considered sessions to minimise the amount of injuries our athletes are in danger of sustaining after being locked down and ‘de-training’ for most of the year.

Waverley Stadium will be available to hire for junior clubs and senior teams, as well as casual group bookings and hire for specific events.  WBA also hope to include more summer programs such as training and holiday clinics to help athletes practice before returning in term 1.  Please click here for additional court hire information, and we will continue to work with clubs who wish to run their own trainings and registration/welcome days or beginner clinics in the coming weeks.  Please note WBA will not be allowing casual shooting for individuals until further notice; only pre-booked groups allowed. 

The calendar of important events are listed below:

WBA management and staff will be in attendance this week to continue maintenance and cleaning programs to prepare the venue for a grand opening this Sunday, November 29 for the Rep Ready Skills Sessions.

Concerns surrounding the capacity limits, spaces and venue use have been addressed by Basketball Victoria.  However, limits may change before competition resumes in January, and for summer programs and bookings there is sufficient room to welcome you back with a maximum of 40 people per court (not including coaches, officials, scorers and WBA staff).

A detailed presentation will be published later this week with online resources and documents pertaining to the ’21 junior season.  The senior information will be published next week and WBA will reach out to all previous senior teams on email with the new Autumn 2021 playing dates (January to June).  WBA will also offer the senior teams an opportunity to practice during the evening between the 10^th and 14^th January prior to the starting date of January 17^th.

Finally, don’t forget to register for the Falcon tryouts which are open and online now!  Additional resources will be available soon, and the official PlayHQ Falcon Registrations will open at the conclusion of tryouts.

We thank you again for your patience and understanding, and we look forward to seeing you on the court!