Return to Sport Update – 18 November

The following is a Return to Sport Update regarding Phase D of Victoria’s Roadmap to Re-Opening and community sport as well as vaccination requirements for Basketball Victoria operated leagues, events and activities.

With Victoria soon to reach 90 per cent double dose (12 plus) vaccination rate, today the Victorian Government announced a further easing of restrictions for Phase D of the Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan.

In line with the easing of these restrictions, Basketball Victoria confirms that as of 11.59pm November 18, 2021 that community basketball related activities can continue under the following COVIDsafe settings:

RETURN TO SPORT REACTIVATION LEVEL
as at 11.59pm Thursday November 18

VICTORIA – STATE-WIDE | GREEN COVID Safe

Vaccination Requirements – Basketball Victoria Operated Leagues, Events and Activities 

As of November 26 – in an effort to create operational consistency for Basketball Victoria operated leagues (VJBL and CBL, plus training or try-outs for NBL1 and Big V), events, tournaments, programs, camps or clinics across all venues and to encourage a safe environment, Basketball Victoria has made the decision to require all individuals aged 16 plus to be fully vaccinated (unless medically exempt) to participate. This includes players, coaches, technical officials, spectators, volunteers or staff attending a venue for these events.

This policy has been introduced following an audit of VJBL and CBL venues that showed more than 65 per cent of venues were unable to offer the Community Sport Exemption due to the layout, operation or usage of their venues.

Each venue where a Basketball Victoria operated activity is held is required to have a COVID Check-In Marshal to assist with venue entry. Every patron (16 plus) will be required to check in via the venue QR Code and their smart-phone and will need to show their green tick via the Services Victoria App.

We understand there can be challenges with checking any patron’s vaccination status, and we ask the community to be patient and considerate when entering any venues holding Basketball Victorian operated activities.

This policy was the basis of our brief ‘Return to Sport’ Association webinar held today – which the recording can be viewed here.

We thank the basketball community for their understanding as we implement this adjustment to our leagues and events.

Vaccination Requirements – Community Sport – Domestic Basketball 

As per the Victorian Government’s Directions there is a vaccination exemption for community sport, provided the space, including entrances, exits and amenities are being operated only for the purpose of conducting a community sport activity.

Venues may permit spectators and participants, including players, coaches and volunteers, of community sport can access both indoor and outdoor spaces within a physical recreation facility without showing vaccination status. 

However, where community sport is being conducted in a facility that is unable to provide exclusive use of a space, the venue will require all patrons to provide proof of vaccination or exemption.

Venue staff (including volunteers) must be fully vaccinated if their job extends beyond community sport.