Basketball Ireland’s campaign to get the sport back in action continued yesterday with the delivery of a letter from the Secretary-General of FIBA Europe, the international Governing Body to the Irish Government.

It backs up the 26-page ‘Return to Play’ proposal submitted by the National Governing Body this week in response to Minister Jack Chambers’ request for the submission of evidence and data to support a return.

It highlights that 43 out of the 47 European National Leagues are currently playing, with only Ireland, Albania, Azerbaijan and Scotland not active, though Glasgow Rocks are competing in the British Basketball League.

“Basketball Ireland is held in high regard by their European peers,” writes Kamil Novak in the letter.

“In recent years we have trusted them to host our General Assembly and three European Championships, including one scheduled for Limerick in July 2021.”

Professional and Competent

“They are professional and competent and can be absolutely trusted to adhere to all guidelines and stipulations for health and safety.”

“We sincerely urge you to trust them with a safe and phased re-opening of basketball in Ireland as laid out in this document”, he added.

Basketball Ireland is seeking a return to training for its elite level teams – National League and international – by February 1st. National League teams would resume competitive fixtures from March 1st, with international sides doing so on St. Patrick’s Day.

Basketball Ireland is committed to rigorous Covid-19 testing. Prior to the commencement of action by National League clubs, there will be testing of all players and officials, financed by Basketball Ireland, with additional testing as required. International players will also undergo testing 48 hours prior to training sessions.

Regional Competition

Meanwhile, colleges are targeting a March return to competition. Schools are seeking to return to training on February 1st, however, only regional school leagues or local level schools competitions would take place. Non-elite club basketball would also return to training on February 1st, with only local level club competition taking place from March 17th. No National Cup or AICC’s would be scheduled for 2021.

“This is a comprehensive document that we’ve been working extremely hard on,” said Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O’Byrne.

“We hope that the Government sees that the extensive measures that we plan to roll out will ensure the safe return of our sport. We are somewhat of an outlier in Europe when it comes to our National League, with it not being underway.”

“I hope that the Government recognises this and reconsiders its approach to elite-level basketball. I’d also like to thank FIBA for the backing it has given to Basketball Ireland.”

 

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