OBA Postpones Competitive Basketball In Ontario Until 2021

There will be no youth basketball in Ontario until January, 2021 after the Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) announced the postponement of competitive basketball in the Province.

“A decision of this magnitude was not made lightly,” the OBA statement read. “The health and safety of our members are of utmost importance and a competitive start date prior to January 2021 appears to pose too many risks in relation to the contraction and spread of COVID-19.”

This represents a two-month delay to the start of the season, and will directly impact basketball players participating with the Chatham-Kent Wildcats and Wallaceburg Airhawks.

Tryouts would typically be approaching, but the OBA stated they understand that facilities may not be available in some communities. Teams are permitted to train or host tryouts if desired following current restrictions, as long as all activity is non-contact.

“The health and safety of our members and basketball community is of the utmost importance, and at this time it appears that starting the competitive schedule for OBA earlier than January 2021 could result in an increased risk for the spread and contraction of COVID-19.”

There is hope that if conditions drastically improve, that the OBA could change course.

“There remains great uncertainty with government regulations and public health requirements going forward, and, if it is deemed safe to begin a competitive schedule prior to January 2021 the OBA will be prepared to run some modified competitions at that time in collaboration with member clubs.”