Following the surge of COVID cases across Sydney in the past 24 hours and government advice to limit non-essential movement and remain on high alert, Softball NSW has had to regrettably cancel the 2020 Under 18 State Championships which was scheduled to commence this evening at Blacktown International Sportspark.

The government advice identifies the Northern Beaches Local Government Area in particular, and further to this, acknowledges that there are currently cases of COVID that have been acquired from within that LGA, yet reside in other areas of Greater Sydney.

Under the current government guidance, this precludes at least one Association from participating in the State Championships and also a number of other individual athletes and officials from other Associations that either reside or have been located in the Northern Beaches LGA from the government advised timeline of December 11 through to today.

The decision for the cancellation was one that considered all of the variables and risks in delivering an event in the current COVID environment which would involve large gatherings of our community. This event was scheduled to join together various communities from around NSW and the ACT and that would potentially create further COVID related issues.

It has been determined that the overall risk was too high for SNSW to deliver an event with the looming threats of further COVID outbreaks potentially occurring. As always, the health and safety or our members and community remain paramount.

Understandably, this is a significant blow for the community and most importantly our athletes that were scheduled to participate this weekend. This is now the third cancellation of this event due to COVID. We know that this is another lost opportunity for these athletes having dealt with so many challenges throughout a year that should have been so special, and our thoughts are with them at this time.

SNSW can advise that this event will not be rescheduled.

Selection Implications

The Under 18 State Championships were scheduled to be the cornerstone to pathway selection for these athletes. With this cancellation announcement, it adds another challenge for our athletes, selectors, and organisation.

With the current uncertainty the decision has been made that the scheduled camp dates of January 9-10 will be rescheduled.

Further detail on the dates and selection process will be advised on Tuesday December 22nd.

Have Questions?

If you have any questions in relation to the above announcements, please contact Softball NSW CEO Daniel Rushworth via ceo@softballnsw.org.au    

Download Memo: 2020 Under 18 State Championships Cancelled