While the Nepean Blue Devils 2019-2020 season came to an abrupt end, we are pleased to say that basketball can in principle resume for the 2020-21 season, at least in phases. The biggest question, at this time, is when we can re-gain access to schools and when we might then be able to have more players allowed on the court. But there has been progress.

On June 24, Ontario Basketball (OBA) announced Return to Play guidelines for Phase 2 of a multi-phased approach to safely resuming basketball activities.

All OBA-registered players may now practice or train at indoor facilities, if available, with modified health and safety measures in place, notably including

  • Players will need a completed OBA Assumption of Risk Waiver form, ensuring they have insurance for basketball activity (but not Covid-19).
  • On arriving at a gym, players will be asked to give a Daily Attestation of Health, declaring that they have no symptoms.
  • Training can take place with a maximum of 5 participants on a court, including coaches, each player using their own basket and basketball and staying 2 metres distant from anyone not in their household.
  • No spectators permitted, including parents.
  • A 15-minute gap between practices / sessions to sanitize surfaces and equipment.

We encourage you to read the press release and guidelines. The OBA will continue to update the guidelines as restrictions are lifted. Until then, the Nepean Blue Devils will follow the Phase 2 guidelines in getting back on the courts. We will continue to communicate with you throughout this process.

The NBBA is planning on opening registration for the 2020/21 season tentatively by the beginning of August. We are planning for different scenarios. An email will be sent out in the next few weeks with more information.

Stay safe and take care.