The NBBA appreciates everyone’s patience as we await further developments during these uncertain times, and wants to provide a quick update on prospects for a 2020-21 basketball season. A couple of key issues are when we can re-gain access to school gyms, and what basketball will look like when we do.

As previously communicated, the OCDSB and OCSB cancelled gym permits until the end of December, and will advise in December about the status of permits for January. At this point, however, we are not optimistic that school gyms will re-open for January, but would still be prepared to start basketball programs as of February, since our permits go through May. If school gyms are not available by February, we would start taking cues from the OBA, EOBA and our members about whether and when to cancel the competitive and/or development and recreational programs.

The OBA continues to be in Phase 3 of its return to play guidelines, under which teams can have non-contact indoor practices. Passing to teammates is permitted but not drills that would likely result in physical contact, including defence.

OBA Phase 3 flows from provincial rules for areas in Stage 3, in which indoor sports may be practiced or played only if they do not allow for (or have been modified to avoid) physical contact between players. Stage 3 covers the Green-Yellow-Orange zones of the new colour-coded framework, so basketball scrimmages and games are currently not permitted regardless of the zone colour (Ottawa is currently in the Orange zone).