THE Horsham Amateur Basketball Association is in a position of "wait and see", after the Stawell Wildcats pulled out of the upcoming Country Basketball League season this week.
The Wildcats' committee cited the uncertainty around sport for its decision, and said it would instead focus on junior pathways across the summer.
Horsham Basketball Association president Jon Fitzgerald said it was a shame to hear of fellow associations struggling to navigate the current situation.
"We're really lucky with so many volunteers, but it can be hard when it falls on the shoulders of a few people," he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said it was difficult to plan for a CBL season with so many unknowns.
Basketball Victoria is currently in code red, meaning there is no organised basketball being played across the state.
"The CBL hasn't made a call yet on what they're doing for next season, but I would assume they're making that call in the next few weeks," he said.
"There have been some serious outbreaks in Colac, and also teams from Mount Gambier and Millicent would not be allowed to from South Australian right now.
"There's a lot of things to work through for them and I'm not envious of the decisions Basketball Vic have to make. It's going to have to be just wait and see. It's a real shame that some teams can't put a side in, but there's a chance it could be a very modified competition."
Mr Fitzgerald said he was hopeful Victorian premier Dan Andrews' announcement on Sunday could provide more clarity for future planning.
"We've started doing a few things behind the scenes, but until we get to the end of the current restrictions, our hands are tied," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"The stadium is pretty much shut at this point. We were hoping to have the junior comp running by now, so that's a shame. We had really good numbers registered.
"We had some momentum building but unfortunately at this point it's just waiting it out."
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It is a particular shame for Mr Fitzgerald, who was looking forward to his first year at the helm of the association.
"We had so many new members on the board, we are all chomping at the bit to get out there and do things," he said.
"We just want to get domestic basketball happening as a first goal, and see where it goes from there.
"We're hoping everything will get back to normal, people will be able to go to state champs next year, and we can keep building on those pathways."
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Richard Crabtree
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
