The Horsham Amateur Basketball Association made the "unfortunate decision" on Tuesday night, citing a lack of players and the need to focus on domestic competitions as the primary reasons.

Association president Jon Fitzgerald said it was not an easy decision.

"It was mainly made around the uncertainty with player availability," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"And given the year we've had, our priority is about getting juniors and squad basketball back up and running, and then building our way up from there.

"It's a regretful decision, but one we unfortunately had to make."

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Mr Fitzgerald said seven men's teams and just four women's teams had entered the CBL South West competitions.

The seasons were scheduled to begin in January, with the women's teams to play four games before finals, and the men to play six, then finals.

"It was just sort of an awkward time for us," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"There's a few logistic issues too - we weren't sure if we were allowed to have crowds in for it, or what the situation might be.

"It's a bit of a historic decision, but it's been a historic year. We know some people might be disappointed, but with everything we've gone though, I hope there's a lot of understanding as well.

"It's definitely not ideal, but in a lot of ways, it really gives us a chance to come back bigger, stronger, and better prepared for the next CBL season."

Mr Fitzgerald said the association was hoping to get junior and senior basketball competitions back to the Horsham Basketball Stadium in term one next year.

He hoped COVID-restrictions would allow a strong return to basketball.

"We're going to ramp up the seniors, and hopefully do a bit of tournament with the juniors," he said.

"We've had junior domestic training running for four weeks, so we've been building things up again as we're allowed to, and we're hoping for smooth sailing from here.

"Over the last few weeks, it's been so good to have kids down in the Basketball Stadium again, and to have things somewhat back to normal."

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