YSBA Cancels the Competitive Season, Training & Development is Possible
The York Simcoe Baseball Association (YSBA) remains committed to the safety of the baseball community. Based on the current status of reopening the Province, the YSBA Board at its meeting on June 18, 2020, voted to cancel the Rep, Elite and Select season for all our Local Member Associations effective immediately. This decision will be in effect up to and including Monday September 7th.
As such, this cancellation covers all YSBA sanctioned games, Provincial Qualifiers/Affiliates Playoffs, YSBA teams playing in outside loops (e.g. Junior and Senior Rep and Select), and all Tournaments scheduled within the YSBA. This decision was difficult, and was only taken after much deliberation, and following consultation and input from our member clubs.
Practice or training is a more controlled environment than the game environment. Practice can also accommodate fewer numbers of participants than games. Accordingly, a Return to Practice is permitted. Local Member Associations must however ensure adherence to Provincial and Municipal legislation and restrictions as it relates to the stages of reopening (1 or 2), gathering sizes and park and permit availability and usage.
Local Associations and their respective teams insured through Baseball Ontario must also use the Baseball Ontario “Return to Baseball” COVID-19 Guidelines and follow that framework to establish minimum standards and protocols within their own jurisdiction.
YSBA Member Organizations are strongly recommended to develop their own specific written policies and operating protocols and have them approved by their own board of directors. Such policies and protocols must be compliant with Baseball Ontario’s guidelines together with municipal and provincial legislation and COVID-19 specific policies issued by government and local public health authorities.
We continue to support any YSBA Local Member Associations in their decision to cancel baseball programs for the 2020 season. We are aware that many YSBA Members have already cancelled some of their programs for this year and each Local Association will need to evaluate what is in their best interest for the remainder of 2020.
On behalf of the YSBA, we hope everyone respects our decision and that we take great pride to ensure the health and welfare of all our players, coaches, parents, umpires, fans and volunteers.
Sincerely,
Steve Koziel
YSBA President