Apr 06, 2020 | Admin. | 1233 views
Greetings to the FMB Executive and Members,
This is an update on OBA Measures (at the moment) and WOBA plans for baseball and Covid-19 for 2020.
On the OBA Board of Management conference call this week we decided to hope and plan for the best but also have a worst case plan in our back pocket. At this point the majority of the Board decided that we would continue to move forward looking to have a season.
Below is their latest announcement.
To the Baseball Ontario Community (April 1, 2020) While the COVID-19 situation remains fluid, Baseball Ontario is continuing to monitor the situation.
Last month, with safety in mind for the entire organization, several actions were implemented. In-person baseball activities were suspended for Level1 and 2 Umpires as well as coaches. Level 3 Umpire Super Clinics were cancelled in favour of online exams. Since the first announcement on March 15th, Baseball Ontario has been working with various committees and individuals to establish on-line programs for umpires and coaches. Details on those programs will be announced in the coming days. The Ontario Youth Team has established new tryout dates (subject to change). The executive committee meeting regularly by teleconference continues to plan and prepare so that the baseball community is ready to go when the opportunity presents itself. As the situation evolves, Baseball Ontario will update its website and social media platforms regularly. Based on the recommendations of our provincial government health officials, Baseball Ontario will be extending the suspension of all in-person programs and activities until May 1, 2020. We will review this new timeline at the end of April.
Umpire and coaching clinics are now all on line with locals still acting as hosts. I have asked Jackie Davies to contact the OBA to see what that really means for her.
If registered centers and umps chose to cancel they will get their money back. If they wish to continue on line, get their level credentials and then there is no ball, they will be given credit for this year as if they had umped.
Coaching clinics are also on line and I would suggest this would be the year to get everything you need as there will be no travel and if you get the course you will have it.
Check the OBA web site regularly for updates.
Some discussion took place about taking the season into Sept. if we have a late start. There was also discussion about what would happen if there is no season. All agreed that any decision is really not in their hands as it will depend on Government decisions.
The WOBA Executive decided that we will still have its BOD meeting on April 13, but it will be by video link and conference call combination. I have had 2 successful meetings using this method so if I can do it, anyone can do it.
There will be no scheduling meeting but instead we set the date of May 25 to declare teams. If it looks like there might be a season they will then ask for all coach contact info and that will be sent out so centers can set up their own season with teams they wish to play with. The yearend tournaments will remain as tournaments for extra play only. We will have medals but no banners.
The secretary has been creating and updating online forms to reduce the paper waste we have. The following are on line or will be soon: Team Declaration forms, Expense forms, Team commitment forms for championships, Code of Conduct for Coaches after we confirm what needs to be added to follow OBA requirements, Tournament Host manuals, 2020 Handbook and an Arm Care Manual is a work in progress. They are also looking to set up a Rules link for quick referencing.
No matter what we plan, things are not in our control so I suggest we plan for the best and prepare for the worst.
Keep checking the WOBA and OBA web sites for regular information updates.
Not quite the season we planned for at the beginning of the year but the most important things are that we stay safe, stay healthy and stay in touch.
Barb