Basketball Ireland welcomes easing of government restrictions

Basketball Ireland welcomes the easing of the government’s Covid-19 restrictions which will see all levels of basketball resuming indoors on September 20^th.

There will be a capacity limit of 100 people for indoor group activities where all those involved are immune - either fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 within the last 6 months, or accompanied minors (under 18). Full indoor group activity guidelines, including where patrons have mixed immunity, can be found on the Irish government's website. All restrictions on indoor sporting activity are due to be fully lifted on October 22^nd.

Chair of Basketball Ireland’s ‘Return to Play’ group, Charles Higgins, said: “We will issue a full breakdown of the new restrictions later this week to our basketball community, so they can plan in anticipation of September 20th. We shall be seeking clarifications from Sport Ireland on some of the guidelines issued by government today.

“I really want to express my gratitude to the basketball community who have persevered throughout this elongated period without the sport. They have shown huge resilience, adapting to outdoor basketball when indoor wasn’t possible. Now the reward is there and there is huge excitement to finally get the chance to be back indoors on a court and get our sport up and running fully again.

“I’d also like to thank my fellow members of the ‘Return to Play’ group who have helped navigate our sport through this torrid time, with situations changing regularly. We have tried to guide our basketball community through it all as best as possible and we shall continue to do so.”

From September 6^th, indoor events can take place with a 60% capacity limit where patrons are immune. Spectators must fully seated at arenas.

“This has been a long arduous 17 months or so for the basketball community. Our clubs, players, officials and volunteers have suffered and to finally have a return date for all levels of our sport is excellent news.

“The fact that our clubs can have spectators at events, up to 60% of venue capacity, is brilliant. It is great timing with our senior National League sides allowed to resume pre-season fixtures from September 13^th and the National League starting from October 9^th/10^th.” - Basketball Ireland interim CEO Paddy Boyd.