MESSAGE FROM THE SOFTBALL NZ BOARD
Written by Softball NZ on October 8th, 2021.
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At its last Zoom hui on Saturday 6 November 2021, the Softball New Zealand Board considered a series of recommendations from the CEO to better support our members navigate the COVID Delta outbreak and associated government response.
Context
Since the outbreak of the COVID Delta strain in August, the Softball NZ Office has been engaging with a number of regional associations to understand the impacts of the outbreak (and the associated government response) on our sport.
As you will be aware, there has been no softball played in the upper North Island this season, and public health requirements have challenged the smooth delivery of softball throughout the rest of the country.
The hosting of national pinnacle events, many of which involve streaming and linear broadcast coverage, is particularly challenging for tournament organisers and the sport more broadly. Further, uncertainty remains as to what the impacts of the new traffic light system will be for hosts of tournaments. Whilst Softball New Zealand can’t provide any additional intelligence with regard to the outbreak and the government response, there are a number of decisions we can take that may help to address some of the concern.
Decisions
With this in mind, the Softball NZ Board has made the following decisions:
FASTBALL 45
Due to the significant uncertainty and complexity surrounding the safe hosting, covid protocols, security, and event management procedures for national events, Softball NZ will be unfortunately cancelling the Fastball 45 National League this season.
JANUARY AGE GRADE EVENTS: (U17/U19)
Due to significant concerns around health & safety, Covid protocols, non-essential inter-island travel, and border restrictions, Softball NZ will be cancelling the national age-grade championships in favour of local regional delivery.
Softball NZ appreciates the complexity of this decision and will work with associations to ensure a fair and equitable process of regional hosting as well as looking to support those associations challenged with non-refundable logistics deposits.
Softball NZ acknowledges the disappointment of not being in a position to host national age-grade championships safely at this time and will work alongside associations for representative opportunities such as those presented later in the season like the Easter Classic.
NFC & OPEN CLUBS
Softball NZ will continue to monitor the health & safety recommendations by government and will provide a further update on NFC and Open Clubs next month. It is the intention of Softball NZ to provide as much opportunity as possible to deliver these events and as currently scheduled, but will be guided by the advice from government to ensure our decisions are formed foremost with health & safety as our priority.
Finally, on behalf of our participants, THANK YOU!
The Softball New Zealand Board wants to thank all members for the resilience and agility they have shown throughout this Delta outbreak and response. We know the fierce commitment you have to supporting our participants and whanau at this time, knowing that for many whanau our sport is their main connection to recreation, community and wellbeing.
Please continue to work with Tony and the team knowing that we are here for you and want to provide any support we can in the interests of our members, our people.
Aku mihi,
Hoani Lambert
Chair, Softball NZ Board
Context
Since the outbreak of the COVID Delta strain in August, the Softball NZ Office has been engaging with a number of regional associations to understand the impacts of the outbreak (and the associated government response) on our sport.
As you will be aware, there has been no softball played in the upper North Island this season, and public health requirements have challenged the smooth delivery of softball throughout the rest of the country.
The hosting of national pinnacle events, many of which involve streaming and linear broadcast coverage, is particularly challenging for tournament organisers and the sport more broadly. Further, uncertainty remains as to what the impacts of the new traffic light system will be for hosts of tournaments. Whilst Softball New Zealand can’t provide any additional intelligence with regard to the outbreak and the government response, there are a number of decisions we can take that may help to address some of the concern.
Decisions
With this in mind, the Softball NZ Board has made the following decisions:
FASTBALL 45
Due to the significant uncertainty and complexity surrounding the safe hosting, covid protocols, security, and event management procedures for national events, Softball NZ will be unfortunately cancelling the Fastball 45 National League this season.
JANUARY AGE GRADE EVENTS: (U17/U19)
Due to significant concerns around health & safety, Covid protocols, non-essential inter-island travel, and border restrictions, Softball NZ will be cancelling the national age-grade championships in favour of local regional delivery.
Softball NZ appreciates the complexity of this decision and will work with associations to ensure a fair and equitable process of regional hosting as well as looking to support those associations challenged with non-refundable logistics deposits.
Softball NZ acknowledges the disappointment of not being in a position to host national age-grade championships safely at this time and will work alongside associations for representative opportunities such as those presented later in the season like the Easter Classic.
NFC & OPEN CLUBS
Softball NZ will continue to monitor the health & safety recommendations by government and will provide a further update on NFC and Open Clubs next month. It is the intention of Softball NZ to provide as much opportunity as possible to deliver these events and as currently scheduled, but will be guided by the advice from government to ensure our decisions are formed foremost with health & safety as our priority.
Finally, on behalf of our participants, THANK YOU!
The Softball New Zealand Board wants to thank all members for the resilience and agility they have shown throughout this Delta outbreak and response. We know the fierce commitment you have to supporting our participants and whanau at this time, knowing that for many whanau our sport is their main connection to recreation, community and wellbeing.
Please continue to work with Tony and the team knowing that we are here for you and want to provide any support we can in the interests of our members, our people.
Aku mihi,
Hoani Lambert
Chair, Softball NZ Board
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