May 7, 2020

What seems like months ago, KMBA took the proactive step to cancel the 2020 spring season of baseball. Looking back now, while it was a difficult decision to make at the time, it was the correct decision.

We are now to a point where the government is contemplating how youth sports might return this summer. This is exciting news, but like others aspects of our community, we can't expect a return to "normal" anytime soon.

There is a lot of "red-tape" involved before baseball can start again. Right now, viaSport is meeting with the various provincial sports bodies to finalize a set of guidelines for youth sports. Once those are released, the provincial bodies (Baseball BC) must come up with sport specific protocols that viaSport will review, then present to the Ministry of Health for final approval. No timelines have been released for the approval process.

As in other parts of society, we expect returning to baseball will be a phased approach where with limitations in groups sizes and some type of physical distancing requirements. We also expect the first phase to have significant safety protocols (wellness screening, using personal protective equipment, and cleaning requirements) within a practice-only environment. But these are only our best guesses, based on what is happening in other sectors of our community.

While we all want to get back to baseball, the timing and process will be entirely dependant on when we receive a green light from the Ministry of Heath and Baseball BC, along with our ability to thoroughly and safely implement whatever is necessary and required.

In the meantime, I came across this article that I wanted to share: What Will You Be Proud of When We Return to Sports? offers some thoughts from the perspective of a coach, a parent, and a player.

Chris Balison, President
Kamloops Minor Baseball

Read prior updates here.

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