Hi to all our Coaches, Players, Parents and Guardians.

We are sure you are all very excited with the Victorian Governments most recent announcement of some gradual easing of restrictions for Victorians that will come into effect from 11:59pm tonight, specifically, the ability to now leave the house for recreational activities and outdoor gatherings.

For the most part basketball is an indoor sport – so at this stage our ability to return to our norm is not possible yet.
The Cougars Basketball Association will not be organising any official trainings just yet however, if you are able to find yourself an outside ring or large park you can workout with up to 10 of your friends or family, following the guidelines of social distancing rules:

- keep your distance (at least 1.5 metres apart),
- no activities indoors
- non-competitive (team vs team)
- you can do an activity with a maximum of 10 people plus a support person
- no contact, no high fives and no hugs and safe hygiene practices at all times!
- 1 ball per person unless in same household
- wash hands or sanitizer before play
- have wipes available to wipe ball if needed eg: someone sneezes on ball

For those confused about the number of participants, please click here
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-cultural-and-recreational-activities-restrictions-coronavirus-covid19?fbclid=IwAR2q7kV_j9ynT0DnC_9ZrFEffMsXrNblwbGvm9UxDkA3UpcyyFS0alfWiXc#what-community-sports-remain-prohibited-and-can-i-train
to see the DHHS website.

The purpose of any outdoor non-compulsory training session should be:

Player Health & Wellbeing mindset – to get athletes back interacting/socialising with their friends whilst following the social distancing rules Fitness & Conditioning – to begin a slow, modified reintroduction to fitness and conditioning before we hit the indoor courts soon
 
We are working with our Schools and local Council as we move closer to training indoors.
Please be patient, respectful of the rules and the community so that we can continue to move forward to the return of community sport.  Outdoor places are shared community spaces so please use common sense and be mindful and respectful of those sharing the space with you.

As always, stay safe and healthy and have FUN!

Regards,
Cougars Basketball Club Commitee