Dear Friends,
The Executive of NASC Softball held a virtual meeting this week and has made the decision not to hold a 2020 season. This was not an easy decision to make but while we all want to see our kids on the ball diamond, we did not feel it was appropriate at this time.
Our deliberations took a number of factors into account. While it was our hope to have a clear start date by this point in time Covid-19 continues to remain a very fluid situation with uncertainty. Even as the Region of Durham enters into “Phase 2” of Ontario’s re-start plan on Friday, it does not allow us to schedule games. Phase 2 only allows for social distance practices with games being permitted in Phase 3. There is no clear indication when we will be moving into Phase 3.
The Ontario Amateur Softball Association has created a draft Return to Play Guidelines. These guidelines have been prepared with the best intention of player safety and continuing to practice social distancing. After a review of the Return to Play Guidelines it has become clear to the NASC Executive that they would be encumbering and, in many cases, not practical for our volunteer coaches to manage or enforce.
Registration as you would expect was significantly lower than other years. Covid-19 came upon us at the same time that registration was in full gear. Based on the current registration numbers, if play was to begin tomorrow, all divisions would have a limited number of teams and would at every level be required to be co-ed.
For those that have registered and have already paid online a refund will be issued to you electronically. Those that had paid in person will be receiving a refund by cheque in the mail in the next few weeks. Please be patient as it takes time for us to issue these refunds.
We look forward to seeing you all next year.
With thanks,
NASC Softball
