Chief Minister Andrew Barr, MLA announced on 26 May 2020 a relaxation of the restrictions to allow for the return of community indoor sports from 30 May 2020, initially limited to 20 people (see: https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/barr/2020/canberras-recovery-plan-supporting-our-community-and-our-economy).  If all goes well, this limit will be increased to 50 people from 20 June 2020. Some badminton clubs in the ACT will resume social play under the 20 person limit (but strictly for club members only), while others will resume when the 50 limit applies.  Please contact individual clubs for details on the resumption of play at their clubs. Consistent with the guidelines provided by Badminton Australia (BA), various national sporting bodies and government agencies, each club should prepare a Club Safety Plan and a list of Player Responsibilities to provide a framework for how social play at clubs will operate over the period of the ‘new normal’ until a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.  This includes matters such as: that anyone at all unwell not to attend a badminton session; anyone exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms to get tested; and various hygiene and social distancing practices during sessions.  All club players should familiarise themselves with these requirements. Further information will be provided as to the [read more…]

The Prime Minister announced on 22 March 2020 that all indoor sporting venues would be restricted from opening from midday 23 March 2020 (see: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-220320). As such, the ACTBA has advised all of its affiliated clubs to immediately suspend all club social play until further notice. The badminton community in the ACT will play its part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. I wish everyone all the best over the coming months. Olaf Schuermann President, ACTBA  

Badminton Australia and representatives of Australia’s State and Territory Badminton organisations, including the ACTBA President, met on 18 March 2020 to discuss the JUNE BEVAN TEAM EVENT & AUSTRALASIAN U/17 CHAMPIONSHIPS, scheduled to be held in Perth, Western Australia from the 11th-18th April 2020 and the CP MADDERN TEAM EVENT & AUSTRALIAN U/19 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, scheduled to be held in Geelong, Victoria from the 4th July to 11th July, 2020. With consideration of the announcement by the Federal and State/Territory Governments relating to coronavirus and the importance of protecting the health and safety of the badminton community it was agreed to postpone both events with a view to holding the events later in the year, possibly in September/October 2020. Once a new date for both tournaments has been determined, the ACTBA will advertise an Expressions of Interest on the website for ACT players wishing to participate in either tournament.