SCBBA COVID-19 Update

[StuC]

I would like to issue an update on the SCBBA COVID-19 response.

On behalf of the association the committee would like to get back to playing bar billiards as soon as possible, however we will only do so when it is safe for all our members to resume these activities. In order to decide this we use the recommendations of the Government and the Health Organisations. Obviously at the moment their advice is that we shouldn’t be playing. While we don’t know exactly when these will change, and the lockdown lifted, with the latest information available the following decision have been made:

• Cancel the Watney Mann for this year

• A decision on playing the U30s, Masters and Sussex Open on the current date or postponing will be made following the next government update after the initial three week lockdown (expected to be around April 14th)

• If these events are postponed in June we will look at feasibility of playing these either on the weekend at end of July with the Off The Spot, or possibly on the weekend of 27th September which has been reserved by AEBBA as an alternate date

• We will aim to finish the current Inter League season before starting next season

• Consider options to present at AGM for alternatives for next season’s Inter League if as expected a full season can’t be completed

There may obviously be issues when we are able to resume playing with restrictions lifted at different times and the possibility of having lost some venues during the crisis. This will make going straight back into normal activities difficult.

The Watney Mann is to be cancelled this year to allow for leagues around the county to have more time to fit in fixtures over the summer and in-line with the AEBBA who have cancelled the National Team Championship for 2020.

With the current Inter League season so close to completion we would like to complete the season. We are currently in a difficult position with Brighton A having ‘won’ Division One but the season not completed and no other promotion and relegation issues decided. This would cause problems with either voiding the season or settling on current positions. The length of the lockdown this could cause issues, and any problems this will cause will be looked at in detail when we have a resumption date.

While it is good that many of the postponed events from the last few weeks, and future weeks, have been rearranged for later in the year, this along with the possibility of future lockdown means that weekend to scheduled Inter League matches later in the year are restricted. This may mean playing a full series of fixtures next season is impossible. Depending on likely teams and division structures format proposals will be looked at for presentation at the AGM.

A full update on the Sussex Under 30’s, Sussex Masters and Sussex Open will follow next week.

Stuart Carruthers
SCBBA Chairman

[4timeschamp]

Hard decisions to make but I am sure yourself and your committee will do all you can. Here’s hoping with a little co-operation from the leagues everything can be played.

[bigtj]

Very clear and concise thank you Stuart, hopefully we will be able to complete this season and sort a format for next season.

I am sure all will understand and the views above reflect what all on the committee agreed.

Hope all are well and staying safe in these unprecedented times.

[Sparky]

Thank you Stuart, clear and concise, also sounds as realistic as one can be at this point.

[StuC]

To confirm that as expected the Sussex Open, Sussex Masters and Sussex U30's will not be taking place on the weekend on 6th/7th June.

It is currently undecided if these events will be rearranged and further updates will follow.

[StuC]

Hope everyone is keeping well.

Below is an update on COVID-19 and Sussex Bar Billiards from the committee. No update has been provided for a couple of months as we have been waiting to see how the lockdown would be eased; and given this to date there had been no changes in our position to update on.

While pubs are reopening this weekend the ambiguous guidance means it is still unknown if bar billiards can be played; it also remains unclear which current league establishments will open and their commitment to keeping a bar billiards table in the future. While it is expected that restrictions will be further lifted at some stage in the next couple of months (subject to no second wave of the virus), no further timelines have been laid out by the government of when and what we can expect from these next steps.

Therefore all playing activities of SCBBA competitions remains suspended for the foreseeable future; this includes the Inter League season that was due to finish in April this year.

Jean Brackenridge announced on proboards a couple of days ago the cancellation of the Off The Spot weekend in July. This was highly expected and while it may seem a late decision entries had stopped being taken much earlier in anticipation of the cancellation.

While dates have been suggested elsewhere to rearrange these competitions, as well as the competitions from the cancelled Sussex Open weekend, there is no active planning to currently play these events. We would if possible like to save some of these competitions and combine into a weekend event at a later date if the guidance allows, but we will not start planning these until it is clear that they could be played under the Government recommendations. Given the current position this would likely be in the last couple of months of this year or early next year; subject to venues, tables and dates being available.

It still remains highly unlikely the 2020 Sussex Open will be played unless there is a significant shift in the Government guidance in the next few weeks.

The committee has decided more time is needed to see how the current situation plays out before deciding on how to conclude the 2019/20 Inter League Home and Away season and also how to proceed with the 2020/21 season. Further updates are likely to be presented at the AGM and available for discussion amongst the playing members.

A date has agreed for the AGM and this will be published shortly once final details have been confirmed. Due to the current government guidance this is highly likely to take a different format this year.

Regards

Stuart Carruthers
SCBBA Chairman

[StuC]

Following a committee meeting held last night I can confirm the following events will not be rearranged and have been cancelled for 2020:

• Sussex Open
• Sussex Masters
• Sussex Off The Spot
• Sussex Mixed Doubles

The plan is for these events to be played as usual in 2021.

It has also been decided that the Sussex Competition weekend comprising the Singles and Doubles will not be held in its usual January date and will be moved back to April. This is to allow an increased chance of the event to be played in as normal circumstances as possible.

Further details of dates for these events will follow when confirmed.

Two options for Inter League, both concluding the current season and playing next season, have been proposed by the committee and will be presented at the AGM. Given the current situation there is no prefect solution available, and we accept that not everyone will agree with the outcome reached. It is therefore important that we hear as many opinions and views as possible and I would encourage everyone who can to attend the AGM.

Regards

Stuart Carruthers
SCBBA Chairman