It’s not just winter sports being affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the weekend, provincial associations for fours ports primarily played during the summer in Newfoundland and Labrador — baseball, softball, rugby and soccer — announced they are suspending activity and/or events, joining hockey, basketball, School Sports NL, volleyball and track and field.
• On Friday, the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association announced it was adhering to an earlier Canada Soccer statement regarding the coronavirus and its postponement of all activities, including training, competitions, coaching’ courses, referee clinics and in-person board meetings
• Also Friday, Baseball Newfoundland and Labrador stated its policy in light of the pandemic. Here is some on the Baseball NL release:
“We have made the tough decision to indefinitely suspend all Baseball NL-sanctioned activity.
“At this time, this would include any upcoming Provincial Team tryouts, Provincial Team training, coaching clinics, umpire clinics and meetings. If this suspension is forced to extend into the summer months, we will update at that time with respect to on-field activity, including the Provincial Championship season.
“The decision to suspend any club-level training or programming remains at the club level and will be assessed within their jurisdictions on a case-by-case basis by club-level officials. If you or your child are involved with club-level training or programming, please contact your local club for more information on those specific events.”
• And here is a portion of a Saturday release from Softball Newfoundland and Labrador:
“After reviewing the information available, monitoring the updates daily, as well as a recent Conference Call with Softball Canada and all the other Provincial/Territorial Association members, to ensure the health and safety of everyone associated with Softball NL, we have made the tough (but easy and necessary) decision to Suspend ALL Softball NL Sanctioned Programs/Activities Until Further Notice. This includes all Coaching Courses, High Performance Camps, Skills Camps and Umpires Clinics.
“Associations/Teams at the Community and/or Club levels have to make the decision to suspend their own Programs/Activities and we strongly encourage All Associations/Teams to do so.
• The Newfoundland Rugby Union (NRU) made a similar decision Friday.
“The safety and well-being of our players, coaches, and families are our top priority. For this reason, we have decided to suspend all team training, games, and all other activities,” read an NRU release.