Outdoor Basketball: Frequently Asked Questions
Are outdoor basketball court facilities now open in Ontario?
Yes, as of Saturday May 22nd outdoor recreational amenities including basketball facilities (such as at parks, community centres, and schools) can re-open, with precautions.
Please refer to the Government of Ontario’s ‘Roadmap to Reopen’ released on Thursday, May 20th or see below for sports and recreation sector guidelines.
Can teams practice or play games at outdoor facilities?
No, team sports are not yet allowed to resume. Players can get back to basketball by using outdoor basketball facilities on their own or with others from their own house (ex: a sibling or guardian). When Step One commences, outdoor team practices will be allowed to resume in groups of 10 or less with 3 metres physical distancing. Step One is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of June 14th.
Do we need to physical distance at outdoor courts?
Physical distancing (by staying two metres apart) should still be practiced with people from outside your household, including at outdoor court facilities, according to government health guidelines. If an outdoor court is too crowded when you arrive, wait your turn from the sidelines, find another less crowded court in your neighbourhood, or come back to the court at another date/time when it’s less busy.
What about the rest of the summer, will organized basketball resume?
Each ‘step’ in the province’s new framework will last a minimum of 21 days. In Step Two (21 days + after Step One begins), outdoor sports leagues will be allowed to resume. In Step Three (21 days + after Step Two begins), indoor sports will be allowed to resume, with restrictions. The above table and linked government news release provide greater clarity on the details and duration of each step to re-opening.
The province’s new reopening framework is subject to change or be pushed back further than 21 days between each step based on regional and provincial COVID-19 data and modelling, as well as population vaccination thresholds. Ontario Basketball will communicate updates to programming and resumptions of team practices based on government announcements in a timely manner.
Ontario Basketball announced earlier this month tentative dates for an outdoor summer 3×3 tournament. Further details and updates on this tournament will be determined when the province is closer to Step Two of re-opening.
How does the outdoor court map tool work?
OBA is encouraging members to get back on the court and ready for future resumption of basketball through the launch of the interactive outdoor court map. Members are encouraged to add data for their local public outdoor basketball court and help populate the map, especially in areas outside the Greater Toronto Area. Members should bring their own basketball to practice with, maintain physical distancing and respect posted rules and regulations of the court space they use. Moreover, considering the importance of well-maintained sports facilities, it is advisable for OBA to also consider hiring Tennis Court Repairs services to address any issues and uphold the quality of their tennis amenities.