Rapid rise of COVID cases forces Albany Basketball Association to move straight to grand finals this week

The Albany Basketball Association has moved immediately to grand finals, in a bid to avoid any further COVID-19 complications. The large-scale association boasting nearly 300 teams has been affected by positive cases and close contact isolation for a number of weeks. The ABA has made a decision to shorten the 2021-22 season and significantly reduce the finals series because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases. In a statement sent out to members on Friday, the ABA said it had reached the decision to ultimately ensure the grand finals can be completed. “Unfortunately due to the current rapid rise of cases and the effect this is having on our community and our association, in terms of forfeits and volunteers, the ABA has decided to make some changes to the end of the season affecting fixtures and finals,” the statement said. The ABA grand finals for grades Year 5 and above will be played across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday while the Year 2, 3 and 4 competitions will not continue. The top two teams in each division will face off in the standalone grand finals this week. With the grand finals being played at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre, the ABA has ruled that only one spectator or parent-guardian will be allowed to watch grand finals. All players and spectators must leave the court immediately after their game. Only one coach and manager per team is allowed and there is no linking arms for cheers at the end of the grand finals. Masks must be worn by spectators with only players and referees exempt during games while players on the bench during a game must wear masks. The ABA will be live-streaming some of the grand finals given spectators are largely locked out from attending in person.