By Troy Gillard

Facilities closed through June 30

Spring sports groups deal with pandemic postponements

Apr 2, 2020 | 12:38 PM

In light of the City of Red Deer’s decision to close all recreation facilities through at least June 30, local sports organizations are left with tough calls to make regarding their upcoming seasons.

Red Deer Minor Baseball Association (RDMBA) says it has made the difficult decision to cancel its Rec/House League season for May and June.

“Please understand this decision wasn’t made easily, it involved a great deal of discussion amongst ourselves and our governing bodies,” the organization said in a post on its website. “It has however become glaringly obvious to us all; some things are simply out of our control.”

This includes T-Ball, Rally Cap, Rookie (9U), 11U A, 13U A, 15U A and 18U A.

RDMBA is issuing refunds to anyone who paid registration fees for the cancelled leagues. Anyone who hasn’t received one can email info@reddeerminorbaseball.com.

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The association says it will look at doing a modified Rec/House League season further into the summer or fall.

In regards to the Rep/AA and AAA Competitive season, RDMBA says Baseball Alberta is hopeful for a late start or modified season, but that they are also at the mercy of this virus and its everchanging timeline.

More information is expected in the coming weeks for all 13U and 11U players that were participating in AAA/AA evaluations when the closures began.

NCCP Coach Clinics and NUCP Umpire Clinics are all cancelled until further notice, though RDMBA says Baseball Canada is working on trying to offer these clinics online.

The Red Deer City Soccer Association says they are receiving regular updates from the Alberta Soccer Association, which has postponed all activities, programs and events until further notice.

“The nature of this outbreak is unpredictable and therefore the start date of the outdoor season is unknown,” RDCSA said in a letter on Tuesday. “Planning for the season is occurring, though it is expected that the season will start later than usual, perhaps June or July, instead of May.”

Further local soccer updates will be shared at www.rdcsa.com.

The Red Deer Lacrosse Association (RDLA) says the closure of city rec facilities affects the start of its box lacrosse season.

“Accordingly, we have delayed posting our Mini-Tyke, Tyke and Novice teams and ask for your patience and understanding at this time,” RDLA says on its website.

Football Alberta has suspended all activities and events until further notice, meaning all Red Deer Minor Football activities, including spring camps, have also been postponed.