The Tribune

ALTHOUGH they have been given the green light to resume competition, the New Providence Oldtimers Softball Association has indicated that there’s no way they can play under the present COVID-19 protocols.

The Competent Authority last month granted permission for the Bahamas Softball Federation, the Bahamas Baseball Association and the NPOTSA to resume competition after a year off with various restrictions.

The NPOTSA, headed by president Tommy Stubbs, after reviewing the order, said they have decided to put their 2021 season on hold because of unfeasible conditions to play under.

With 14 teams and nearly 300 members, they decided that it was not affordable or fair to subject its players, coaches and managers to COVID-19 rapid antigen negative test results twice a week, including the day of competition, as required in the Competent Authority’s letter, dated Februry 17 and signed by Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis.

The average cost of the antigen test is $18 in the Bahamas.

The association plays four to six recreational games every weekend April through October at the Archdeacon William Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds.

In addition to “strict to physical distancing, mask wearing and sanitisation protocols at all times,” the Competent Authority letter states that:

No more than 30 people at any practice (within the Emergency Order guidance).

Each event for competition must be submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval.

No fans.

Apart from teams and players fees, concession stand, which is mostly patronised by spectators, is the only form of revenue to cover league expenses which includes game officials, softball, and field equipment and maintenance.

The association drafted a seven-page protocol document which offered to perform temperature checks, mask wearing and social distancing with spectators beyond the outfield fence, far away from the players.

The association is not interested in playing during any island curfew.