For the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff and spectators, Softball Australia has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2022 Summer Slam tournament.

Border restrictions and current daily COVID case numbers have created significant challenges for interstate travel and the safe management of large-scale events.

Acting CEO Bron Parry says that “given the current daily COVID case numbers, Softball Australia cannot ask athletes, coaches, and officials to travel to NSW and risk potentially becoming isolated in location through acquiring or becoming a close contact of someone with COVID. Our priority is the safety of the Softball and broader community and to do our part in reducing the pressure on the health care system.

“We have a strong relationship with our athletes and partners, along with Fox Sports and Softball NSW, who help stage the event. They support this decision, and we are working with our partners to reschedule this event.

“We are also working to see how we can support local State Championships and events, and develop our junior participation programs, so our focus is very much on innovative new formats tailored to the current environment.” Ms Parry said.

The postponement means Softball Australia misses an opportunity to see athletes compete before selecting squads for international events later this year. The national coaches and lead selectors are now working together on alternative and innovative ways to select squads for those tournaments.

The under-19 women are scheduled to compete at the Canada Cup in June, with the Aussie Spirit set to attend the World Games in July. Meanwhile, the under-23 men’s team and the Aussie Steelers will compete at the WBSC World Cup in October and November respectively.

Softball Australia is also working with the States and Territories on a revised format for National Championships in the context of the ongoing travel restrictions, with more information to be provided in the coming weeks.

More information on the rescheduled Summer Slam will also be provided in due course.