1.     The new competition framework to be implemented from 2022 for a period of 4 years (with a review conducted after 2 years) will consist of:

This framework combines features from multiple options presented. It will increase opportunity for tournament play along with providing flexibility for clubs to run trials and development programs post the main District season.

A smaller working group, selected by the Competitions Department will be established to determine the grading system to be deployed in 2022.

2.     Revert the Basketball SA Competition Program to be known as District League for all Divisions, chronologically from Division 1 onwards and removing reference to Metro League.

Different league categories could form the foundation for future competition frameworks, however at this time and in line with stakeholder and member feedback, the competition will be known as District League with chronological numbering from Division 1 onwards. This option may be revisited and explored at a later stage.

3.     Amendments to the close of District and Metro Season 2021

In order to implement a new competition framework in 2022, clubs need as much time as possible to conduct internal trials and prepare teams into 2022 age groups. 

As previously advised, rounds 6 and 7 that were missed due to COVID-19 restrictions will not be replayed. Remaining scheduled games will be re-ordered where possible to facilitate all teams playing each other at least once in all divisions. 

Unfortunately, State Championships will not be held this year in 2021. 

An alternate format for finals will be used for 2021 to account for missed rounds and uneven games played. The 2021 finals series will see the top 8 teams play off over 3 weekends and 4 finals rounds.

These were not easy decisions to make, however programming needs to take into consideration the current and unpredictable COVID-19 environment, including recent exposure sites in South Australia. The removal of State Champs from the 2021 calendar provides an efficient close to the current season, but also provides flexibility to finish the 2021 season should this be needed due to further COVID-19 restrictions or stay at home orders. 

The Basketball SA Competitions Department extends its warm thanks to the many club personnel who deliberated and considered a range of options and rationale which greatly assisted the formation of the schedule for the remainder of 2021 which is outlined in the table below. 

Note the below table excludes NBL1, Youth League & District Seniors