The BNGSA is monitoring local and state guidelines regarding COVID-19. The In-Town schedule will be adjusted accordingly once more information is available that provides an opportunity to move forward with the 2020 season.

Hello again BNGSA families.  Thanks to everyone for your patience while our Board has waited out the Stay at Home order and the Phase 2 – Flattening Phase of the Restore Illinois 5-Phase plan.  All indications are that our Region will be moving into Phase 3 – Recovery on May 29.  This Phase will limit gatherings to 10 people, and current guidelines indicate it will last at least 28 days.  The State has recently posted Guidelines and Toolkits online that indicate “no competitive games” in Phase 3.  However, we are now hopeful that we can move into Phase 4 – Revitalization near the end of June which would finally make it possible to have a softball game!

You will be interested to know that our survey results indicated a clear majority of over 67% were very/somewhat comfortable in playing this summer.  Another clear theme was that the parents of older players were more comfortable – with our 19U league coming in at roughly 90%.  The comfort level for all, including the younger groups, increased if we extended their season into the latter part of summer.  We received scores of comments asking us in many different ways to continue with the season even if abbreviated or extended.  Just as importantly, there were 30% in some segments that indicated they were justifiably not as comfortable having their kids play yet.  There were many other factors we needed to consider, some of which are outlined below, but the survey comments certainly helped lead us to our decision so we thank everyone for their participation and honesty.

The BNGSA In-Town Board has decided to proceed with the 2020 Season as follows:

• 12U, 15U and 19U Leagues: Play will start at the beginning of Phase 4 - Revitalization which could begin as soon as June 26.  The season would then extend through the first week of August.
• 6-8 Instructional and 10U leagues: Play will start in early-August and run through September
• Refunds: We will offer full refunds to anyone in 19U, 15U or 12U who requests between now and June 6, 2020 and for those in 6-8 and 10U until July 6.  Requests for refunds should be sent to PlayBall@bngsa.org.  After this date, we will provide refunds only if conditions result in cancellation of the season.
• Social Distancing: We will adhere to the Restore Illinois Phased approach and work with Town of Normal and City of Bloomington Parks and Rec departments to implement their policies along with USA Softball guidelines related to social distancing.

Some more details about what we know and what is yet to be determined:

• Refunds: We are happy to provide refunds to those who request.  You need to make a decision that is right for your family. For those, we will retain your contact information and hope to see you again in the summer of 2021. We have set a deadline of June 6 and July 6 for refund requests to enable those that are unsure to continue to monitor the conditions and the evolving impact on local policies for the next couple of weeks before making their final decision.  However, we have some key points along the way where we have to commit to costs, team numbers and rosters.  Therefore, beyond this date, we would only offer refunds if we are forced to cancel the season because we don’t move into Phase 4 – Revitalization as anticipated.
• Fields: Restrictions related to gathering sizes, that are outside of the control of our Parks and Rec departments and school systems, will have a significant impact on the number of parks available for our use this season.  The split season will enable us to best utilize the fields available while being able to provide the safest environment possible.  
• Equipment Sharing: We are committed to minimizing equipment sharing.  We plan to provide those who do not have their own with a dedicated batting helmet.  The split season will also enable us to do that.
• Social Distancing: One of our biggest concerns is if and how the parents will get to see the games.  Currently the State of Illinois plan will limit gatherings in Phase 4 to 50 people, and if that restriction stays in place, we will adhere to that which could significantly impact our ability to allow families and other spectators to view the games up close.  But, we are seeing some references in the State-issued Guidelines and Toolkits that will allow for spectators if they are able to social distance from participants and from each other.  We are optimistic that those standards will continue to be clarified as we approach Phase 4, but for now, we want to be clear that we can only offer to allow what is permitted by the state and local authorities.
• Junior High Softball: We have many players in the 10U, 12U and 15U ranks that play Junior High Softball or will perhaps try out for the first time.  We want their In-Town experience to help prepare them for that.  We plan to continually reach out to local Junior High Softball coaches to monitor what the various school systems have planned for the Fall 2020 season and coordinate the end of season with their plans, perhaps even allowing a little overlap, but also confirming IESA policies to avoid any eligibility concerns.
• BNGSA Travel Ball: Just for awareness, you will see differences in how the BNGSA In-Town and Travel programs operate.  The Travel program started last fall so all of their teams were formed, players enrolled in insurance, coaches background-checked and parents had made significant investments in that program.  Most teams practiced and competed over the winter; however, their spring season came to an abrupt halt before it started.  Since those teams are already established, you may see and hear about activities such as small group workouts within Phase 3 so they are ready for tournament play at the beginning of Phase 4.  This activity will help the In-Town side of our organization learn more about managing our activities within local guidelines.
• Next Steps: We still have some work to do as a Board to honor any refund requests, modify teams based on those requests, work through field assignments, and build schedules. As these details becomes available, we will provide more information to everyone and be reaching out through our League Organizers to coaches so they can start communicating directly with their parents and players.

As you can see, we are still reliant on getting to Phase 4, but it’s not too soon to start having a game of catch in the back yard or even going online to find a few drills you can do at home in hopes things work out for us to get started in late June.  Thanks again for choosing BNGSA and your understanding as we work to put together a cautious but meaningful and fun 2020 Season.

Ron Ferris, VP - BNGSA In-Town

Melissa Egenes, President - BNGSA