Basketball Ireland has outlined its plan for a resumption of competitive action at elite level, by targeting a return to play by late February.
The association outlined their disappointment last week at the latest government guidelines, and felt compelled to cancel the 2020-21 Men's Super League and Division One league seasons.
In a statement released on Thursday, the association has called for a return to training by mid-January and outlined protocols that would be put in place to ensure a safe return to play.
"Basketball Ireland is calling for its elite level international and National League sides to be allowed to return to training by mid-January or early February," read the statement.
"We are now targeting a resumption of competitive matches by the end of February or St Patrick's Day.
"Basketball Ireland is currently working on a return proposal for all levels of the game, which will be submitted to Sport Ireland for assessment. It will subsequently be immediately provided to Government, before Christmas, as we urgently seek clear guidance for our sport.
"Basketball Ireland has also issued updated training guidelines for December and January, passing of the ball is now permitted outdoors, however the decision to do so will be at each club’s discretion."
Basketball Ireland CEO, Bernard O’Byrne, said: "For this plan to become reality it is of utmost importance that our players and clubs continue to be vigilant and put safety first.
"It will also depend on Government listening to our voice and showing some solidarity with the tens of thousands of people who need a return to sport physically, emotionally and for well-being of their mental health."
On Friday, the Basketball Ireland Women's National League Committee (WNLC) said they would wait on communicaton from the Government before deciding on competition formats for the resumption of the 2020-21 Women's Super League and Women’s Division One league.
"We would urge the Government to address and back proposals that will be submitted by Basketball Ireland, as a matter of urgency," they said.
"Once a clearer picture emerges from Government over when a return in play might take place, we shall then decide what competition format we can move forward with. The WNLC understands the difficulties that clubs have faced and we would like to give them clarity as soon as possible."
No decision has been made on the Women's National Cup.
