Basketball Ireland is seeking clarity from authorities as to when it can launch the season.
The National League programme was due to start last weekend but Basketball Ireland claims that was 'unfairly' halted last Thursday - and since then the sporting body claims it has had 'mixed messages' and 'a lack of firm commitments', forcing the postponement of the season.
The Men’s National Competitions Committee (MNCC) has declared its intention to start the season on Saturday, January 9 and run a shortened season to March/April - commencing with National Cup competitions, with the aim of maintaining the traditional Cup final weekend in late January.
The Women’s National League Committee (WNLC) are meeting tomorrow and have indicated they’re also likely to confirm the same starting date.
Basketball Ireland CEO Bernard O'Byrne, who is also the MNCC chair, said: "As an organisation that has gone out of its way to comply with all guidelines and even to add further restrictions internally, I have to admit to being disappointed at the lack of information and consultation of the decision to halt our National Leagues.
"Our 51 National League teams across the country had spent a lot of money, time and effort in preparing for the season and all our protocols had been approved by the Sport Expert Group.
"We understand the pressure decision-makers are under, but communication is a basic necessity in these times and we feel very let down.
"The MNCC are taking this re-focusing initiative, which the WNLC have indicated they’re likely to follow too.
"We know this will not please everybody in the sport, but we feel that this is the best of several not-ideal options left to us. We ask everybody for their cooperation."
