Message from School Sport Australia on cancellation of international tours to participate in International School Sport Federation competitions

posted on 5 March, 2020

The Board of Management of School Sport Australia (SSA) met on Tuesday, 3 March 2020 to discuss SSA’s participation at the International School Sport Federation’s (ISF) events. The Board has decided that due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 and the threat it poses to our students and staff, the tours will be cancelled. This decision applies to both the ISF’s Basketball and Cross Country competitions that four Australian schools were participating in.

The decision recognises the rapidly changing conditions and advice from State and Territory Education Departments on international travel by schools with some Education Departments already cancelling all international travel by schools.

The Board acknowledges the disappointment that will be felt by students, teachers and families, but the safety of the students and teachers is paramount hence the reason why the Board has cancelled the tours.

The Board understands this is an extraordinary situation that we are facing. The unique nature of the circumstances however required a decision that responds to the safety of the students and staff.