With the large number of COVID cases forecast to peak late January/early February the ABF Board has accepted a Tournament Committee (TC) recommendation to delay the Open and Women’s playoffs originally scheduled for February 3-8.

The TC was concerned about both the health risks and the impact on integrity of the playoffs with the large number of COVID cases potentially impacting on competing pairs if the playoffs were held as scheduled.

It is currently proposed to hold the Open and Women’s Playoff concurrent with the Seniors Playoff early March 2022 in Canberra. The exact dates are subject to confirmation with the venue, noting we will now require additional space.

The ABF Board has also accepted a recommendation that the Mixed Playoff be cancelled and the subsidies to Poland now be offered to the first three placegetters in the Mixed Butler at the ANC in Adelaide.

It is acknowledged that the current proposal means players will need to choose the category they wish to compete in. Whilst this is not ideal, it is considered a better solution than not holding the playoffs at all.

Finally, as there is no Target Event for the selected teams to attend, if it is not possible to hold playoffs in March it is likely the playoffs will be cancelled rather than rescheduled.