U.S. Junior Team Update on the World Junior Championships

During these challenging times, USA Racquetball remains fully committed to the health and safety of all our athletes, coaches, players, and volunteers across the nation. With this in mind, we have been closely monitoring the present situation. Positive trends earlier in the year supported our desire to send a full U.S. Junior Team Delegation to participate in the IRF World Junior Championships in December. However, considering recent developments, the Board of Directors and Staff of USA Racquetball must now bring the disappointing news that an “official” U.S. Junior Team will not be entered into the competition.

It was not an easy decision, and many hours were spent researching the continually evolving situation, weighing the risks and rewards, and discussing different alternatives and mitigation strategies. The decision to not enter an official U.S. Junior Team was found to be the best course of action in minimizing as much as possible the significant safety, security, and health factors attributed to international travel during the pandemic. One major factor is a mandatory 14-day quarantine as a result of a positive COVID test prior to flying back to the United States.

Not sending an official team means that USA Racquetball will not be supplying team coaches and support staff at the event. We recognize that not everyone may agree with our position, and while a majority of athletes and families have decided not to make the trip, some may still wish to participate in this event. U.S. Junior Team families may choose to travel on their own to the IRF World Junior Championships, and U.S. Junior Team members may enter the competition. As the National Governing Body for Racquetball in the United States and a member of the International Racquetball Federation, USA Racquetball will formally process and enter any U.S. Junior Team players who wish to make the trip and compete in the IRF World Junior Championships. It’s understood that U.S. Junior Team players who compete are indeed representing their country.

We are proud of every one of our U.S. Junior Team members, we respect their individual decisions, and we wish all who choose to participate a safe and successful experience at the IRF World Junior Championships.

Please direct any questions to USA Racquetball Executive Director Mike Wedel at mwedel@usaracquetball.com.