The tournament which usually opens at the end of school days had to give way for bigger sports events two months ago and when everything was ready last month, it still could not push through due to lack teams coming forward to sign up.
Basketball Association of Northern Mariana Islands President Elias Rangamar said in an e-mail that as of last week, no team has completed the requirements—birth certificate, entry fees, rosters and waiver forms.
The lack of response among many of the coaches and managers, Rangamar said is leaving him no choice but to push the league back for another schedule, probably next week.
This is the third time that the opening of the Rotary basketball league is pushed back to another week.
Rangamar also said that if the teams don’t start getting their acts together, the BANMI may consider canceling the league.
In mandatory meeting two weeks ago, the BANMI gave the participating teams and managers until Aug. 4 to complete the required documents.
To date, two teams have submitted some of the requirements. The rest of the teams have asked for more time to complete the documents.
The BANMI sanctioned summer league was rescheduled two months ago to give way to the 2008 Oceania Under 18 and Open Area Championship and 2008 Oceania Grand Prix Series that was held from June 21 to 28, the Asia Pacific Regional Baseball Tournament on June 25 and on July 6 and the celebration of the Liberation Day on July 4.
Mid last month, Rangamar have started announcing schedules of meetings for coach and team managers. However, only a handful of them were showing up.
The league is still open to those who are interested to join. They can submit to BANMI all necessary documents and $200 entrance fee.
