In response to the declaration of emergency for one metropolitan area and three prefectures, the Japan High School Baseball Federation = Japan High School Baseball Federation prepares for the March Senbatsu Tournament in accordance with the guidelines of the government and related organizations. I showed my thoughts.
This was answered in writing by the secretary general of Japan High School Baseball Federation, Yoshimasa Ogura, in an interview with the press.
Among them, Mr. Ogura said that he was "preparing according to the instructions of the government and related organizations" regarding the holding of the Senbatsu tournament scheduled at Koshien Stadium in March, and said, "For specific measures, this month. We will discuss at the Steering Committee on the 13th. "
In addition, the school to participate in the Senbatsu tournament is scheduled to be decided by the selection committee on the 29th of this month, but we are preparing for all situations such as conducting it in an online format different from the usual year, and will participate in the area subject to the state of emergency. They are also considering giving special instructions to the school.
Then, when the scope of the state of emergency was expanded to Hyogo prefecture, where the Koshien Stadium is located, he answered, "We will carefully examine the contents of the state of emergency and consider how to respond."
Regarding high school baseball, last year's Senbatsu and summer tournaments were canceled due to the influence of the new coronavirus, while 32 schools that had decided to participate in the Senbatsu tournament in August were invited to Koshien to play a one-game exchange game. Measures have been taken, such as conducting the event without spectators.
Approximately two months later, with the Senbatsu tournament coming up, an emergency declaration was issued again, and the response of the Japan High School Baseball Federation is drawing attention.