ASHLAND — It’s said when you throw a boomerang that it will return, but that’s not the case this summer for the 2020 U.S. Boomerang National Championships.
At Tuesday evening’s Ashland City Council meeting, Mayor Matt Miller announced the upcoming competition was canceled after it was initially scheduled for June at Freer Field — and then rescheduled for Aug. 7 and 8.
“They have decided to postpone, largely related to throwers coming from out of state,” Miller said.
He’s hopeful the U.S. Boomerang Association (USBA) will consider bringing the championships to Ashland next year.
The organization came to this decision at an emergency conference call July 14, according to a Facebook post from USBA President Mark Legg. He cited concerns about increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, travel restrictions and state regulations.
The USBA will cancel the 2020 National Championships and postpone the remainder of its tournament season. It will reevaluate the possibility of sanctioning tournaments in September.
“We hope we can have at least a few local tournaments later in the year. Hhowever, with ever increasing travel restrictions between the states and the increased risk of becoming infected via air travel, we conclude that hosting a national tournament is unconscionable this year,” Legg said in the post.
The organization continues to discuss future plans, which could include a virtual boomerang tournament or two national tournaments next year. The 2020 US Nationals could be held in early 2021 followed by the 2021 Nationals later in the season.
“Only time can tell what this pandemic will allow. Our promise to all of you is that we will continue to do everything we can to promote our sports while following the guidelines of our local and state authorities with a focus on making sure that all of you remain healthy during these trying times,” Legg said.
