UPDATED: Virus Leaves Void for Spring Athletes
NOTE: This story has been updated.
With classes cancelled at all area campuses for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19 virus containment efforts, athletes in spring sports have been forced to the sidelines outside of school hours, too.
In a letter to superintendents throughout the state on Thursday, the UIL issued new restrictions for public schools, extending its ban on practices or competitions for the foreseeable future. That includes access to any school equipment or facilities — everything is off-limits.
In its latest update, the UIL revealed May 4 is its target date for restarting competition, which would be preceded by an unspecified period for practices and workouts. UIL officials said they still intend to resume all spring sports and academic events in the near future and award championships, and that such plans would not necessarily require students to return to school full-time.
“We are working diligently on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended,” said UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt in a press release. “While the immediate future is unclear, we are committed to providing these much-desired activities to all Texas students and will prepare for all possible outcomes, including extended school closures.”
Meanwhile, the SPC and TAPPS have suspended all athletic contests through at least April 12. Both are exploring ways to eventually reschedule postponed games. As of now, the SPC spring championship meet is still slated to begin April 30 in Fort Worth.
In a webcast on Wednesday, TAPPS outlined various scenarios and contingency plans for holding championships in its spring sports, including the possibility of resuming competition as late as May 15 But no final decision has been made.
Pingback:UIL Modifies Plans (Again) As School Closures Continue | People Newspapers