The University Interscholastic League, the state’s governing body for high school athletics, has extended its suspension of activities.
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The University Interscholastic League, the state’s governing body for high school athletics, has extended its suspension of activities because of precautions for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Initially, athletic competition was suspended March 16-29, but early Thursday afternoon the UIL announced it was extending that timeframe. The earliest games may resume is May 4.
UIL athletic director Susan Elza emphasized in a letter to district superintendents that the UIL is committed to completing all competitive seasons that have not yet been completed at this point. That would include soccer, golf, tennis, baseball, softball and track and field.
In the letter, Elza added: “While the immediate future is unclear, we will continue to develop contingency plans and prepare for all possible outcomes, including extended school closures. We have previously communicated that all UIL activities are suspended until March 30th. Given information related to school closures available at this time, we are extending that timeframe. UIL games and contests will resume no earlier than Monday, May 4th. Prior to that date, to allow students and schools to reenter competition, UIL will provide a reasonable acclimatization period for rehearsals and practices to occur, consistent with the advice of local, state and federal officials. We will reevaluate the beginning dates for practices and rehearsals as we receive more information about schools resuming.”
The extension of the UIL’s suspension primarily affects the soccer season. District certification had been rescheduled to take place April 11, with the playoffs tentatively slated to start April 14.
The state soccer tournament was tentatively scheduled to take place April 29-May 2.
“We will be as flexible as possible to help you complete district competitions,” Elza’s letter stated, “and provide your students with all of the benefits that come from competition.”