By Jacob Glinski, Staff Writer
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) announced the cancellation of all spring sports on Tues. Apr. 21, after a virtual board meeting voted 10-1 in favor of a cancellation.
In their official statement, the WIAA outlined specifics of the next two months.
“Virtual spring sports coaching [may] continue until the final day of the 2020 season, which is the final day of the State Tournament for the respective sports,” according to an official WIAA statement made on Apr. 21.
In this statement, the WIAA, which oversees operations for all Wisconsin high school sports, stated it was within their power to “permit school teams that include the current year’s seniors to assemble and conduct practices and competitions for up to 30 days, provided restrictions on assembling in groups are removed, until the start of a student-athlete’s fall sport season,” which is an extension from the typical five day period following a scheduled season.
This 30 day contact period can start as early as July 1. No competition during this time will be WIAA endorsed.
“More information will follow the initial statements,” a WIAA spokesperson said after questions regarding this 30 day contact period were initially unanswered.
This announcement follows Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order, which extended the closure of schools for the rest of the school year, non-essential business operations until May 28, and the University of Wisconsin’s announcement to close its facilities for any upcoming events, made on Apr. 10. UW’s announcement initially affected the boys golf, softball, and boys tennis state tournaments held at the university.
For more information regarding the cancellation of spring sports, the 30 day contact period, and rules/regulations, please visit wiaawi.org or the WIAA social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@wiaawi), and Twitter (@wiaawi).