UIL extends postponement of high school sanctioned events

Sports Editor’s note: With constant changes happening keep up with information on the UIL website at www.uiltexas.org.

As of Monday, Mar. 16, the UIL announced it is suspending all contests, rehearsals, practices and workouts through Mar. 29 due to the coronavirus.

When the UIL originally suspended sanctioned events, it said practices would be left to the discretion of school districts. That is no longer possible with the UIL’s latest update.

The UIL also addressed spring football in its statement.

“At this time all practices and workouts conducted outside the school day, as well as spring football, are postponed until March 29:’ the UIL said in a release. “During this time, a school shall not conduct practices or use school facilities or equipment. This means that no practices or workouts outside the school day can be conducted during the time period of Mar. 16 through Mar. 29. School practices include open gyms, open facilities, and open weight rooms. All athletic facilities should remain closed until further notice for both non-school and school activities. In the case that spring football is canceled altogether, football workouts would resume on Aug. 3, and teams would be able to add an additional scrimmage:’

The University Interscholastic League announced the decision to suspend all sanctioned events from March 16-29, following suit with decisions made by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) and the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC).

“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy:’ UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said in a prepared statement. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible:’

The UIL called the response to coronavirus a “fluid situation” and said it will “continue to follow the direction of state and local officials to monitor this situation and will make additional announcements as needed:’

The UIL has already suspended the boys’ basketball tournament in San Antonio.

“This was a very, very painful decision for us. Unfortunately, we reached a point where we felt suspending the tournament was best for all involved. It has escalated at a pace that is just different than any of us have experienced:’ UIL deputy executive director Harrison said.

“We realize making this decision and the decision we made prior to limit the number of fans in the building, was not the most convenient for the communities here supporting these teams. But we felt like it was the best we could do to do our part to help keep our great state healthy:’

The UIL has yet to set a date for the rescheduling of the state tournament.

The UIL announced new dates for a number of events, though TAPPS and SPC haven’t yet announced new plans.

Note: No changes were announced to upcoming baseball, softball and track and field dates. Unless specified, all original dates remain. Check for new updates on the UIL website.