No UIL sports until when? League extends suspension from ongoing coronavirus outbreak
The University Interscholastic League is extending its suspension of all UIL sanctioned activities due to the coronavirus outbreak. The earliest contests and games could return is May 4.
All practices, rehearsals and workouts are suspended until further notice.
High school athletics in-season include soccer, softball, baseball, track, golf, tennis and powerlifting.
In a press release, the UIL stated it “will allow its member schools a reasonable acclimatization period for rehearsals and practices to occur. All decisions remain flexible and will be consistent with the advice of local, state and federal officials.”
“We are working diligently on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “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.”
The UIL suspended the boys basketball state tournament on March 12 after four games before announcing its original suspension of all competition until at least March 29.
UIL Deputy Director Dr. Jamey Harrison stated on March 12 that “it’s our goal to complete this tournament [boys basketball] at some point in the future. It’s our intention to complete our other state championships.”
Soccer playoffs take on the biggest hit. The UIL had a tentative playoff schedule that saw the postseason begin April 14 and the state tournament in Georgetown end on May 2.
“We’ve worked hard on and off the field these last four years that any recognition taken away is going to be absolutely heartbreaking,” said Boswell senior soccer player McKenna Leveling.
According the UIL website, the softball playoffs were to begin on May 2 with baseball a week behind.
Soccer was in its final two weeks of the regular season prior to the suspension. Softball and baseball seasons were just starting district play.
“Everyone understands the severity of the situation and we’re taking precautions, but it’s still hard to stomach,” said Little Elm senior softball player Lauren Lucas.
Other affected events include regional golf (April 20-23), regional track (April 24-25) and regional tennis (April 27-28) while the powerlifting and boys basketball state tournaments continue to be pushed back.
High school spring football and 7-on-7 are in jeopardy as well.
The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) and Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) also altered their competition schedules for the next two to three weeks, at least.
Fort Worth area school districts continue to be closed. Some have already pushed back possible school re-openings.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 2:23 PM.
