UIL extends suspension through May 3
By Donnie A. Lucas
The University Interscholastic League has extended the current suspension of all UIL sanctioned activities, including both academic and athletic events, through May 3 due to concerns over the coronavirus.
The organization first enacted a suspension through March 29, but that was expanded to May 3 and might be extended again if schools do not reopen due to the virus spreading in Texas.
The suspension includes all contests, rehearsals, practices, and workouts until further notice.
“It is all up in the air still,” athletic director Ryder Peacock said. “We think that the UIL has a contingency plan if activities are able to resume in early May, but I am afraid that any further delays will result in them having to cancel everything for the rest of the school year.”
Peacock said he feels that the UIL will go straight to district tournaments or cutting the number of district contests down to one round rather than the usual two games per school.
“They probably will reduce the number of teams or athletes advancing to reduce the number of playoff rounds,” he said. “Where it is four teams per district now, we think they will probably cut that to two teams per district.”
Sports such as golf and tennis would probably be reduced to one-day district tournaments, he said. Also, skipping directly to the area round in track, eliminating the district meet, has been discussed.
“UIL has told us not to plan any district contests until a plan is announced,” Peacock said. “They have indicated that they would allow a week or two acclimation period to allow competitors to practice, but if we have any more delays I think it will all change. We just don’t know anything for sure at this point, but they are trying to figure out a way for everyone to salvage at least a part of the season.”
All other UIL activities are also in limbo at the moment, including one-act play, UIL academics, and band.
In the announcement made by UIL last Friday, executive director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said that the organization is still working to come up with various plans.
“We are working diligently on plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that has been suspended,” he said. “We are committed to providing these much-desired activities to all Texas students and will prepare for all possible outcomes, including extended school closures.”
