UIL suspends all sports at least through March 31
[EDITOR’S NOTE:
At press time on Wednesday, there were rumors that the UIL had cancelled all athletic events for the remainder of the school year, but the News was not able to confirm that in time for this edition. If that proves to be the case, most of the facts in this story are obsolete.]
By Donnie A. Lucas
High school sports statewide have been suspended through March 29 by the University Interscholastic League as part of an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, meaning all practices and games are prohibited.
The Albany school board voted to keep the school closed two days longer through March 31 in an effort to allow the recommended 14-day isolation period to pass since many students and staff members traveled during spring break.
“As of now, everything is shut down for two weeks,” said athletic director Ryder Peacock. “UIL first said no games or contests, then they came back and added no practices, rehearsals, or meetings.”
Peacock that the ruling does not just affect athletics.
“This two-week window through March 31 for us locally includes everything, not just sports. So one act play, UIL academics, band – everything is included.”
Students will remain at home during the closure, while teachers will be working a portion of the day providing instruction through alternative means such as the internet.
The athletic director said that even if schools open back up in April, it will be difficult to attempt to salvage much for some of the sports programs for the rest of the school year.
“If we are able to open on April 1, we will still be at the mercy of other schools in our district as to whether we can get competitions in,” said Peacock.
He did say that if school reopened starting April 1, both the softball and baseball seasons could possibly be restarted.
“Baseball and softball would be able to play district games to determine and certify by the deadlines for the playoffs,” Peacock said. “However, any further postponement of the season by UIL or other schools in our district would effectively end the feasibility of completing the season.”
Peacock said that all track meets leading up to the district meet have been cancelled.
“There is already discussion by the two districts in our area to skip district meets and go straight to an area meet over a two-day period,” he said. “But that gets tricky too because so many of our kids at the 2A level are involved in multiple activities such as UIL academic events and One Act Play, which would also have to try to reschedule.”
He said that tennis and golf one-day district meets could still be possible as well.
“There is still a little light and possibly the end of the tunnel that this could work out, but it will mean fitting in a lot of activities in a very short period of time,” he said. “It will cause a considerable time crunch to get it all done by the district certification dates set by UIL.”
Peacock said that he doesn’t look for UIL to delay the certification dates because it would have a domino effect for the post-season.
“I think if we see any more delays that UIL will just shut it all down for this year,” he said.
The coach noted that athletes are able to work out or practice on their own, but cannot use school property or equipment, and players cannot be assisted by any of the school staff. A violation could result in disciplinary action by the UIL against the school district.
Peacock said that the city is also restricting use of city-owned facilities such as the softball field at Webb City Park, and the Little League Field or the Intermediate Field, both located on Griffin Road.
