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Following Tuesday’s extension of the state-wide school closure to April 24 by Gov. Bill Lee, the TSSAA on Wednesday reiterated its position on athletics.

“Consistent with the governor’s statement and in the interest of the health and safety of competitors, coaches, officials and spectators, we urge every member school – both public and independent – to continue to follow the governor’s recommendation and suspend interscholastic athletics until April 24,” the state’s governing body for high school sports said in a statement.

“This suspension should include games, scrimmages, practices and organized workouts and conditioning.”

TSSAA delays decision on state tournaments, keeps options open

Scheduling of regular-season games is left to the individual schools and school districts. The TSSAA added that it remains hopeful that the girls and boys state basketball tournaments, suspended earlier this month, can still be held once sports are allowed to resume. 

“It’s also the goal that member schools will be able to resume their spring sports schedules, although it will be with a limited time-frame and schedule, culminating with the postseason and ultimately Spring Fling,” the TSSAA said. 

At a board of control meeting last week, the TSSAA unanimously approved a motion to delay canceling the remainder of the sports calendar outright, opting instead to keep options open during the fluid situation caused by the ongoing COVID-19 health scare.