Although it said it will adhere to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ closure of Louisiana’s public schools for 30 days, the LHSAA stopped short of canceling the spring sports for member schools, according to a memo the organization distributed electronically Friday evening.
The remaining winter and spring athletic events will be postponed, including powerlifting, bowling and bass fishing state championships.
“The LHSAA Executive Committee will meet April 7-8 at its regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the LHSAA’s direction after the April 13 mandate by the Governor of Louisiana,” the memo said. “Scheduling and participating in practices during the mandated time period (from March 16th to April 13th) will be left to the discretion of the administration and/or LEA of the schools involved. We will continue to monitor the situation and we encourage each member school to consult with their local health department and medical professionals to help with these decisions.”
Basically, teams can continue to practice in order to remain in shape for the resumption of play, but cannot compete in games during the stated period.
The LHSAA acknowledged the situation with the Coronavirus is continually evolving.
“And events around the country are influencing what discretion can or cannot be given to administrators or LEA,” the memo said. “Please continue to review key planning considerations for events should you decide to allow regular season play this weekend and then after the April 13 mandate. If you plan to continue with regular schedule play through this weekend, please adhere to the Governor’s restrictions limiting crowd capacity.”
