WIAA delays decision on spring sports seasons

The Stratford baseball team hoists the gold trophy after winning the Division 3 championship at the 2019 WIAA State Spring Baseball Tournament in Appleton last June. On Thursday, the WIAA announced it will postpone a decision on the fate of the spring sports seasons amid COVID-19 concerns. (Photo by Paul Lecker/MarshfieldAreaSports.com)

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MarshfieldAreaSports.com

STEVENS POINT – At a special meeting on Thursday, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Board of Control announced that is delaying a decision on the continuation or cancelation of the 2020 spring sports season and tournaments.

In a press release Thursday, the WIAA stated: “Given the directives of Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Health Services, and after lengthy discussion, the Board decided to postpone any decision to cancel the spring sports seasons and the spring State Tournament Series until a later date. This position is consistent with the current state and local guidelines, as well as advice from the Sports Medical Advisory Committee. A clearer position may unfold as developments arise and new information becomes available. The WIAA will continue to follow the directives and guidance of state health and governmental officials pertaining to the outbreak.”

The WIAA Board also announced that it has canceled its annual meeting, which was scheduled for April 22, with different agenda items either being postponed to the 2020 fall meeting or 2021 spring meeting.

The WIAA Board received updates on the COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Kevin Walker, the Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, associate professor at Wisconsin Medical College, and the chair of the Sports Medical Advisory Committee. Mike Thompson of the Department of Public Instruction, and Marshfield High School Athletic Director Nathan DeLany, who was representing the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association also provided reports.

Under a directive from Governor Evers late last week, all public and private schools in Wisconsin were to be closed until April 5. That since has been changed to indefinite, leaving the possibility that schools may not be in session for some time, and in turn, putting the spring sports season in jeopardy.