As part of the effort to contain the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the University Interscholastic League has suspended all sporting events starting March 16 until March 29. Practices may be held with approval from the school district. At this time, all athletic activities will resume on March 30, according to a UIL spokesperson.
“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” said UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.”
Schools are able to hold practices and rehearsals “at their own discretion,” the organization said in a press release.
RHS interim athletic director Jacob Campsey said, “Practices district wide at this time are suspended per the (district executive committee) DEC and will be re-evaluated as this is a fluid situation.”
He wants to let the public know that the high school track remains open to the public, but the tennis courts at the junior high school are closed to the public.
Coaches have been keeping in contact with athletes and students via social media.
“Most coaches have been posting on Twitter,” said Track and Field Coach Lewis Edmonson. “We’re getting through this whole thing together and we’re trying to reach out to kids on Twitter. It’s not as bad as it could be because of social media. We can get all the kids on there.”
RHS tennis player Devon Whitsel said he’s been texting with teammates and coaches. “All of us are being vigilant of the UIL guidelines and making sure we’re complying with them,” he said.
Campsey said, students are dealing with the situation well.
“I am still doing a lot of work knowing how fluid this thing is and not knowing how long it will last,” Campsey said. “I’m also getting to spend more time with my kids.
“I think the most challenging thing is just never having navigated anything like this,” he said. “I think our superintendent and assistant superintendent along with all our central office staff, administrators and administrative assistants have done an unbelievable job of navigating us through these uncharted waters.”
In Milano and Thorndale it’s the same.
“All Milano organized, coach led practices are shut down through this next week through at least March 22. At that time, we will evaluate the situation and make a decision whether to resume practice or continue the stoppage,” said Wendy King, MHS athletic director.
THS officials posted:
“This is not only about any potential cases in Thorndale or even Milam County but working to prevent the spread and flattening the curve of the virus to allow our healthcare system to deal with the problem without being overwhelmed like they have been in other countries around the world. Closing of school and other public activities are considered protective measures,” said officials. “According to health department officials, we are likely near the very beginning of this chart which means that our early decision to close schools and cancel events across the country could truly help us weather this situation.”
HIGH SCHOOLS–The University Interscholastic League has suspended all competition through March 29, effective March 16.
Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has suspended all competition through April 12.
Rockdale, Milano, Thorndale, Gause, Cameron and Buckholts ISDs will be suspending all athletic events until further notice.
• Practice Limitations: If practicing while schools is not in session, schools shall limit practice for UIL activities to a maximum of eight hours per school week per activity, in addition to a maximum of sixty minutes per day, (or 300 minutes per week on a block schedule), Monday through the end of the school day on Friday. NOTE: School practices (to include open gyms, open weight rooms, etc.) are up to the discretion of the local school district.
• Eligibility: If school is not in session for a full calendar week or more, all students are academically eligible.
• School Week Limitation: Once activities resume, UIL will allow for an exception to the school week
Limitation for varsity district contests in soccer, tennis, softball and baseball.
• DEC Responsibility: The DEC is responsible for determining all district schedules, meets, and tournaments dates, along with determining procedures for deciding post-season district representatives.
• This is a fluid situation and additional information will come should further changes take place. Please contact your DEC first if you have specific scheduling questions. The UIL athletic staff will also be readily available for contact at anytime.
• Junior high sports: Junior High sports are under the same restrictions as high school sports, but will not qualify for exceptions to the school week or calendar week limitation upon resumption of play.
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