SALT LAKE CITY — Six days ago the UHSAA canceled the remainder of the high school spring sports season after Gov. Gary Herbert announced schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year.
On Monday, the two parties met to discuss the viability of resuming spring sports despite school closures. The UHSAA released the following statement to the Deseret News about the conversation.
“Representatives of the UHSAA had a productive conversation with the Governor and staff regarding the public health challenges and the safety risks associated with any resumption of spring high school activities during the COVID-19 crisis,” read the statement.
No word on if additional meetings are scheduled.
Last week the UHSAA released the following statement as it announced the cancelation of spring sports, and that stance doesn’t appear to have changed after Monday’s meeting.
“The UHSAA Board of Trustees (Board) promotes the benefits of participating in education-based high school activities and recognizes the overwhelming disappointment this decision is for the students and athletes, especially seniors,” the statement read. “The Board’s highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of the students, schools and communities during this challenging time and looks forward to the day when students are again participating in education-based activities. The Board will meet in the coming weeks to address any concerns that arise with member schools from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The UHSAA suspended the seven different spring sports back on March 16, a suspension that was scheduled to last until at least May 1. It is now a permanent suspension.
With boys and girls lacrosse becoming an official sanctioned UHSAA sport his spring, a total of 42 state championships were expected to be given away next month in baseball, boys soccer, softball, boys and girls track, boys and girls lacrosse, girls golf and boys tennis.
The UHSAA said it’s too early to tell if fall sports will be affected by COVID-19.