TSSAA has released the following statement as it continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic:
“On Monday March 16, Governor Lee released the following statement:
As the response to COVID-19 evolves, I urge every school district in Tennessee to close as soon as practically possible, with all schools expected to close by Friday, March 20, 2020 at the latest.
Schools should remain closed through March 31, 2020 to further mitigate the spread of this infectious disease and we will issue further guidance prior to March 31. Superintendents and local leadership have the full support of my administration to determine effective dates for closure this week as they evaluate what is best for families within their respective districts. We understand the tremendous burden school closure places on families and we will continue to work with both the federal government and school districts to ensure we continue essential supports like meals for students in need. Every Tennessean has a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I urge Tennesseans to be quick to help neighbors as new needs surface with the closure of schools.
We have checked with the Governor’s office and have confirmed that his statement applies to all school-related activities including athletics.
TSSAA does not regulate the scheduling of regular season games or practices. However, 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 follow the Governor’s recommendation and suspend interscholastic athletics through March 31, 2020. This suspension should include games, scrimmages, practices, and organized workouts or conditioning.
We will continue to follow developments related to this public health concern as they evolve and will send out additional notices of any further actions or recommendations related to interscholastic athletics.”