How SC high schools are proceeding with spring sports amid coronavirus concerns
Spring sports for public schools in South Carolina will continue as scheduled — for now — the S.C. High School League announced Thursday.
No sports will be suspended or canceled because concerns related to coronavirus (COVID-19), the league decided Thursday. The state’s superintendents met Friday to discuss the matter and the SCHSL executive committee will meet Monday at 1 p.m. to make a decision on spring sports.
“The committee is weighing all aspects of the virus as well as school operations and extra-curricular activities to include athletics,” SCHSL commissioner Jerome Singleton said in a statement. “We are in regular contact with SCDHEC and SCHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee which is comprised of health and medical professionals from across the state.”
The S.C. Independent Schools Association announced Thursday that it has suspended spring sports from March 15 until April 3. Teams may practice during that time if they choose to do so.
“I am speaking daily with educational leaders on the COVID-19 and making the best, informed plans. SCISA will update the membership as information is made available,” SCISA athletics director Mike Fanning said. “The South Carolina Independent School Association places the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, parents, supports and officials first and foremost.”
Other states have put games or championships on hold. North Carolina announced it is suspending spring sports until April 6. Eleven states have canceled their postseason basketball tournaments while 15 others have postponed or suspended championships. Twelve other states will continue with basketball championships but limit fan attendance.
The Carolinas Classic All-Star basketball games set for March 28 in Wilmington was canceled. This game was to be held between all-stars from North and South Carolina. The SC Basketball Coaches North-South basketball games set for March 21 at Lexington High School also have been canceled.
The McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic national all-star basketball games were canceled. The GEICO Nationals, which were moved to Dorman High School in South Carolina, have been postponed indefinitely.
The Nike Palmetto Cup boys soccer tournament set for April 6-8 at Saluda Shoals also has been canceled.
The Palmetto State held its state basketball championships last weekend at Colonial Life Arena. and SCISA held its championships Feb. 29 in Sumter. The SCHSL has had to postpone fall sports activities before because of hurricanes, but this is believed to be the first major disruption in spring sports.
The news comes as the NCAA canceled all winter and spring sport championships, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and the College World Series, in response to the growing spread of the illness.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 5:28 PM.
