AIA cancels winter sports season, citing COVID-19 hospitalizations

The Arizona Interscholastic Association on Friday canceled the winter sports season, noting the state has the highest rate of coronavirus hospitalizations in the nation.

After considering a recommendation from its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, the AIA executive board voted, 5-4, in special session to cancel the athletic season.

According to AIA, the committee had recommended consideration of hospital capacity as an important factor in deciding the fate of the winter season. With 93% of all Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and 92% of all inpatient beds statewide in use this week, there was concern that injured students may be unable to receive care due to a lack of hospital beds or available medical professionals, the association said.

“Unfortunately, it is expected that the state will see a continued rise in Covid-19 hospitalizations for some time. As medical professionals, we cannot in good conscience recommend that students engage in a winter season under the current conditions,” SMAC Committee Chair Dr. Kristina Wilson said in a statement from AIA.

“We do not see the situation improving very quickly,” said Executive Board President Toni Corona. “Unfortunately, it does not appear that there will be adequate time before the start of the spring season for a winter season to occur.”

“While we understand the Board’s position, we are saddened by this decision, especially considering that Club sports are continuing,” said AIA Executive Director David Hines. “To the best of our knowledge, never in our 100-plus-year history has the AIA canceled an entire season. We want nothing more than for our students to be active in school and participating in interscholastic sports and activities. It is my sincerest hope that all Arizonans will follow the CDC and Arizona Health guidelines by wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and practicing social distance to decrease cases and hospitalizations. If for no other reason, I hope we can do it for the kids.”

Spring sports, scheduled to begin March 1, will be dependent upon improvement of statewide metrics and further evaluation by SMAC and the Executive Board. The Board is composed of representatives of the member schools and statewide educational organizations.