Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Executive Board will push the start of the winter sports season to Jan. 18 due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
The move was made to support efforts to mitigate coronavirus hospitalizations and “improve the opportunity for a winter sports season to occur,” the board said.
The board cited an increasing concern that 90% of the state’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds are full, with some projecting that figure could exceed 100% in upcoming weeks.
The delay affects basketball, soccer and wrestling for AIA-member schools in Maricopa.
Schools will be able to practice for 14 days prior to the start of competition after returning from winter breaks, the AIA said.
“Our focus continues to be on keeping students in school and on the playing field safely,” Joe Paddock, AIA associate executive director, said in a statement. “We believe this decision will help us preserve the winter sports season.”
The spring season is scheduled to start March 1.
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