With the Governor's announcement of school closure for the remainder of the school year, all remaining TSSAA events for 2019-20, including all spring sports and the postponed BlueCross Basketball Championships, are cancelled.
The TSSAA notified coaches of the decision Wednesday after the governor's announcement.
TSSAA Executive Director Bernard Childress said, "This is an unprecedented time across our state and country, and we do not make this decision lightly. We thank all of the participants, their coaches, administrators, parents, and everyone else who has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, passion, and effort to high school athletics, especially these affected events."
Childress added "To our senior participants - we thank you for everything you have done for your schools and communities and wish you the very best in your bright futures. This is difficult, but the lessons you've learned and friendships you've made through high school activities will last your lifetime. We look forward to the resumption of high school athletics during the 2020-21 school year, and will continue work on those events at this time. The TSSAA thanks everyone involved for their patience and understanding throughout this process."
It's the first time in 100-years there has been no boys state basketball tournament, the first in 63-years for girls basketball and the only time Spring Fling hasn't been held. It began back in 1993.
Information will be given to member schools regarding summer athletic activities in regards to the sports calendar at a date in the near future.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED
The TSSAA's Board of Control voted to "suspend" the state basketball tournaments for at least eight weeks while Tennessee is in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. They're also still hopeful spring sports postseason competition can still happen.
The board met with TSSAA staff Tuesday.
This means there is an effort to still play the TSSAA state basketball tournaments, but they will follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines on gatherings. Right now, the CDC says no gatherings over 10 for the next eight weeks. That would push any possible state tournament resumption to May.
Executive Director Bernard Childress wanted to assure everyone that they're working to save the basketball postseason. He did add there may be a time in the future where it won't be possible.
Childress added they're still hopeful to be able to hold spring sports postseason this year, even if its in June. This drew praise from Stewarts Creek baseball on Twitter.
"Great to hear @tssaa will "leave no stone unturned" to find a way to finish our season if at all possible going forward during TSSAA Board of Control meeting today. Fingers crossed, rally caps on!!"
The board also unanimously passed to leave regular season play up to the discretion of local schools, boards of education, coaches and their administrations. With spring sports in their regular season, that would mean local school systems would make the decision on whether or not they will be allowed to play.
