Last night it was announced that the Salem-Keizer school district, along with all other public school districts from around the state, will be closing down schools and as a result cancelling spring sports and practices for a period of time due to developments regarding COVID-19. This shut down will be taken into effect Monday, March 16 and is currently expected to last until Wednesday, April 1, however this date is fluid and is subject to change. In addition to Spring Sports, OSAA has canceled the remainder of its boys and girls state basketball tournament, effectively ending South Salem’s seasons.
These cancellations come amid numerous pro and collegiate sport teams, leagues, and organizations cancelling or delaying fall and winter athletic activities. Among these include: the NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, and Winter and Spring NCAA Championships.
An interesting facet to the story is the NCAA’s announcement that D-1 athletes playing spring sports will granted an extra year an eligibility due to the complicated circumstances. In an official statement the NCAA said,
“Council leadership agreed that eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports. Details of eligibility relief will be finalized at a later time. Additional issues with the NCAA rules must be addressed, and appropriate governance bodies will work through those in the coming days and weeks.”
It is important to understand that all details and dates regarding this situation are subject to change. Expect to see more updates here, on the clypian website, and on the clypian social media page in regards to COVID-19.
