The Ohio High School Athletic Association has canceled the Spring 2020 sports season, as schools across the state will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
OHSAA executive director Jerry Snodgrass informed member schools on April 20 of the suspension of season following Ohio Govenor Mike DeWine's news conference announcing the extension of his executive order that originally closed schools on March 16.
This includes all games and practices for baseball, softball, boys tennis, track & field and lacrosse.
"For weeks, the OHSAA has communicated with schools that spring sports would be canceled if school facilities were closed," the organization said in a statement.
Additionally, the OHSAA's mandatory no-contact period for all sports is extended to at least May 3. Coaches and administrators are encouraged to keep non-mandatory electronic and online communication with their student-athletes.
OHSAA officials say they have also turned attention to Fall 2020, and the potential impact of longer shutdowns could have on student-athletes into next school year; namely, the possibility of getting annual sports physicals, the lack of peak physical activity rolling over for multi-sport athletes.
"We are relying on the advice of the experts in our decision-making," Snodgrass said in the statement. "The OHSAA will continue to communicate throughout the spring and summer regarding any adjustments to OHSAA off-season regulations, academic eligibility standards, sports medicine updates and more."
The OHSAA Scholar Athlete Program was also canceled this year, due to no spring sports and a shortened winter sports season. The OHSAA will reach out to student-athletes statewide who submitted applications for the scholarships.