The Virginia High School League decided in a conference call on March 24 to delay a decision on the spring season.

VHSL gathered with its crisis management team to determine the fate of the spring season for the 2019-2020 school year. On March 23, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that all schools in Virginia will be closed for rest of the academic year.

“The VHSL held a conference call Tuesday morning with its VHSL Crisis Management team to discuss all options relating to spring sports and academic activities after the current academic year ends and into the summer,” a statement from VHSL read. “The VHSL Crisis Management team unanimously recommended to delay any final action until May.”

While the traditional spring season has been canceled, VHSL staff is holding out hope that some form of summer competition may be able to be salvaged.

“While we recognize the importance sports has on our students and communities, the COVID-19 threat is real and people need to follow all the regulations and recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and the governor. We must make that our No. 1 priority,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun. “The Crisis Management team overwhelmingly felt a decision on an extension to the spring sports season should be put on hold until May. Any options for the spring sports season will require that COVID-19 is no longer a threat and poses no health risks to our student-athletes or the public.

“This is extremely serious, and a lot has to happen before May for us to extend the season. In every situation, every decision we make has been and will be made in the best interest of our student-athletes and public safety.”