Minnesota State High School League Cancels Spring 2020 Sports Season

(KNSI) – In a move that comes as no shock to most, the Minnesota State High School League announced Thursday the cancellation of the 2020 spring sports season.

According to the declaration made by the League, they say, “Consistent with Executive Order 20-41 issued by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on April 23, 2020, to
extend the Distance Learning Period through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year the Minnesota
State High School League Board of Directors has declared that effective immediately:

• Minnesota State High School League spring athletics and fine arts have been cancelled for the
remainder of their seasons. This includes all participation in MSHSL events including, but not
limited to, practices, tryouts, scrimmages, contests and competitions as well as postseason
tournaments.

• With this cancellation, all athletics are out of season. The provisions of Bylaw 208—NonSchool Competition and Training are in effect.

At its meeting on Friday, April 24, 2020, the MSHSL Board of Directors will review related rules, policies
and bylaws that impact participation based on this cancellation. Additional information and guidance
for schools will be provided.

The cancellation applies to all forms of student participation in any League activity,
athletics and fine arts. The section and state tournaments for each of the League’s
spring activities are also cancelled. This cancellation applies to Adapted Bowling,
Adapted Softball, Badminton, Baseball, Clay Target, Golf, Lacrosse, Music, Robotics,
Softball, Speech, Synchronized Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Visual Arts.
League activities and athletics for the spring season have been suspended since March
15.

In the official press release, Board President Bonnie Spohn Schmaltz of Eden Valley-Watkins says, “As a parent of a high school senior, I understand the tremendous impact of this
pandemic. As a
speech coach, team members that I have coached since seventh grade won’t see their
final season culminating with the opportunity at the state tournament, including my
daughter. Knowing these costs, I’m proud of the sacrifices competitors and coaches
throughout the state are making to keep others safe.”