All UIL sports, contests suspended due to COVID-19

AUSTIN – To support the health and safety of Texas students and communities, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is suspending all UIL sanctioned contests due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Texas.

Effective Monday, March 16, all UIL interscholastic competitions are suspended through Sunday, March 29.

“We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time.

“Please know that UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.”

UIL officials said they will continue to follow the direction of state and local officials as they monitor the situation and will make additional announcements as needed.

Rehearsals and practices may be held at the discretion of the local school district.

RISD Superintendent Grey Burton reported extracurricular activities including practice, contests and other events are suspended.

“All extra curricular activities are cancelled until March 29,” RISD Athletic Director Thomas Sitton said. “District track is scheduled for March 31 and April 2 -- don’t know if that is going to hold up either though. We will see.”

Effective Saturday, March 14, all Jacksonville High School extracurricular activities have been canceled until further notice.

“We will continue to update you,” JHS Principal Ben Peacock posted on the district’s Facebook page. “Please keep an eye on the JISD website and Facebook pages for details.

“As always, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. Thank you for your support during this very challenging time. We appreciate all that you do for our students and our school.”

Alto ISD also canceled all school events, including all practices, rehearsals and games.

“Effective immediately, all district facilities will be closed and will not be available for use during the district-wide closure,” district officials share on the AISD Facebook page. “As soon as decisions are made for coming weeks, we will announce through our district website, our district Facebook page, and our automated phone system.”

New Summerfield ISD officials also opted to cancel school events.

“This includes all practices, rehearsals, games and other events,” NSISD Assistant Superintendent of Schools Craig Wilcox stated in a Facebook post. “I realize that this is a difficult time for many. As a school district, our priority will always be the safety and security of our students, staff, and community as a whole.

“This is an unprecedented situation for all school districts throughout the state, and these decisions are not taken lightly. Again, I ask for patience and understanding during this time. We will post regular updates on our school website and social media accounts as available.”

Wells ISD also canceled extracurricular events indefinately.

“The goals of of numerous school districts is to help curb the spread of the virus,” interim Superintendent Dale Morton stated in a letter published on the WISD website. “We ask that our Pirate families be responsible with their own health and respectful of the health of others.”