PIAA SUSPENDS STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS, POSTPONES CLASS AA SWIMMING & DIVING MEET FOR MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS (2020-03-12)

Valley Sports Report
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has announced the postponement of Class AA Swimming & Diving Championships at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, and the suspension of the boys and girls basketball state playoffs for a minimum of two weeks due to concerns over the coronavirus.

According to a PIAA press release on its Web site:

"The Board  of  Directors, in consultation with various health departments, believes this action is in the best interest of our member schools, their student-athletes, sports officials and the general public.

"PIAA, by  enforcing a two–week hiatus from our basketball and AA swimming championships, believes this action  will allow schools time to perform self-assessments and make decisions to promote optimal health conditions in their communities.

According to PIAA  Executive Director, Dr. Robert  A.  Lombardi, "The  Board  of  Directors is committed to promoting an environment of healthy athletic competition that is consistent with current health department and the Center for the Disease Control guidelines.

The PIAA press release went on to say: "Modifications  to  the  tournaments will include limiting team  and spectator parties, health re-certification by authorized medical professionals and changes to   game-day procedures. Additional direction to competing schools will be provided over the coming days in consultation with school administrators, local, state health and governmental authorities."

The PIAA Sports Medicine Committee will be meeting this weekend for further discussion.