OSAA Extends Spring Suspension Through April 28

The Oregon School Activities Association extended the suspension of interscholastic practices and contests for sports and activities for all member schools through April 28. The OSAA decision came Thursday following Governor Kate Brown’s announcement Tuesday extending statewide school closures. The OSAA executive board also cancelled the state speech and solo music championships. During this suspension there will be no high school facility usage by activity/athletic staff and students/teams. This affects baseball, softball, golf, track & field, tennis and lacrosse. It also affects band, orchestra, choir, solo music and speech activities. The suspension period also applies to off-season fall and winter activities so all OSAA sports and activities fall under the guidance. There will be no practice or gatherings for any OSAA sports or activities. “As parents and former participants, the Executive Board and staff share in the disappointment of students, schools and communities regarding the cancellation of these state championships,” said Peter Weber, OSAA Executive Director. "We all remain committed to the health and safety of students throughout Oregon during this evolving public health emergency.” The OSAA Executive Board has committed to meeting on April 1, and again on April 15, to re-evaluate the suspension of Spring activities and sports, along with the remaining Spring State Championships. This will allow the Board to review any updated guidelines and directives in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the Oregon Health Authority, the Oregon Department of Education, the OSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and member school administrators from throughout the state as this situation continues to evolve. The OSAA Track and Field State Championships, originally scheduled to be held at the University of Oregon, will be split out and moved to different venues due to construction timelines for the completion of Hayward Field. New arrangements have the 6A, 5A, 4A events being held at Mt. Hood Community College and the 3A, 2A, 1A events at Western Oregon University, both on May 29-30.