The high school spring sports season in Idaho officially ended Friday morning when the Idaho High School Activities Association announced the cancelation of the remainder of the spring sports season, including the upcoming scheduled state tournaments.

“As the COVID-19 situation continued to involve, it became apparent that these state events could not be held safely and still follow the parameters set by the governor, SBOE and the IHSAA,” the IHSAA said in a statement.

The Idaho State Board of Education recently announced a “soft closure” of schools for the remainder of the school year, though it left the option to reopen to individual school districts. A few school districts elsewhere in the state opted to officially close for the school year.

Earlier this week, Governor Brad Little extended his stay-home order through April 30.

Spring sports in Idaho had been suspended since mid-March by the IHSAA due to the coronavirus pandemic. Until Friday, the IHSAA had held out hope of returning to play in a shortened season — even perhaps extending the season into the summer.

Only a handful of sporting events had been contested by North Idaho teams prior to last month’s suspension of play. Many teams had yet to play their season openers.

The complete IHSAA statement reads as follows:

It is with sadness and regret that the Idaho High School Activities Association Board of Directors announces that all spring sport and activity seasons and all state tournaments are cancelled. This decision was based on guidelines established by Governor Little, the Idaho State Board of Education, as well as feedback from schools and districts throughout the state.

As the COVID-19 situation continued to evolve, it became apparent that these state events could not be held safely and still follow the parameters set by the governor, SBOE and the IHSAA. Our Board of Directors and office staff recognize the importance of participation in education - based activities. We empathize with the students, schools and communities that this decision impacts. The IHSAA also understands the disappointment that this will have on our student participants, especially the seniors who were looking forward to a final culminating event.

Current Idaho High School Activities Association policies, based on SBOE soft closure and current IHSAA rules, prohibit the use of school facilities and coaches from organizing or directing team workouts and practices remain in effect until May 18th. The IHSAA Board of Directors will continue to have conversations regarding the fall no contact period and eligibility concerns that have been raised by member schools over the past few weeks.

The IHSAA Board’s highest priority will always be ensuring the health and safety of our student participants, schools and patrons. Situations like these will allow students to use the life lessons learned in education - based activities to cope with the adversity as well as they possibly can. We look forward to getting together and playing when the time is right and it can be done safely.