INDIANAPOLIS (Network Indiana) — The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) had to cancel all spring sports last year because of the coronavirus. They are doing everything they can to make sure that doesn’t happen this year.
That impacts boys golf, girls tennis, boys and girls track, baseball, softball, and unified track.
“I would say ‘Get ready to watch your child because we’re going to play,” said Paul Niedig, commissioner of the IHSAA. “We’re going to have to continue to watch what’s going on nationally with the different strains of the virus and the positivity rate. I can’t tell you exactly what it’s going to look like, but I know we’re going to play.”
Niedig said the virus typically operates on a “two-week timeline” so both he and his staff will continue to monitor the pandemic on that timeline and make the best decision necessary with safety being the highest priority.
“We’re going to deal with the parameters that are facing us and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner to get to state championships in all of our spring sports,” said Niedig.
The IHSAA has been allowing limited fans to be in attendance and watch many fall and winter sports contests. Niedig believes coronavirus vaccines are a game-changer.
“As we move to more people receiving the vaccine later in the year, I am hoping to celebrate state championships with the maximum amount of attendance as we have in the past,” said Niedig.
With most spring sports happening outdoors instead of indoors, Niedig said that will make it easier to manage to virus protocols and allow more fans to be in attendance.
