HONOLULU — The 2020 Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association spring sports calendar has been canceled, announced the HHSAA Friday in Honolulu.
Following consultation with state leaders, the HHSAA and its member leagues that include the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, made the decision to cancel the remainder of the 2020 spring interscholastic sports season due to the ongoing COVID-19 public-health threat.
“This decision to cancel the remainder of the spring season was extremely difficult for all involved considering the impact it will have on our students, parents, coaches and administrators throughout the state,” said HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun.
The decision cancels KIF play in baseball, golf, softball, tennis, track and field and boys volleyball.
The decision also impacts spring practice for football, as earlier announcements put a moratorium on interscholastic practices and competition for up to 12,500 student-athletes in Hawai‘i.
“I would like to commend our leadership team from our five leagues in working together, thinking outside the box, in the face of an unprecedented crisis,” Chun said.
“Collectively, we have always planned for many different scenarios, from security threats to medical emergencies to natural disasters. In this case, the HHSAA and its member leagues used that same spirit and planning by expressing a willingness to discuss and explore every scenario and option possible to save the spring season,” said Chun.
Chun said the health and safety of the student-athletes and the community are the top priorities for the HHSAA and its member leagues that also include the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, the Maui Interscholastic League and Oahu Interscholastic Association.
The decision to cancel the spring season and practices was based on state and county mandates, the closure of facilities, and best health practices set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state Department of Health.
“We will continue to build upon the progress made in anticipation for the long-awaited return to sports,” Chun said.
“To our seniors, we thank you for the positive contributions you made on your teams, schools and communities. While this worldwide event has caused you to grow up faster than planned, you all have very bright futures ahead,” said Chun.
“We hope the lessons learned while participating in education-based athletics, along with friendships and memories made, will make a lasting impression.”
