School activities canceled through June

INDIANAPOLIS — The IHSAA on Wednesday announced all school-sponsored athletic events have been suspended through the end of June.

The organization also gave an update on the beginning of summer activities.

Jennifer McCormick, state superintendent of public instruction, recently clarified the order to close schools will end June 30, which is traditionally the end of the academic school year.

“In light of this directive, the Indiana High School Athletic Association is hereby suspending any school sponsored athletic events through July 30,” the organization said in a release. “School sponsored activities are any school authorized activities directed, observed or instructed by the school’s coaching staff regardless of the location.”

With the state of Indiana set to open in phases over the course of the next two months, the IHSAA also announced Wednesday school-sponsored activities may resume July 1.

Since July 1 typically falls within the IHSAA’s mandated moratorium week — Rule 15-3.4 states it is observed on the Monday through Sunday which includes July 4 — summer activities would not be able to begin until July 6 this year.

The IHSAA, though, will allow summer activities to resume on July 1 this year.

“In light of the amount of time students have been restricted from school and contact with their teammates and coaches, the Association is hereby waiving Rule 15-3.4 for the year 2020,” the statement said. “Therefore; contact with students under the provisions of Rule 15-3 may occur beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, and continue through Saturday of Week 4 of the IHSAA calendar which is Aug. 1.”

On April 2, McCormick announced schools will not reopen for the remainder of the school year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Later that day, the IHSAA canceled the spring sports season.