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First it was California on April 4, then Texas on April 17 and, on Monday, April 20, 2020, Florida followed the unfortunate path of those other “Big 3” states in having high school spring sports cancelled for the rest of the 2019-2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Florida High School Sports Athletic Association (FHSAA) released a statement (below) stating the cancellation of “all FHSAA affiliated events, inclusive of the state series and all championship events, for spring sports.”
Also, it was specified that “no additional eligibility would be granted for spring sport athletes.”
The announcement means that for the first time in more than a century, the FHSAA will not hold year-end championships to designate state champions.
Florida’s spring sports consist of nine sports: baseball, boys’ volleyball, boys’ weightlifting, flag football, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track and field and water polo.
As was the case in several other states, the Florida high school governing body of athletics made the decision to pull the plug on the spring sports after Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Saturday that Florida’s public schools will be closed and stay online for the school year.
In softball, the news was unexpected but still hurts as Sunshine State teams have dominated the Extra Elite Eighty High School Rankings the last two years: Winter Springs High finished #1 in the final national rankings of 2019 and Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton) High was #1 this year in our last poll, published on March 20, 2020.
Coach T.J. Goelz of top-ranked Lakewood Ranch not only saw the season end for his team, he saw the All-American career of his senior daughter, Avery, a Florida signee, come to an early close.
“This has been heartbreaking, gut wrenching , all of the feelings you can imagine,” Coach Goelz told Extra Inning Softball. “I have worked with many of these players since they were 8-years-old!
We talked for years about having an incredible team in high school and we sure did.”
At third Florida team, Park Vista (Lake Worth) High was also in the Top 10 as of a month ago when the games were cancelled. In total, seven Florida high school teams were in the top 50.
Here is the complete release issued Monday by the FHSAA…
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FHSAA CORONAVIRUS Update – April 20, 2020
GAINESVILLE, FL– Following Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement mandating schools continue distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, it is with heavy hearts that the FHSAA has decided to cancel all FHSAA affiliated events, inclusive of the state series and all championship events, for spring sports. The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans is our top priority.
With the evolving threat of the CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19), we must ensure that we do not contribute to the spread of this illness. We are deeply saddened for our student-athletes who have seen their seasons and/or high school careers end so abruptly. Our Association knows the impact and role high school athletics play in the lives of so many and will continue to work towards the betterment of high school sports. We know this is a trying time, but the health and safety of all is of utmost importance to this Association.
Under the guidance of the Florida Department of Education regarding grade level retention, and upon review of the Florida Statutes and FHSAA Bylaws, no additional eligibility will be granted for spring sport athletes. For clarification regarding student-athlete eligibility, click here.
To all our senior student-athletes, we thank you for dedicating your time and efforts to your school, your coaches, and your teammates. Cherish the memories you have made and embrace all that the future holds for you. While we are saddened that you are unable to compete this season, we could not be prouder to have been represented by such hard-working individuals.
Our Association is eager to reconvene all sports in the 2020-21 school year. In the meantime, we strongly encourage everyone to continue adhering to the recommendations of the CDC and your local health departments during this hiatus. Please remember to practice social distancing, frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face. For the latest CDC updates, click here.