Get on board with Extra Inning Softball’s regular feature, The Last Inning.
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at info@extrainningsoftball.com. You can also send items/story ideas to Carlos Arias via email at los.extrainningsoftball@gmail.com or via Twitter @Los_Stuff.
Here’s our TLI for Wednesday, Mar. 11 2020…
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COLLEGE SEASON CANCELLATIONS, POSTPONEMENTS & LIMITED ATTENDANCE
Today, March 11, 2020, may be the day we look back on and remember as the time when the 2020 college softball season (and maybe high school too) was thrown into chaos… and, in some cases, cancellations.
As we posted earlier today, the Ivy League has cancelled all spring sporting events–including softball–and many universities have announced that they will restrict attendance at their home softball games, UCLA and Stanford among them. (Texas was another that announced Wednesday)
Also this afternoon, Washington made a similar announcement which, in the short-term, will also impact Team USA as the Olympic squad is playing in Seattle on Thursday; now, those who wanted to see the U.S. team versus one of the best college teams in America won’t be able to.
Here’s the Washington release:
Washington Athletics Announces Modifications to Home Events
Following today’s actions by Washington Governor Jay Inslee to limit event crowd sizes to less than 250 people across King County until further notice during the evolving COVID-19 situation, the University of Washington athletic department has announced measures, including restricting spectators at home events, to adhere to this new policy. Our hearts go out to those impacted by COVID-19, and we and our student athletes understand the critical importance of protecting those most susceptible to the virus.
Effective immediately, attendance at all home athletic events will be restricted to competing student-athletes, coaches and essential working personnel only, which includes credentialed media members, until further notice. In addition, student-athletes’ families & recruits will be permitted to attend home events.
As of now, all scheduled games will proceed as planned in their previously announced location.
University of Washington athletics will continue to work with university leadership and take direction from local & state officials, including guidelines from King County, as this evolving situation progresses. Any updates moving forward will be available here. Thank you for your support and understanding.
We have heard that some conferences and schools are looking to postpone their softball seasons… this is obviously a breaking story and we’ll update as we have more information.
NCAA TO LIMIT ATTENDANCE AT ATHLETIC EVENTS
With March Madness approaching, NCAA president Mark Emmert announced plans to limit attendance at all live NCAA events because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Here is Emmert’s entire statement:
“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.”
“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”
*** To read the rest of today’s The Last Inning, scroll down below…
