DETROIT – The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced on Wednesday that all remaining winter postseason tournaments will continue as scheduled but it is finalizing plans that would either prohibit or only allow limited spectators at events.
UPDATE: MHSAA suspends all winter tournaments due to coronavirus
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This decision was announced after Michigan officials confirmed two positive cases of coronavirus in the state. The two cases are in Oakland and Wayne counties.
On Wednesday, Whitmer urged “community mitigation strategies” in light of the confirmed cases, urging residents and businesses to avoid large gatherings. “This is to keep the most people we can, safe,” Whitmer said.
The MHSAA said that this weekend’s boy’s swimming and diving finals will be held as scheduled at Oakland University and the Holland Aquatic Center, but there will be no on-site spectators. The events will be streamed live online here.
According to the MHSAA, girls gymnastics team finals will take place on March 13 with spectators limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators only. Girls gymnastics individual finals will take place on March 14 with no onsite spectators allowed. Both events will be streamed live online here.
The MHSAA said boys ice hockey semifinals will take place on March 13-14, and finals will take place on March 15. For both dates, spectators are limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators only. All 12 games will be streamed live online here.
Girls basketball regional finals will be played on March 12, and boys basketball district finals will be played on March 13. For both events, attendance is limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators only, said MHSAA. There will be a live stream of some games here, which requires a subscription.
Spectator plans for the final two weeks of the Girls and Boys Basketball Tournaments will be provided by Monday.
Read the full MHSAA statement below:
The Michigan High School Athletic Association is planning to conduct all remaining winter postseason tournaments as scheduled. However, based on the recommendations from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this afternoon, the MHSAA is finalizing plans that will either prohibit or allow limited spectators through this Saturday’s events.This weekend’s Boys Swimming & Diving Finals will be held as scheduled at Oakland University and the Holland Aquatic Center, but will be conducted with no on-site spectators. All events at both Swim Final locations will be streamed live at MHSAA.tv. Specific plans and policies for spectators at this weekend’s Ice Hockey Semifinals & Finals, Girls Gymnastic Finals, Girls Regional Basketball and Boys District Basketball games will be provided by 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12. Spectator plans for the final two weeks of the Girls and Boys Basketball Tournaments will be provided by Monday, March 16.Executive Director Mark Uyl: “While this is unfortunate for many reasons, we intend to do everything possible to allow our students who have earned the opportunities to compete at these highest levels to do so. However, we also take seriously our responsibility to help slow the spread of this disease. We will continue to follow guidance from the Governor’s office, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, county health departments and our member schools, maintaining the flexibility necessary to allow us to finish this winter season and provide opportunities for lifetime memories to be made while keeping all involved in our events as safe as possible.”