NSAA extends suspension of sports, activities to May 1

Along with most school districts, the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) has also lengthened its suspension of sports and other activities four more weeks. 

All NSAA activity practices and competitions are now suspended through May 1. These suspensions may be extended should conditions warrant, according to Jay Bellar, NSAA Executive Director.

Initially, the NSAA had stopped all activities through April 2 as the spring sports season was just getting started, and students in organizations were gearing up for state conferences and conventions.

At CCS, Troy Hauxwell would certainly like to be able to see into the future.

As the school’s Activities Director and high school head girls’ track coach, there are a lot of unknowns.

“No one knows what’s ahead,” he said.

With COVID-19 deaths now reported in Nebraska, “things don’t look good” for the spring sports/activity seasons, he said.

As track coach, it’s looking more and more like the season-that-could-have-been.

He said NSAA officials have talked about extending some competitions into summer, but those decisions need to be made now for planning.

Instead of a state track meet, western, central and eastern regional meets have been discussed, he noted, but facilities would have to be reserved, staffing set, and all the other details.

With so much uncertainty ahead, that would be difficult, he noted.

“I just feel really bad for the seniors and all the kids really,” he said.

He said as a coach for 23 years he’s never seen anything like this.

While it’s not a good situation looking ahead, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” he said, for some events after May 1.

According to NSAA officials, member schools and student-participants are expected to adhere to the NSAA Constitution & Bylaws and activity manuals during this time, and to the suspension until May 1.

As stated on its website, the NSAA encourages all member schools to follow CDC, local, state and federal health department recommendations.

As more information becomes available, official updates will be posted on the NSAA website at nsaahome.org and the NSAA social media platforms.