HOUSTON - The University Interscholastic League has pushed a potential return to high school sports being played even farther back.
On Thursday, the UIL announced it would extend its suspension of all UIL-sanctioned activities back to May 4. Previously, the suspension of activities only went until March 30.
"We are working diligently on contingency plans to conduct state championships in each of the activities that have been suspended," said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt in a press release. "While the immediate future is unclear, we are committed to providing these much-desired activities to all Texas students and will prepare for all possible outcomes, including extended school closures."
A letter from the UIL was sent to all superintendents on Thursday morning announcing they would indeed be pushing the return date back. According to the UIL press release, prior to the return date, they will allow schools a "reasonable acclimatization period" for practices to occur.
"Our goal is to prepare comprehensive communication that will guide and direct schools in correlation with local District Executive Committees on how to proceed with contests," UIL Athletic Director Dr. Susan Elza wrote on the UIL website. "Please keep in mind, due to reduced calendar dates, there will be modifications in qualifying structures and timelines for district and post season events.
"The athletic staff is working diligently to confirm regional and state facility availability."
As for the spring state championships. Boys basketball still remains to be played, soccer was pushed back April 29-May 2, while the other state tournaments and meets remained as originally scheduled.
The UIL has not released a revised schedule of state championship events since the newest news of a May 4 start date.