Edict prompts school sports suspension

RITZVILLE — Local school officials have suspended athletics programs and activities until at least the end of next month.

The postponement followed an executive order issued Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee to slow the potential spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, also known as Wuhan flu or “WuFlu.”

The order called for closing all schools effective Tuesday, March 17. Schools are not allowed to reopen until at least Monday, April 27.

Lind-Ritzville school officials decided to cancel classes beginning Monday after hearing a broadcast from Inslee capping the number of people in a given location at 50.

The school closure affects classes, athletics, activities and clubs.

“School districts will be prohibited from providing in-person educational, recreational, and other K–12 school programs using their school buildings and facilities. (no practices, use of gym, weight room, etc.)

“All athletics, extracurricular, and building/facility use is suspended now through April 24, 2020,” Lind-Ritzville Athletic Director Greg Whitmore said, noting: “Coaches may provide workouts for athletes to do at home with the hopes of resuming practice after the closure.”

School buildings and athletic facilities including the gymnasium and weight room are closed to the public, he said.

Spring sports — baseball, softball, track and field, golf, tennis and others — may resume when schools reopen.

“As of now, the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) has not made any changes to the spring state tournaments,” Whitmore said.

“If athletics are allowed to resume following this current closure, our league and district will be looking at ways to provide opportunities for our student-athletes and teams.”