Chesapeake schools place sports on hold until Dec. 15

“It is on my mind ... I know cases are rising and everything is so unpredictable. In my mind, I’m thinking the season could stop any moment. I’m just going to enjoy the days that we have.”

— Arthur Kelly, Indian River girls basketball coach

Chesapeake Public Schools decided Monday to pause all high school sports practices until Dec. 15.

The pause is intended to provide an opportunity to review mitigation strategies and re-assess its plans, according to a release from the school district. The decision came after Chesapeake superintendent Jared Cotton reviewed recommendations from the School Health Advisory Board and asked a team of administrators and athletic directors to re-evaluate the district’s plans.

“We are all looking forward to the start of winter sports,” Chesapeake supervisor of student activities Kevin Cole said. “In order to proceed, we need to make sure we are creating the safest environment possible for all students and staff.”

Chesapeake is the fourth area school division to pause winter sports activities. Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Portsmouth postponed the start of the winter season before their first practices occurred on Monday. Virginia Beach has postponed activities until further notice. Norfolk and Portsmouth delayed the start of practices until Dec. 14. Williamsburg-James City County canceled winter sports last month.

Chesapeake’s decision comes two days after boys and girls basketball teams started practicing. Despite the excitement of starting practice, coaches and players were realistic about the possibility of spring sports stopping.

“It is on my mind,” Indian River girls basketball coach Arthur Kelly said on Monday. “I know cases are rising and everything is so unpredictable. In my mind, I’m thinking the season could stop at any moment. I’m just going to enjoy the days that we have.”

Suffolk, which is in the Southeastern District with Chesapeake, is the lone South Hampton Roads division still practicing. However, Suffolk will not play any games in December.

“At this time, athletic contests involving Suffolk Public Schools will be postponed until January,” Suffolk Public Schools community engagement officer Anthonette Ward said in an email. “However, practices and tryouts will continue as scheduled.”

Along with Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Portsmouth won’t start games until January. Schools in the Bay Rivers District won’t start the season until January and the basketball teams have reduced their schedule to 12 games. The Peninsula District won’t start its season until January 12 and cut their schedule to nine games.

Richie Babb, Chesapeake Public School supervisor of public relations, said the division hasn’t rearranged its winter sports schedule or reduced games, but those ideas will be considered during the pause.