CIF delays decision on spring sports

California Interscholastic Federation officials were not ready to cancel their spring sports championships after discussing the matter with the governing body’s 10 section commissioners Tuesday.

They plan to revisit the topic next month.

“While the time may come when we have to cancel post-season events, today is not that day,” CIF executive director Ron Nocetti said in a statement.

The CIF meeting was part of a regularly scheduled two-day conference with the commissioners. The spring sports schedule was the first item on the agenda.

“In anticipation of further guidance and directives issued by federal, state and local government agencies regarding COVID-19, the CIF has not determined the future of spring sports events at this time and intends to reconvene with the 10 Section Commissioners on April 3 to revisit this issue,” Nocetti added.

“Pending that time, Sections will continue to confer with their local leadership and the State CIF will continue to monitor any directives and recommendations issued from the above entities. The CIF will continue to work with our schools and school districts with the health and well-being of student-athletes and school communities as our priority.”

The CIF spring championships are among the busiest of the school year.

The state swim meet is scheduled to be held on May 15-16 in Clovis. Two weeks later, also in Clovis, the CIF is scheduled to hold its state track and field championships.

The boys golf state finals are slated for June 3 in Pasadena.

The CIF also is scheduled to hold a regional boys golf tournament on May 18 in Richmond, regional boys tennis championships May 19 and May 22-23 in Folsom, regional boys volleyball playoffs May 19-23 and a regional badminton tournament May 23 in San Jose.

The sections also have their May calendars filled with meets and playoffs.

Last week, the CIF canceled its state basketball championships because of coronavirus concerns, marking the first time since World War II that outside influences forced the cancellation of a CIF state event. The state track meet was not held from 1942-45, according to Cal-Hi Sports.

“While the time may come when we have to cancel postseason events, today is not that day.” — Ron Nocetti, CIF executive director.