SOURCE: National Federation of State High School Associations
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 12, 2020) – In response to the growing concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), many of the NFHS member state high school associations have either postponed or canceled state basketball tournaments, although some are continuing with plans to play before a limited number of fans.
The latest information indicates that in addition to the 11 states that have completed state basketball tournaments, about 20 others are currently being contested and many of those have fan restrictions. In addition, 18 state associations have either canceled or postponed/suspended their tournaments.
In most of the states that have established limitations on the number of spectators, fans can still watch the games and support their teams online through the NFHS Network – the No. 1 destination for high school sports at www.NFHSNetwork.com. The NFHS Network will continue to stream games live as long as the states continue to hold their tournament.
“We are dealing with a global pandemic – something none of us ever imagined,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “We are in full support of each of our member state associations as they are making decisions based on information from their State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The state basketball tournament is one of the marquee events for a state association, but the health and safety of all students is the No. 1 priority.
“It is also a great experience for fans to be able to attend a state basketball tournament, so we are saddened that many people will not be able to experience that this year. However, the NFHS Network was established seven years ago for moments like this. Fans can continue to support their teams, their schools and the state association even if unable to be present.”
The landscape has been changing by the hour, but the NFHS Network will continue to cover state high school tournaments in the various winter sports, including basketball, as long as they continue to be played.
“The NFHS Network is working hard to accommodate requests from states across the country to live-stream state championships in response to recent spectator restrictions due to COVID-19,” said Mark Koski, CEO of the NFHS Network. “We are pleased to provide unlimited streaming for $10.99/month, allowing friends, families and fans to tune in from anywhere and not have to miss these important events. The subscription is good for 30 days with no obligation to renew and fans are able to watch unlimited events live throughout the country.”
About the NFHS Network
The NFHS Network, now in its seventh year of covering high school sports through its digital network at www.NFHSNetwork.com, is a joint venture between the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state high school associations and PlayOn! Sports. The NFHS Network celebrates and showcases the unique accomplishments of high school students, including the student-athletes participating in 27 different sporting events and the student broadcasters from schools around the country that produce events through the School Broadcast Program. All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at www.NFHSnetwork.com and through the NFHS Network Live App for iOS and Android. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Watching high school sports and events has never been easier.
About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)Ri
The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,500 high schools and 12 million participants in high school activity programs, including almost eight million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; offers online publications and services for high school coaches and officials; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.
