IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox announced on Thursday that the remaining games in the IHSAA boys basketball state tournament will continue as scheduled but with limited spectators in attendance as Indiana seeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
This includes Carmel playing at the Logansport regional on Saturday. The Greyhounds will play New Haven at noon, following the 10 a.m. game between Marion and Fort Wayne Snider. The championship game is scheduled for 8 p.m.
“The IHSAA continues to monitor the impact of COV-19 around our state,” the IHSAA said in a news release on Thursday. “Our primary focus has been and will continue to be the health and safety of our students and supporters attending our events. Given the recent and ongoing spread of the coronavirus and available information surrounding the pandemic, the IHSAA will conclude all winter tournament series events as scheduled with limited to no spectators in attendance.
“Individuals who are at higher risk for the disease as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are strongly encouraged to refrain from attendance. This includes older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.
“The Association acknowledges these are unprecedented measures and is sympathetic to the loyal fans of education-based athletics in Indiana. Your understanding and support during these challenging times is appreciated.
“Using the Center for Disease Control’s guidance regarding large gatherings, the IHSAA will limit games/events to approximately 250 individuals.”
BOYS BASKETBALL REGIONALS
Each participating school will be allotted only 75 complimentary tickets aside from the 12 dressed players and to include only essential personnel, coaches, administrative staff and immediate family of players.
“We regret that non-varsity boys basketball participants, cheerleaders, dance teams, school mascots and pep bands may not attend the games,” said the news release. “This measure is to protect the health and safety of the student athletes, their families and the public at large.
“Anyone holding a regional ticket will be issued a full refund at the point of purchase. Individuals must present the ticket(s) in order to receive a refund.
“A very limited number of news media will be approved for covering the Saturday’s regional games. All print and broadcast news media must request credentials via email through the IHSAA staff from a recognized business account, not the host school. A final list of approved news media will be shared with each host school to allow admittance on Saturday.
“Regional games will continue to be streamed at IHSAAtv.org and its affiliates as well as previously approved broadcast stations.
“Guidelines for the boys semi-states and state championship games have yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date.”
GYMNASTICS STATE FINALS
The IHSAA also has restrictions on the gymnastics state finals, which are set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Ball State University’s Worthen Arena.
“Due to the number of participants and essential workers, coaches, spotters, and medical personnel at the gymnastics state finals, there will be no spectators allowed at the event and thus no tickets on sale at Worthen Arena,” said the news release.
“Anyone holding a state finals ticket will be issued a full refund at the point of purchase. Individuals must present the ticket(s) in order to receive a refund.
“Saturday’s events will continue to be streamed live at IHSAAtv.org and previously-received news media credential requests will still be honored.
“Additional information will be released as soon as possible.”
