NHIAA cancels remaining winter tournaments, pushes back start of spring sports

After putting all winter sports on an indefinite hold last Friday, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association has decided to cancel the remainder of winter tournament events.

According to a press release sent out by the NHIAA on Monday afternoon, the intention was to play those games – which included boys and girls basketball tournaments, boys and girls hockey championship games – the guidelines “specified by Governor Sununu, the NHDHHS and the CDC in response to the escalating public health issue, this plan is no longer feasible.”

Among the games cancelled were the Division III and IV boys basketball championships, the Division II girls basketball championship, the Division I girls basketball semifinals and championship, the Division I and II boys basketball quarterfinals, semifinals and championship, plus all four hockey championships.

“We recognize that this decision will be a disappointment to our student-athletes, coaches, and fans; yet given the uncertain nature of the weeks, to come, we feel that there is no alternative,” the press release continued. “The NHIAA shares the frustrations of our student-athletes, yet we hope this decision will allow them to move forward and adjust to the new normal of their education experience for the next several weeks. A decision will be made later this week on how best to recognize state champions in tournaments that were cancelled.”

With New Hampshire schools closed until at least April 3, the start of the spring season will be delayed. Practices for the spring were scheduled to begin March 23, but that has been pushed back to April 13. The first date to play games will be April 27, but that date could be adjusted if necessary.

The NHIAA plans to hold open tournaments at the end of the regular season in each sport and division.