By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Sports
CLAREMONT — In Vermont games have been postponed while in New Hampshire they will still be played with some fan restrictions now in place.
The Windsor girls basketball team was set to head to Barre to meet Thetford in the Auditorium on Thursday for a Vermont D3 semi-final matchup. All systems were go until I received an email about the D1 game at UVM:
11AM-“Concerning the change to Division 1 Girls Basketball Semifinals at Patrick Gym tonight. Media will be allowed into Patrick Gym for the games, but we would like to stress WORKING MEDIA. I have to put together a list with the name of every media member who will be in gym tonight, so can you please let me know. As of now, plans are still being worked out but the thought is that every media person will check-in somewhere in the lobby and get a media pass for tonight’s game.”
1PM-“As you have probably heard by now, the D1 Girls Basketball Games will not be played at Patrick Gym, Not sure if the games will be rescheduled to be played elsewhere, Check with VPA for that information”.
While local decisions were being made, on the national level games from all professional teams began to get postponed or paused in a domino effect including the NBA, NHL and MLB while events that may still going forward such as golf and auto racing would have no spectators allowed. The NCAA announced this evening that it has canceled all men’s and woman’s basketball tournaments as well as all remaining spring and winter championships for all sports.
As I awaited to hear about the Yellows Jackets game this afternoon, a Jamie Biggam from the Times Argus contacted me to say the D3 games had been postponed as well. On the Windsor High School sports facebook page it stated, “Due to public health concern, VPA games tonight and Saturday will NOT be open to the public. Games will be played as scheduled and players are allowed to designation a small number of family members to attend.” This appeared around noon. About an hour later I contacted a Windsor coach and he confirmed that Thursday’s game had been postponed.
Shortly after the Vermont Principals Association released this statement:
NOTICE: GAMES POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
In a rapidly developing situation with COVID-19 guidance for public safety, division 1 and 3 Semifinal Girls’ Basketball Games that were scheduled for March 12th will now be postponed until further notice.
At this time, we are exploring options about if, when, and where games from 3/12/20 will be rescheduled. We are determining what is possible for championship games as well. We will update our website and twitter as soon as we have any more information.
All tickets that have been purchased and cannot be used, will be refunded. We are currently working on the best methods to ensure those refunds for both online sales and in-person ticket purchases.
Thank you for your understanding and patience through an unusual time as we all work to take the appropriate steps for public safety. View more information at the Vermont Department of Health’s website, https://www.healthvermont.gov.
Thursday night, a press release by the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association (VBCA) announced the cancellation of the annual Senior All Star Games that were slated for March 21 at Windsor High School.
The Boys Dream Dozen, comprised of the best Vermont underclassmen basketball players, was announced last night and the other award winners will be announced shortly.
”We are saddened to do this, but feel safety is a priority,” said VBCA Executive Director Dave Fredrickson, in an email to media members. “Thanks to all those who worked organizing the event and those who sponsored it.”
In New Hampshire games are still scheduled to go on but with limited attendance. The NHIAA has been excellent at pushing out information on a regular basis and the latest correspondence I received went as follows:
”Due to the very fluid nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NHIAA has taken steps to limit fans for the remaining tournament games. Attached is a press release outlining a revised spectator policy. Media will be permitted to attend these event. PLEASE be sure any media member coming to this event has their 2019-2020 NHIAA Media Pass, which is yellow. I hope to have information regarding re-scheduling today’s events very soon, stay tuned. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out.”
The NHIAA issued the following statement on Thursday:
Relying on the best information available from the New Hampshire Department of Health and the New Hampshire Department of Education, the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) has decided to allow the state basketball, hockey tournament, and spirit championships to continue under the following conditions:
Participants in these events will be given four tickets to the games for use by immediate family members.
Only players, coaches, necessary staff, and those with tickets will be allowed to attend.
NHIAA pass will not be honored.
In light of the restricted attendance, every effort is being made to have games live streamed on the NFHS Network. For more information, go to: New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA)
During these difficult times, the NHIAA is committed to allowing teams to finish out their seasons. Our students have worked very hard and we owe this to them. Unfortunately, because of this escalating health issue, the NHIAA must limit the number of spectators who are able to attend. We request that anyone exhibiting signs and symptoms of illness refrain from attending.
Our fans and community support are an essential part of the high school experience; however, in light of the recommendations and the conditions existing in our country, we ask for everyone’s patience, cooperation and understanding. Anyone who has purchased tickets online will receive a full refund.
The NHIAA will continue to keep its member schools updated on any further changes.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.