TAPPS and COVID-19 Update
March 17, 2020
2:30 p.m.
In an effort to return to normalcy when schools are hopefully allowed back on their respective campuses, TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) held a webinar this week and outlined its proactive stance to complete both their Academic, Arts and Athletic Spring seasons.
As we know, information about COVID-19 changes hourly from not only Washington D.C., but also our state and local governments, so pushing forth multiple plans in hopes of finishing the season is a silver lining in a world where eLearning, closed restaurants and empty grocery shelves are the new normal.
Here's the latest from TAPPS:
All member schools are to adhere to Dead Week protocol: no practices, competitions, or organized (team) workouts can be held on or off campus. This protocol will remain in place until TAPPS has made a decision on a Return-to-Play option. Coaches are encouraged to stay in communication with their teams, offering recommendations of workouts they can do on their own throughout the week or providing them scripture or prayer opportunities.
TAPPS' Return-to-Play decision will be based on recommendations from the CDC, Children's Health, UIL, and information received from TAPPS member schools. These Opportunities are explained beginning at the 8:04 mark in the TAPPS webinar.
To view the complete webinar -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTbucDYkOUs&feature=youtu.be
Opportunity A - Return to Play April 13, 2020
Opportunity B - Return to Play May 1, 2020
Opportunity C - Return to Play May 15, 2020
Opportunity D - No Return to Play
All of the Opportunities listed above, with the exception of D, guarantees that ALL spring sports and TAPPS-sanctioned Academic, Arts and Athletic competitions have championship opportunities. The timelines of the competitions will be based on the Return-to-Play date. There is no timeline to make a decision, as multiple factors must be considered, but TAPPS hopes to re-evaluate within the next week or two.
Please remember: COVID-19 and the national, state and local responses are fluid situations that change frequently, so keep in mind that while this is the update TAPPS has shared as of yesterday, this can change quickly with updates at all levels.