The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has been, and continues to be, in communication with the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, the Governor’s office, state and local health officials and organizations, as well as other high school associations in the Midwest.

The Association will continue to review the medical guidance of the CDC, and all breaking information regarding COVID-19 to make the best decision possible with the information available to us. “As of today, the CDC has recommended that for the next eight weeks organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.,” said Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA Executive Director. “Many of the host venues and facilities for our events are connected with colleges and universities that are closing their campuses. These issues directly and wholly affect MSHSAA districts and state series events.”

Below, are outlined information on remaining events this Spring in the order that the culminating event is scheduled to take place. Speech, Debate and Theatre: After much discussion and weighing of numerous options, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the remaining District Tournaments as well as the State Speech, Debate, and Theatre Championships.

Due to the loss of host sites as well as judges the two remaining District Tournaments could not be completed.

In addition, these events exceed the current recommendations regarding the size of gatherings. Combined with the uncertainty of the next two months and possibly beyond, this difficult and disappointing step had to be taken. 

Missouri - Immediate Press Release from Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA Executieve Director.

Due to continuing concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the ShowMe Showdown for Class 4 and Class 5.

The decision was made in consultation with local and state officials, as well as the member schools.  The  most recent CDC recommendations of limiting gatherings played a large part in the making of this decision.

"We understand the unexpected hurdles this creates for our schools and fans, and apologize for the inconveniences it has caused.  Our thoughts are with our schools as they navigate the uncertainty of these times," said Dr. Kerwin Urhahn, MSHSAA Executive Director.

Information concerning the activities of Music, Speech, Debate & Theatre; Scholar Bowl as well as Spring Sports will be available later today.

GOOD MORNING, BLUE JAY NATION: While MSHSAA has limited the number of spectators allowed at the ShowMe Showdown, the show must go on.

Game 1 of the 2019-2020 Class 3 Boys Basketball State Tournament is set to take place tonight, Friday, March 13 at 6:20pm, Charleston vs Monroe City at JQH Arena.

Athletic Director Michael Minner says that fans who have been been notified about receiving a wristband for this evening's game will need to meet in front of the JQH Arena entrance between 5:45pm and 6:00pm. His team will have your wristbands, which will cost $9 each (please bring exact change).

Per the Missouri High School Activities Association, fan interaction at the Show-Me Showdown this weekend is limited to 150 fans per school, due to COVID-19.

MSHSAA Communications Director Jason West released a press release via Twitter stating, "With a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the state and concern for the safety of all who will be working and attending the Show-Me Showdown, each school will be given 150 wristbands to distribute to its fans base. Only fans that have been given a wristband will be allowed in the arena. The distribution of the wristbands will be the responsibility of the school. Only essential school personnel will be allowed access to the arena as well. Any tickets previously purchased are now void. The MSHSAA Office will work with the participating schools on any reimbursements that need to be made."

West added in his press release that there would be no third-place games played, just the semifinals and championship games.

Lastly, West mentioned that working media members with approved credentials would have access to the games.

MSHSAA Member Schools,

We are paying attention to the latest news regarding the Coronavirus and any information being circulated by the Center for Disease Control.  The following is a link to CDC information that provides guidance for groups and businesses. There is a section for schools on the link. 

Center for Disease Control Link:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

The CDC guidance, “Schools should continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs.”

We have contacted the Missouri Health Department and at this time, there are no restrictions or requirements to stop activities with large groups of people.  We are developing contingency plans for the possible effects of school closures on the state playoffs, your spring sport practices and/or contests, and are monitoring COVID-19 developments closely.

MO Department of Health and Senior Services link:

https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/alertsadvisories/index.php

Lastly, you can never go wrong with practicing good hygiene and teaching your students to do the same.  We will certainly keep you informed as to any new information we receive from these organizations, or other respectable sources.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kerwin Urhahn
MSHSAA Executive Director