The future of fall sports at high schools in North Carolina is uncertain following the devastating flooding in the western part of the state caused by Hurricane Helene.

Many schools in the west have sustained damage, and the infrastructure in their communities has been destroyed. This means travel is difficult, if not impossible, electricity and water is unavailable in some areas, and communications have been disrupted.

With the likelihood that some schools will not be able to resume playing sports for some time, there have been questions about whether or not the N.C. High School Athletic Association will change the sports calendar, something it has done in the past after major storms. The NCHSAA told member schools on Monday afternoon that it is too soon for any decision to be made.

“We know this storm has brought significant challenges and hardships to their communities,” said Que Tucker, Commissioner of the NCHSAA, noting that the staff has been reaching out to areas affected by the storm.

The NCHSAA hopes to have a virtual Board of Directors meeting in the coming days to discuss the situation and any possible contingencies. Tucker said the board will discuss how to finish the fall sports season and ways the NCHSAA and its member schools can collectively support the people impacted by the storm.

“While we know everyone was not impacted, it is difficult to plan without at least having our Western board members at the table to give personal perspectives. Until such time, the NCHSAA staff cannot answer the questions being posed relative to finishing regular seasons as well as the impact on all playoffs,” Tucker said.

According to Tucker, members of the NCHSAA staff have been checking on the safety of people in the western part of the state.

“To any of our ‘impacted’ colleagues who can access this email, please remember that you are not alone during this difficult time. We stand with you and are here to support you in any way we can. As you assess needs, whether it’s assistance, resources, or simply someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out to us,” said Tucker.

During previous major hurricanes, the NCHSAA has extended the regular season of football, pushing the playoffs back a week. It has also condensed the volleyball and boys soccer playoffs, allowing more time for teams to complete regular seasons. This happening in 2016 after Hurricane Matthew and again in 2018 after Hurricane Florence.

North Carolina was not the only state impacted by Hurricane Helene though. On Monday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the Georgia High School Association would decide by Tuesday whether or not to postpone football playoffs due to damage in their state.

Source: highschoolot.com