AIA Executive Board To Hold An Emergency Meeting Tuesday, Winter Sports On The Agenda

Just four days after the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) Executive Board voted 5-4 to cancel winter sports, that group is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday.

Since the vote to cancel because of surging COVID-19 infections that placed Arizona No. 1 in the nation, there has been a big backlash from the Arizona high school basketball, soccer and wrestling communities against the decision.

On Sunday, the AIA placed on its calendar a special Executive Board meeting for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

There is speculation that there could be a possible re-vote with perhaps both AIA board president Toni Corona and AIA Executive Director David Hines casting votes this time.

The AIA Executive Board, in an emergency meeting before Christmas vacation, delayed the winter sports start, because of staggering coronavirus numbers in Arizona, approving the competition start date for all winter sports the week of Jan. 18.

Originally, AIA Executive Director David Hines said the only way this changes is if Gov. Doug Ducey shuts down the schools and state.

Friday’s news has left many parents and student athletes stunned and disappointed. The news flooded social media with comments and concern on how the hypocritical the message that recreational and city leagues can continue, but sanctioned high school sports are being shut down. A legit question and one that many parents have raised concern over. The AIA’s decision to end the season will have a powerful negative impact in high school athlete’s future all across the state.

On Friday, an hour after the AIA board’s vote to cancel winter sports, Phoenix North Canyon senior basketball player Brandon Jackson posted an online petition seeking signatures, demanding a re-vote.

In 24 hours, more than 30,000 signatures were collected.

Matt King, president of the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association, said he began working with school district athletic directors to create an avenue to have a season for boys and girls high school teams. Some school districts are currently looking for ways for teams to play as well with school administration and district approval.