The suspension through May 31 includes what appears to be all organized play including USTA League, Adult and Junior Tournaments, Tennis on Campus, and more.
But in addition to the suspension, they go on to say that to allow the focus to be on local play once play resumes, the following events are canceled for 2020:
- USTA League Nationals
- USTA Junior Team Tennis Nationals
- USTA Intersectional Team Championships
Canceling USTA League Nationals makes sense, I'd written about the logistics of the lead up to Nationals with all the phases of playoffs and how it becomes increasingly difficult to fit everything in, but I was hoping for and expecting some creative solutions to get play in and even starting in June perhaps some abbreviated play could result in playoffs being played. But alas not.
Now, this doesn't mean that league play and even local/district/sectional playoffs are canceled. It is possible that sections will use the open dates in October and November to slide their local schedules to have Sectionals still be played in those time-frames. No guarantees of that of course, but it is an idea.
It is sad to see this become a reality. What is your reaction?
Read the release here.
Update: I received more information and wrote an updated blog here.
The Coronavirus Pandemic will have lingering effects considering that there is no cure. As a result a lot of people will not travel until there is a vaccine available. I think that all cancellations of events that could facilitate viral transmission are prudent.
ReplyDeleteIf you can only fit in last minute abbreviated play and many players won't/can't play because of covid19 fears, there is no point in having any type of finals, sectionals at all.
ReplyDeleteInstead just do a regular event and that doesn't count for pojnts, ratings, rankings period.
Getting court time is all that most people care about right now.
This is a no brainer!