LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, consisting of membership from five high schools on Kaua‘i, joined the rest of the state high school leagues in canceling its 2020-2021 Fall and Winter season sports.
“After careful consideration and extensive discussion, the KIF Executive Board has made the decision to cancel the 2020 KIF Fall and Winter season sports which includes air riflery, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, football, canoe paddling, soccer, girls volleyball, swimming and diving, and wrestling,” states the Monday announcement from the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation.
The announcement follows the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association’s announcement on Jan. 2 on the cancellation of the March 2021 state championships that affect air riflery, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, outrigger canoe paddling, soccer, swimming and diving, and wrestling.
“Although the state tournaments are canceled, leagues are not restricted in conducting their seasons if it is deemed safe to do so,” said Chris Chun, the HHSAA executive director in the announcement.
On Jan. 4, the O‘ahu Interscholastic Association announced its cancellation of “its entire winter season sports calendar” on Hawai‘i Prep News.
“Just tonight, our athletic director sent us the email that everything was cancelled,” Lionel Villarmia, the Pearl City High School boys basketball coach told Paul Honda of Hawai‘i Prep Sports. “We kind of knew when the Interscholastic League of Honolulu canceled five sports (in a December 28 decision announced in the Star-Advertiser).”
“We were just waiting on the Department of Health,” Villarmia said. “The other states are doing it. We are one of only three states not doing it — the West Coast and us. We got out protocols down. It’s said for the kids. It’s sad for the kids when we drive by the soccer field and they’re playing. The club kids play, and we can’t.”
The Maui Interscholastic League cancelled its fall and winter season in a Jan. 6 announcement following an emergency meeting of the MIL Executive Council.
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation followed suit, closing the Fall and Winter Sports calendar on Hawai‘i Island in a Jan. 6 announcement.
“The KIF is considering the possibility of Spring season sports that include baseball, golf, softball, tennis, track and field, and boys volleyball,” the KIF announcement states. “These Spring sports already missed one season of competition in the school year 2019-2020l due to the onset of COVID-19. The focus of the KIF at this time is to avoid the loss of a second Spring season for these student athletes, if possible.”
Students and parents of student athletes should refer to the “Athletics” tab on their respective school websites for more information and guidance, should the KIF be allowed to proceed with the spring sports.
