Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association recently announced that all spring sports in our state’s high schools have been suspended until May 18th.
With the uncertainties surrounding the completion of our softball season, North Carolina Softball Coaches Association will approach post season awards for the 2020 season in the following manner:
“The number of games played thus far by the vast majority of North Carolina high school softball teams is in the range of three to six. Unfortunately, this range falls far short of a number that can give anyone an accurate assessment of performance. Therefore, in the event that the remainder of the season is canceled, we will not offer post season awards for 2020.
“Any conclusion to our season that may take place after May 18th will be at the sole discretion of NCHSAA and schedules will likely be greatly modified. If we are able to continue playing, we at NCSCA will look at the circumstances and make every effort to follow through with our All-District and All-State awards provided enough total games are played that would allow fair assessment of players. Until we know if that will happen and what the details will be, NCSCA cannot determine if awards can be justified and if so, how to best proceed.
“Please keep in mind that we do not base our awards on player performance in past seasons. Each season must stand on its own. So as far as this year’s awards are concerned, a player’s success last season is not relevant to this season.
“One question being asked by some coaches is whether or not the April 1 deadline to join the association for the purpose of becoming eligible to nominate players will be extended. Our executive board has determined that we will not extend the deadline.
“Also, the application deadline for our 2020 scholarships has been extended to May 15th. Although the measures being taken in North Carolina in an effort to lessen the severity of the pandemic have placed the remainder of our softball season in jeopardy, NCSCA is committed to uninterrupted continuation of our annual scholarship awards.
“If you are a high school senior, qualify for our scholarship, and are interested in applying, please review the application guidelines on our Scholarships page. Then coordinate with your coach and complete the application process without delay.
“Please keep checking our website and social media for related announcements.”