MSHSL releases statement regards to tournaments and H1N1 flu outbreaks

The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has issue an statement on October 21 regards to teams and student-athletes participating in the upcoming subsection and section playoffs as well as the state tournaments with concerns of the possibility of a flu outbreak.

Although unlikey, but entirely possible, outbreaks of the serious novel H1N1 flu virus could impact some teams or individuals involved in these tournaments.

MSHSL addresses the question of what would happen if a team or individual is unable to compete due to the novel H1N1 flu virus and determined a number of factors to be considered. Factors include the health risks to participants in the competition who are not ill and the ability to advance teams and individuals in the various levels of tournaments.

MSHSL also considered steps to prevent the spread of the illness, including forfeiting games or outright ending the tournament if the risks outweight the health and safety of the student-athletes, coaches and specators.

"The League Board of Directors is very sensitive to the impact this policy may have on student-athletes and their communities," explained Executive Director David Stead. "Forfeiting due to illness is not the desired outcome of any competition at any level. However, the reality is that the novel H1N1 flu is a serious illness that is spread rather easily. Plus, the constraints of time and venue availability require that this difficult, yet necessary, directive must be enforced.

"It is hoped that the League will never have to implement these restrictions. But the Board always attempts to take proactive action whenever possible. Our member schools and the general public know the answer to 'What if...?'"

To view the MSHSL statement in its entirely, click here.