MIL: No fans at athletic events ‘effective immediately’
Announcement comes as majority of league basketball games are postponed amid COVID surge
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Spectators will not be allowed at Maui Interscholastic League events "effective immediately" due to COVID-19 concerns, the MIL announced Friday.
"All MIL events will be limited to essential participants only," the league said in a news release emailed to The Maui News. "Depending on the venue, events have and will continue to be streamed on the NFHS networks or other streaming services offered by the schools.
"As the situation remains fluid, the MIL will meet weekly to assess, discuss any issues and/or concerns and determine any adjustments. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
The MIL decision follows similar moves made earlier this week by the Oahu Interscholastic Association and Big Island Interscholastic Federation with COVID-19 case numbers at an all-time high across the state.
Jon Conrad, the athletic director at Lahainaluna High School and the MIL's basketball coordinator, provided a list of 10 games that have been postponed this weekend. As of Friday afternoon, the only games still scheduled to go ahead were the Molokai boys' home games against Lanai Friday and today, and today's boys and girls games between King Kekaulike and Kamehameha Maui.
There have been 13 MIL varsity games postponed so far this season, all but two in the last week.
Conrad told The Maui News that attempts will be made to make up the games, but logistics will be a major challenge. The hurdles include travel, limited time left in the season and availability of venues, referees and support staff for new dates.
Conrad also said that with the strong possibility that some teams will play more league games than others, the determination of spots in the state tournaments will be determined at a later date.
The girls basketball state tournaments are set for Oahu in mid-February. Boys basketball state tournaments run Feb. 28 and March 3-5 on Oahu.
Canoe paddling, soccer, wrestling, and swimming and diving -- for boys and girls -- are all set to begin competition in the MIL later this month.
* Robert Collias is at rcollias@mauinews.com