Twelve schools reported to LHSAA for starting practice activities early

The total number of schools reported to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association for beginning summer activities prior to the June 8 start date in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is growing.

After The Advocate reported earlier Wednesday that 10 schools are now being investigated, including six in the New Orleans area, Crescent City Sports confirmed Wednesday night that the number of schools has reached 12, with as many as eight from the metro area.

Crescent City Sports first reported Tuesday that four schools in New Orleans were under investigation for beginning activity prior to June 8, the expected start of Phase Two of Louisiana’s management of the pandemic.

As a result of schools across the state closing for the final two months of the year because of the coronavirus, no football-playing school was able to hold spring practice.

Normally, LHSAA schools can begin summer activity in mid-May, with the exact date being determined by the National Federation of High Schools calendar. The association’s executive committee voted earlier this month to delay that start to June 8.

LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine told Crescent City Sports Tuesday the individual cases would be reviewed next week and schools could appear before the executive committee on June 24 “if we are able to meet in person.”