UPDATE: In a March 25 teleconference with Southland Conference athletics directors, it was determined that the March 30 date to prohibit all team activities, organized or voluntary, has been extended until further notice.

FRISCO, Texas -- The Southland Conference announced Saturday that the league will cancel all remaining spring sports competitions and championship events, effective immediately. The decision was reached by the Conference's presidential Board of Directors, in consultation with campus athletic directors, in full consideration of the health, safety and well-being of the league's student-athletes, coaches, administrators, support personnel and fans on the league's 13 campuses.

"This decision was not an easy one to make, but one that all Southland Conference members were all in agreement on," Nicholls Interim Athletics Director Lindsey McKaskle said. "The last few days have been extremely challenging, but we have to look at the bigger picture and do what is best for the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our focus now shifts to how to best support our student-athletes during this difficult time, both mentally and academically."

Southland members have been monitoring national, regional and local developments related to the worldwide COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, and its impact on U.S. professional and collegiate sports, including Thursday's announcement that NCAA Championship events will be cancelled through the spring.

The Southland had previously announced the cancellation of all competitions through March 30, including its Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments this week. Now, in addition to the new competition and championship changes, athletic departments have also agreed to prohibit all team activities, organized or voluntary, through March 30. Beyond that date, campus leaders will make determinations on other immediate and longer-term issues, such as team practice opportunities and other activities. Athletic departments and Conference office staff will address future NCAA eligibility issues for current spring sports student-athletes, and other matters of importance to the membership. Further, as with any legislative action, the Conference's Board of Directors reserves the right to reconsider previous decisions.

The Southland's spring sports offerings include baseball, softball, beach volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's outdoor track and field. The Southland Bowling League Championship, scheduled for March 19-22, has also been cancelled.

For the latest updates, please visit https://www.nicholls.edu/emergency/