Washington 2020

[bernard]

The Northwest region Division B tournament at Bothell High School is cancelled.

Tonight, the NW regional board made the difficult decision to cancel the March 21th Northwest B Science Olympiad Regional tournament. This decision was based on the most recent information from the King County Health Department and the fact that multiple schools have reported that their districts would not be allowing them to attend the tournament. We believe that this decision, while conservative, is in the best interest of the students, volunteers, and their communities.

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/com ... ction.aspx

Due to the nature of coronavirus (COVID-19) precautions on social distancing and community spread, as well as the timing of the tournament, rescheduling is an unlikely option. The idea of hosting virtual tournaments has come up; however, Science Olympiad’s Commercial General Liability insurance does not cover virtual tournaments.

At present, we are still hoping to hold the April 11 State Tournament and will continue to monitor the situation, specifically the advice from public health officials; we will inform you if anything changes. The NW board will be looking into options to potentially allow NW teams to be represented at state; we will let you know if such a viable pathway is found.

We appreciate your support and look forward to future events. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Judy Mannard and Nick Stephens, tournament directors

Board members in the Northwest region are still discussing the possibility for Northwest teams who intended to but could not participate in a regional (due to COVID-19 concerns) to be represented at the state tournament. The board is aware that affected teams include not only the teams registered for the cancelled tournaments, but also teams from districts that have placed sanctions on travel for school activities (with some extending beyond the date of the state tournament); the board is paying attention to each school's situation.

[Antfrill]

What are the chances that the NW reschedules the regional? It looks like it is becoming increasingly unlikely...

I really wish we could do something like what Northern Cali is, w/o the awards ceremony and spectators. Even postponing the regional tournament into May would be amazing.

Really sucks as a senior , but I understand health is first priority always!!!

[bernard]

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a ban Wednesday on large gatherings and events of 250 people or more in King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties for the rest of March.

This does not affect any tournaments that have not already been cancelled. However, the possible extension and expansion of this ban puts the state tournament in jeopardy.

[space-egg]

I'm surprised Washington hasn't canceled their state tournament yet, seeing as they have the highest number of deaths and infections in the US due to COVID-19.

[Galahad]

Well now it is

[Tailsfan101]

Cancellation of Washington state tournament verified. Teams have been notified.