The Idaho High School Activities Association announced all sanctioned activities and sports by its member schools would be suspended until April 5. 

The suspension, according to a memo sent out by the IHSAA Monday morning, would take effect Tuesday in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The IHSAA also announced this year's cheer and dance competitions were permanently canceled. State debate has been postponed, but according to the IHSAA could be combined with this year's state speech championships scheduled for April 17 and 18.

"Implementing cancellations and/or suspension is taken in part with consultation with public health officials to implement best practices in slowing the spread of COVID 19 and therefore aid in protection of students and the general public," the IHSAA wrote. 

In the memo, the IHSAA said it would not reschedule this year's state tournaments, scheduled for early-to-mid-May.

The IHSAA specifically banned all competitions and practices until the beginning of April, as well as any player/coach meetings, regardless of the location. The IHSAA also banned the use of any athletic facilities by clubs or teams, with regularly scheduled class use being the only exception. 

The announcement comes a day after the Centers for Disease Control urged against gatherings of 50 or more people. Across the state, school districts closed their doors after Governor Brad Little confirmed Idaho's first case of COVID-19 in a Friday press conference. 

"The IHSAA office as well as the Board of Directors, will continue to monitor the rapidly changing landscape of the COVID-19 information and will work with our member schools and health officials to make informed and well thought out decisions," according to the memo.