The Mid-South Association of Independent Schools is the governing body of private schools within the state. They have suspended athletic competition for this week. The Mississippi High Schools Activities Association has suspended all activities, including competition and practices. Don Hinton, executive director of MHSAA, stated that the suspension is applicable regardless of whether a school has been closed or open during this time. Only competition is subject to the MAIS suspension. According to Less Triplett, MAIS Director for Activities, practices are allowed at the moment. Monday morning’s conference call saw the MHSAA executive committee make its decision. The 15 school administrators representing the state make up the executive committee. The MHSAA is currently developing contingency plans to continue regular-season competition. These plans will be made public by the MHSAA in future. The association released a statement saying that a decision will be made on whether to continue spring contests or activities as soon as possible for the best interest of student-athletes as well as coaches, administrators, and communities. Hinton stated that “We encourage our member schools to take every precaution to stay safe and healthy.” Triplett stated that the MHSAA leadership is diligently adapting to this rapidly changing situation. He will share updates as soon and as possible. “I cannot predict where we will be in a week.” It’s impossible to predict.” Chris Baughman is the head coach at Oxford baseball powerhouse Oxford. He said that he has never dealt with something like this in his 15-year tenure as Oxford’s head coach. Baughman stated, “It’s difficult, we’re in suspension.” We hope things improve and that the MHSAA can find a way for us to have some season, if we are able to return to school. We just hope everyone stays safe and takes all the necessary precautions. It’s very difficult for seniors. Baughman stated that 11 of them are signed up to continue their baseball careers after highschool. They don’t know when their last game of baseball will be. That’s tough.”