Solar eclipse forces athletic directors to make changes to Monday's schedule
Monday's solar eclipse presents a unique problem for YAIAA athletic directors.
York and Adams counties will experience approximately 90 percent of a total solar eclipse, weather permitting, on April 8. It is expected to begin around 2:05 p.m. and end around 4:33 p.m., with the prime viewing time falling at 3:21 p.m.
School district officials are taking different roads to dealing with the eclipse. Some are having virtual school days, others are dismissing early to get students home before the eclipse starts, and others are providing the necessary glasses and taking kids outside for a learning experience.
The timing of the eclipse couldn't be worse for high school athletics.
Mondays are a traditionally game-heavy day for baseball and softball, with games starting around 4 p.m. because most fields don't have lights. And with sunset at 7:39 p.m., that doesn't give athletic directors much wiggle room to move things around.
Boys' tennis and lacrosse are often played on facilities with lights, so delaying the start of those competitions isn't as much of a problem.
Because that's exactly what the YAIAA asked athletic directors to do ... delay the start of outdoor games until 5:15 p.m.
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Some schools, like Dallastown and York Suburban, changed the dates for baseball and softball games, and moved back the start times for tennis and lacrosse. All athletic directors who responded to an email from the York Daily Record indicated that practices have been delayed.
Susquehannock students will be given certified eclipse glasses so they can safely take part in the "exciting scientific and educational event." Practices have been bumped back to a 4 p.m. start and games will begin at 5:15 p.m.
If you are unsure about the start of a specific game, athletic directors advise fans to check arbiterlive.com for the latest updates.
Shelly Stallsmith covers York-Adams high school sports for GameTimePA and the USAToday Network. Connect with her by email mstallsmith@ydr.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter @ShelStallsmith.