LAUSD high school sports would halt if unions strike on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Unified School District’s spring sports programs will be closed Tuesday if three unions follow through on their threat to go on strike unless an agreement is reached.
In addition to United Teachers Los Angeles leaving, bus drivers will also join them, making transportation unavailable for athletic activities.
“We’re still trying to iron out some details,” LAUSD athletic director Trent Cornelius said. No decision has been announced as to whether training will continue in the event of a walkout.
City Section Commissioner Vicky Lagos has already experienced a teachers’ strike, and if it lasts more than a week, it will be up to individual leagues to determine how to make up games or whether missed scheduled games could turn into no-contests.
Lagos is already set to delay the City Section Cheer Championships scheduled for April 18. Seeding meetings for the playoffs could also be delayed depending on the length of a strike.
Schools that would not be affected by a walkout would be charter schools, such as Birmingham, Granada Hills, El Camino Real and Palisades.
“Charters can still play,” Lagos said.
Athletes will be reminded that in the event of a strike, they cannot play on outside teams, as if the strike ends they will be declared ineligible. Additionally, baseball players are not allowed to participate in a professional tryout during their season.
“We are not panicking. We have contingency plans,” Lagos said.
