The first games of the high school girls lacrosse season have been pushed back to April 13 because of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Washington state.

The board of directors for the Washington Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association decided Sunday night to delay the start of game play for the 2020 season.

The Bainbridge Spartans were scheduled to open their season against Lake Sammamish at home on Monday night, and play Mount Si later in the week.

Both games have now been postponed.

Officials with the Washington Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association announced the delay on its website Monday.

“Due to considerable local and school district field closures, some schools suspending play from anywhere between two weeks and spring break, and school closures, WSLA has decided to postpone the start of game play until 4/13 for high school teams and the weekend of 4/18 for youth teams,” the announcement said.

“Logistically managing all of the uncertainty has become challenging and we want to start the season on as level a playing field as possible. We realize this will not be popular and it is far from perfect. It is not a decision that was made lightly or without much consideration and discussion. Our goal is to salvage as much of the season as possible for the girls because that’s why we are all doing this — for the girls,” the announcement said.

High school teams can continue to practice, scrimmage, and play non-league games.

Teams can also play games that have already been scheduled, but the association has told teams that they must supply their own officials.

When the WSLA season begins, varsity teams will get to play eight games and the season will be extended two weeks into May.

“These dates are based on trying to space out games for official assignment and to preserve as much of the schedule that already exists,” WSLA officials said in the announcement.

The abbreviated schedule may mean that some teams will play back-to-back games and also play games on Saturdays and at neutral sites.

A modified playoff schedule is also under consideration.

The WSLA had told teams that there will be no limit to the number of non-league games that teams can play while waiting for league games to begin. “It’s up to your individual program to decide what is right for your program,” the WSLA said in its announcement.

Tryouts for Team WA and the league’s annual tournament trip have also been cancelled for 2020.