The prospect of another week of crummy spring weather prompted the Minnesota State High School League on Monday to offer tips and suggestions for how schools can cope with sports seasons that largely have been unable to get started.

Most of the suggestions dealt with shortening games or matches, playing doubleheaders, scheduling fewer conference games, playing on Saturday or consolidating meets to compete with more teams. It also advised that teams can keep playing games through the end of the state tournament for its sport, even if they have been eliminated.

"These extra days provide a great opportunity for you to work with your younger players who will be returning next year,'' the league said in a statement to member schools titled "Spring (Really?) Sports.''

Games for baseball and softball were scheduled to start more than two weeks ago but unplayable fields have keep most teams from getting outside even to practice. The weather also has thwarted golf, lacrosse, track and field and tennis. Many games, meets and matches have already been canceled through this weekend.

PAUL KLAUDA