Hundreds of students protested outside the Interscholastic Athletic Conference headquarters in Cheshire Wednesday after a decision was made to cancel state playoff games due to coronavirus.

Students held signs and shouted in front of the CIAC offices after the governing body's announcement Tuesday to cancel the winter sports playoffs to avoid large crowds in the wake of the coronavirus.

Students who say they worked hard all season to get to the state playoffs say they should have the right to continue to play and crown state champions.

BY THE NUMBERS: Get the latest global statistics
SCHOOL CLOSINGS: See the list of school closings
GET THE FACTS: What you need to know about coronavirus
TRAVEL TIPS: Should you cancel your plans?

Some have come this far for the first time. Others are playing for undefeated seasons.

A petition opposing the decision has been signed by nearly 100,000 people.

Students say they just want to play the games even if there's no fans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires sporting events to be under 100 people.

CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini says it was a tough decision, but he is trying to keep people safe.

It is unclear what sort of impact, if any, Wednesday's protest will have.

The CIAC says there were 170 games still left to play this winter sports season.