MHSAA Approves Phased-In Practice and Competition for Fall Sports
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Today, the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Representative Council approved a phased-in approach for the fall season.
Lower-risk sports (girls golf, boys tennis, cross country, and girls swimming & diving) may begin practice on Aug. 12 and begin competition on their traditional start dates of Aug. 19 and 21. High-risk sports (football, girls volleyball, and boys soccer) may begin practice, but not competition. Decisions about competition timelines for these three sports will be made by Aug. 20. Practice for boys soccer and girls volleyball can start on Aug. 12.
Football will delay the start of practice with full player pads and equipment until Monday, Aug. 17. The week of Aug. 10 may include football practice sessions consisting of conditioning, physical training, and skill work with no other player equipment except helmets.
“The Council, reflecting on the positive impact on their athletes this summer from taking part in offseason training, feels it’s of utmost importance to continue athletic activity moving forward,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “If we take a month off, our students will find opportunities to compete through non-school entities that may not be as focused on safety. Our athletic directors and coaches can provide the safest possible environment to return to sports, and this phased-in approach to competition will help schools continue building on progress already made.”
The Council also voted to cancel scrimmages in all fall sports for this school year.
