MHSAA releases plans for winter contact sports

EAST LANSING, Mich. — On Thursday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Governor Whitmer announced that winter contact sports can resume full practice and competition, starting Feb. 8. Hours after the announcement, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) released their starting dates for each winter contact sport.

Girls Basketball:

Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed.

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8
Districts: March 22, 24, 26
Regionals: March 29, 31
Quarterfinals: April 5
Semifinals: April 7
Finals: April 9

Boys Basketball:

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8
Districts: March 23, 25, 27
Regionals: March 30, April 1
Quarterfinals: April 6
Semifinals: April 8
Finals: April 10

Ice Hockey:

Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the ice if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed.

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday. Teams also may play two games on one non-school day twice; during those two weeks, teams are allowed up to four games Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8
Regionals: March 15-20
Quarterfinals: March 23
Semifinals: March 25-26
Finals: March 27

Wrestling:

Masking/testing: Testing is required for wrestling, but competitors will not be required to wear face coverings.

Competition limit: Teams may compete two days per week, Monday through Sunday, with no more than four teams at a site (with each individual competing in up to three matches per day.)

First contest: Feb. 12
Districts: March 15-20
Regionals: March 22-28
Team Finals: March 30
Individual Finals: April 2-3

Competitive Cheerleading:

Masking/testing: Teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice.

Competition limit: Teams may participate in 12 days of competition, not counting MHSAA tournament events.

First contest: Feb. 12
Districts: March 15-20
Regionals: March 22-24
Finals: March 26-27