The VHSL Executive Committee met on Wednesday to discuss possible models for the reopening of sports and activities for the fall season.
The Committee unanimously voted to meet on July 27 to vote on the three recommended reopening models.
The Committee also voted to delay the beginning of fall sports until a final decision is made on July 27.
VHSL suspended the July to August dead period for 2020, which means schools can continue out-of-season practice activities.
“It’s important to remember that in all these models playing sports in the high risk category depends on being out of the current Phase III guidelines. All our efforts will continue towards advocating for the opening of sports and activities in a safe and reasonable way that will protect athletes, activity participants, coaches, officials, and the public,” said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun.
The three models for the opening of sports/activities are as follows:
Model 1
- Leave all sports in current season
- Low and moderate contact risks sports allowed: Golf and Cross Country
- High risk sports NOT allowed: Field hockey, football, volleyball, and cheer.
- Fall activities allowed: Theatre
Model 2
- Switch Fall and Spring seasons
- Low and moderate contact allowed to play in the fall: Track and field, tennis, soccer, baseball, and softball
- High risk sports NOT allowed: Lacrosse
- Spring activities allowed: Theatre, forensics/debate, and film festival
Model 3
- Delay all VHSL sports and adopt the Condensed Interscholastic Plan
- Leave all sports in the season where they are currently aligned
- Season 1 (Winter): December 14 – February 20 (First Contest Date – December 28)
- Season 2 (Fall): February 15 – May 1 (First Contest Date – March 1)
- Season 3 (Spring): April 12 – June 26 (First Contest Date – April 26)
