NCHSAA delays fall sports until Sept. 1 due to pandemic
The N.C. High School Athletic Association has notified its members that it will delay the start of the fall sports season until at least Sept. 1, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was voted on and passed by the NCHSAA Board of Directors. Originally, the start date for fall sports was set for Aug. 1.
In addition to moving back the start date for fall sports, the first five days of the school year will be designated as a dead period for all sports, including fall sports, allowing schools to focus on the start of the school year.
Phase one of the NCHSAA summer conditioning workouts will continue until further notice.
"For now, we believe these steps provide hope for our student athletes, and the possibility for playing fall sports. We know that many decisions are being made relative to the reopening plan your school(s) will follow," NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker wrote in an email to membership.
Tucker said after each school district has a chance to finalize their plans for reopening, the NCHSAA will survey the membership to see which models for resuming sports they support.
"Please understand this delayed start date is not 'in cement' and can be delayed even further if we do not have improved data from DHHS, or some other reason exists for delaying further into September or beyond," Tucker wrote.
Tucker also said playing certain sports will be "more problematic" that others until there is a vaccine. However, Tucker said the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee believes "we can and should offers a sports program, with all necessary modifications, delays, etc."
"In the coming weeks, we will continue working with the SMAC as we plan our next steps for the fall, as well as determining when equipment could be shared," Tucker said.
This is a developing story and more information will be posted soon.
