High school sports coronavirus updates
On this page
- Check high school sports news updates, including for your state.
- See which states are playing high school sports now and which ones have delayed competition.
Many student-athletes and families have been left wondering when their high school sports seasons will start. High School athletic associations, club sports programs and colleges around the country are postponing or canceling events and seasons in response to coronavirus. The NCAA has suspended in-person recruiting until at least January 1st for D1 sports, though other division levels have resumed in-person recruiting.
Additionally, school districts are taking precautionary measures both inside and outside the classroom to protect students and the community. As high school athletic associations continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 and take necessary actions, we will update this page with the latest information that is made available.
High school sports updates by state
The majority of states experienced delays to the start of fall sports, with some states still tentative about actually scheduling games for winter. A minority of states, mostly in the South, went ahead with winter schedules that were more or less traditional. However, officials understand that playing indoors during the winter will pose additional risks, and states like Georgia have made an effort to implement additional distancing guidelines for winter sports. Others have pushed back the winter schedule significantly in hopes of playing during a time when the coronavirus is not spreading at such high rates. For example, the District of Columbia pushed its winter season back to February and hopes to complete its schedule in seven weeks.
Alabama high school sports
Fall recap: Alabama more or less stuck to its traditional schedule for fall sports.
- AHSAA Releases Best Practices Document and 2020 Fall Sports Rule Modifications Updated September 10
Alaska high school sports
Fall recap: Alaska began fall sports with slight delays and then canceled state championships at the end of the season for multiple sports. Regional championships were still allowed.
- The Alaska School Activities Association approved a schedule for the 2020-21 winter sports season that allows basketball teams to begin practice Jan. 11, about a month later than usual. Updated November 18
- The Alaska School Activities Association cancels 2020 fall state championships. Teams can still compete in regional championships. Updated October 28
- Sports practices canceled as Anchorage School District nears ‘high-risk’ operating scenario under COVID-19 Fall sports practices that were scheduled to begin July 29 are now postponed until at least Aug. 5. Updated July 23
- ASSA has come up with recommendations for restarting fall activities. Fall practice COVID19 protocol. Updated July 15
Arizona high school sports
Fall recap: After an initial delay to the start of the season, Arizona proceeded with fall sports.
- The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s board voted to postpone the beginning of the season until Jan. 5, 2021. Updated December 8, 2020
- Executive Board of the Arizona Interscholastic Association votes to proceed with fall sports season. Updated September 23
- AIA moves forward with fall sports reopening plan Updated July 28
Arkansas high school sports
Fall recap: Arkansas more or less stuck to its traditional schedule for fall sports.
- AAA plans to proceed according to the 2020-2021 AAA calendar and handbook regarding practice and competition for all sports. Updated August 19
California high school sports
Fall recap: California was one of a handful of states that did not have fall competition.
- High school sports–both practice and competition–won’t start until January at the earliest. Updated December 8
- Cross country, field hockey, football, cheerleading, volleyball, and water polo will be considered winter sports. Updated November 18
- No updates since July 20. Updated July 29
- CIF Statement Regarding 2020-21 Sports Calendar and Bylaw Modifications. “The CIF has determined, in collaboration with our 10 Sections, that education-based athletics for the 2020-2021 season will begin with a modified season of sport schedule.” “It is anticipated that most Section start dates will commence in December 2020 or January 2021.” Updated July 20
Colorado high school sports
Fall recap: Colorado shuffled its sports schedule for safety reasons. Some sports, like football, were pushed back to spring while others, like softball and cross country, proceeded in the fall.
- Winter high school sports in Colorado are being pushed back at least a month due to the rapid spread of coronavirus. Updated December 8
- CHSAA announces 2020-21 athletics and activities calendar. Football delayed to 2021. Updated August 19
Connecticut high school sports
Fall recap: Most scheduled sports proceeded in the fall but tackle football was canceled in Connecticut.
- The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) has postponed all winter sports for school students until Jan. 19, 2021. Updated November 18
- Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference: Full Contact Fall Football Season Canceled. Updated September 23
- CIAC releases fall sports plan. Updated August 19
Delaware high school sports
Fall recap: After initially voting to push fall sports to spring in Delaware, the fall sports schedule resumed at a delayed date.
- Delaware Board of Education reinstates high school fall sports. Updated September 23
District of Columbia high school sports
Fall recap: The District of Columbia did not have fall competition. Games are scheduled to resume on January 4th, 2021.
- The District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) announced they are postponing the start of winter sports and subsequently pushing back the amended 2020-21 calendar. Updated December 8
- The District of Columbia State Athletic Association today announced it has postponed interscholastic athletics in the 2020-21 school year until January 2021. Updated July 16
Florida high school sports
Fall recap: Florida proceeded with its fall sports schedule after a slight delay.
- The FHSAA Board of Directors at their July 23rd Board Meeting voted, 11-4 in favor of postponing the start date of fall sports until August 24th. Updated July 27
Georgia high school sports
Fall recap: Georgia delayed the start of its football season by two weeks but started other fall sports on time.
- GHSA will be moving forward with the September 4 date for opening football season as directed by the Board of Trustees. Fastpitch softball dates also updated. Updated August 19.
Hawaii high school sports
Fall recap: The Hawaii High School Athletic Association postponed fall sports season to 2021.
- HHSAA awaits response from DOH on COVID-19 guidelines Updated December 8
- Tentative winter sports schedules set for January 4 start date Updated December 2
- Still no timeline set on when high school sports will return to Hawaii Updated November 18
- HHSAA meeting results in no movement on schedules Updated November 11
- Student-athletes still awaiting green light to begin prep sports season Updated November 4
- HHSAA schedules for 2020-21 are near completion Updated October 28
- HHSAA extends “no contact” period for all workouts and practices through Sept. 13 Updated August 19
Idaho high school sports
Fall recap: After the IDHSAA released re-opening guidelines in late July, Idaho fall sports continued with the original playing schedule.
- No fans allowed at Idaho high school sporting events due to COVID-19 restrictions Updated December 2
- High school basketball season delayed in the 5A, 4A SIC Updated November 4
- Fall 2020 IDHSAA Athletics and Activities Re-opening Guidance Plan Updated July 29
Illinois high school sports
Fall recap: The IHSA announced boys and girls golf, girls tennis, cross country and girls swimming & diving will remain as fall sports with a condensed 2020-21 season schedule starting August 10 through October 24. Fall sports began with competition limited to conference opponents and other schools in the same general geographical area.
- Illinois high school sports on hold until 2021 Updated December 8
- IHSA sports remain on pause, IHSA Executive Director talks about the direction of high school sports in Illinois Updated December 2
- IHSA puts winter sports on pause, signals basketball won’t start before January Updated November 18
- Gov. Pritzker says high school basketball will be delayed until spring Updated November 4
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health put winter sports “on hold” Updated October 28
- IHSA sets winter sports vote for Oct. 28, grants exemption for club athletes Updated October 20
- Illinois’ Top Health Official Says There’s No Plan to Change School Sports Guidance Updated September 23
Indiana high school sports
Fall recap: After the IHSAA released re-opening guidelines in August, Indiana fall sports continued with the original playing schedule.
- COVID-19 restrictions imposed to keep high school basketball players, fans safe Updated December 2
- Winter season of indoor sports begins next week in Indiana. It won’t be without risk Updated November 4
- Local winter sports coaches ready to compete but preparing for delay Updated October 28
- COVID-19 ending some fall sports in Indiana early Updated October 28
- IHSAA updates COVID-19 guidelines for winter sports Updated October 20
Iowa high school sports
Fall recap: After the IAHSAA released re-opening guidelines in August, Iowa fall sports continued with the original playing schedule
- Central Iowa Metro League schools ask for statewide winter sports delay until January Updated November 18
- No more than 2 spectators per athlete to be allowed at Iowa HS sporting events Updated November 11
- How Iowa’s latest COVID-19 health measures impact high school and youth sports Updated November 11
- Guidance for 2020-2021 Iowa high school winter sports announced Updated October 20
Kansas high school sports
Fall recap: After the KSHSAA released re-opening guidelines in August, Kansas fall sports continued with the original playing schedule.
- KSHSAA to revisit ‘fan ban’ for winter sports Updated December 8
- Kansas high school sports begin Tuesday Updated December 2
- Delay proposed for Kansas high school winter sports Updated November 18
- Across KC, health officials warn schools against winter sports. Will anyone listen? Updated November 11
- Board of education discusses winter sports, district coronavirus testing policies Updated November 4
Kentucky high school sports
Fall recap: After considering two other motions that would have delayed the start of the fall seasons to varying degrees, the KHSAA Board of Control voted to proceed with fall sports starting August 24. The fall sports of Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football began official practice August 24, with a restriction of 7.5 hours of practice during the first week and full practice starting Monday, August 31.
- KHSAA to discuss winter sports at Thursday’s meeting Updated December 8
- Kentucky High School Athletic Association votes to delay hoops, other winter sports until Jan. 4 Updated November 18
- Start of Kentucky’s high school football playoffs delayed one week Updated November 11
- ‘Frustrating.’ At least 5 KY high school football games canceled due to COVID-19 concerns Updated September 23
- Board of control approves dates for winter sports to begin practice Updated September 16
Louisiana high school sports
Fall recap: In July, the LHSAA released guidelines, that aligned with the four phases of reopening set by the Louisiana Governor, that outline during what phases each fall sport could begin practicing, intersquad scrimmage, interschool scrimmage, and game play. Ultimately, fall sports were able to proceed with little delay.
- LHSAA releases revised statement regarding COVID-19 mitigation with no mention of fines, penalties Updated December 2
- LHSAA releases updated fall sports guidelines Updated October 7
Maine high school sports
Fall recap: In September, the Maine Principals’ Association announced that football and volleyball would be cancelled, but allowed all other fall high school sports to proceed, including golf, cross country, field hockey and soccer.
- Formal high school winter sports practices delayed until January Updated December 8
- MPA provides updates on winter sports guidelines Updated December 2
- Maine high school winter sports season to begin Dec. 7 Updated November 11
- Maine’s high school winter sports season put on hold indefinitely Updated October 28
Maryland high school sports
Fall recap: After season delays, the MPSSAA announced fall sports, including cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball, could begin practice on October 7 and proceed with seven weeks of competition.
- Baltimore City postpones start of public high school winter sports season due to coronavirus concerns Updated December 8
- Maryland State Board of Education votes to move high school sports start date to December Updated October 28
- Maryland gives go-ahead to resume high school sports to return as soon as October 7 Updated October 7
- Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association gives green light to conduct all high school athletics beginning in 2021 Updated September 16
Massachusetts high school sports
Fall recap: Massachusetts launched a COVID-19 Task Force that advised continuing with low and moderate sports but delaying football to begin in February, 2021. Most fall sports ended up being slightly delayed, as well, starting practice in September instead of August. As of now, the winter season remains on schedule from November 30 – February 21) and the postponed football season will run from February 22 – April 25.
- Massachusetts releases new guidance on high school winter sports Updated November 10
- Tournament Management Committee recommends to cancel MIAA-sponsored winter sports tournaments Updated October 20
- New guidelines set for Mass. high school sports: No football in the fall; extra ‘floating’ season Updated August 19
Michigan high school sports
Fall recap: In Michigan, fall sports originally were planned to be delayed, but in response to an executive order from the governor, this decision was reversed and football moved back to the fall season instead of being delayed until the spring. Football and other fall sports resumed in September and finals will take place in December.
- Michigan high school sports remain on hold; MHSAA still wants to finish fall seasons Updated December 8
- MHSAA confirms winter high school sports in Michigan will start on time Updated November 10
- Michigan high school football reinstated Updated September 30
- MHSAA Council authorizes competition in volleyball, soccer, swimming & diving where allowed Updated September 2
- MHSSA announces football to move to spring season for 2020-21 Updated August 19
- MHSAA Announces Fall Sports Will Kick Off 2020-21 School Year as Traditionally Scheduled Updated July 17
Minnesota high school sports
Fall recap: Like Michigan, Minnesota originally planned to delay fall sports to the spring but subsequently voted to move football and volleyball back to the fall season. The fall season ended up starting late, on September 28, so the season was cut short to only 6 regular-season games.
- MSHSL approves plan to start winter sports as early as Dec. 21 Updated December 8
- Minnesota high school football, volleyball ok’ed for fall seasons Updated September 30
- 2020 MSHSL Fall Activities guide Updated August 19
- Fall sports slated to start on time in Minnesota Updated July 27
Mississippi high school sports
Fall recap: While the fall football season was delayed slightly (2 weeks), fall sports remained relatively normal in Mississippi with competition beginning as of September 4.
- MSHAA to announce classifications on September 21 – Updated September 16
- Comprehensive Fall 2020 Return to Sport Guidelines Updated August 19
- MHSAA School Guidelines for Fall Sports – Mississippi High School Activities Association Updated July 28
- Per MHSAA Executive Committee vote Tuesday, the start of the Fall Sports season is delayed two weeks. Practice for volleyball, cross country and swim starts Aug. 10 with first meets/matches Aug. 24. Football practice begins Aug. 17. Opening games for football start Sept. 4. Updated July 14
Missouri high school sports
Fall recap: Missouri fall sports held their regular schedule of competition.
- Despite spike in coronavirus cases, winter sports set to start Updated November 2
- MSHSAA Board of Directors approves possible alternate schedules Updated August 19
- “If you are only offering virtual instruction with no face-to- face education, either temporarily or for the semester/year, you may not offer sports and activities during that period” Updated July 28
Montana high school sports
Fall recap: Montana fall sports held their regular schedule of competition.
- The MHSA Board approved allowing each classification/district/division to cancel non-conference games this season and more Updated September 2
- MHSA releases COVID-19 FAQs Updated September 2
- MHSA Return to Fall Activities All fall sports practices will begin on the scheduled dates. Updated July 27
Nebraska high school sports
Fall recap: Nebraska fall sports held their regular schedule of competition.
- NSAA issues new health guidelines for winter sports Updated December 8
- NSAA Fall Season Guidelines Updated August 19
- NSAA Fall Sports Announcement “The NSAA is preparing to begin the 2020 fall sports season as currently scheduled. First practices for football, volleyball, cross country, girls golf, boys tennis, and softball are set to begin August 10th.” Updated July 20
Nevada high school sports
Fall recap: In Nevada, as early as July, the decision was made to delay fall sports entirely. Practices for most fall sports will begin on February 20 and football practice will begin on February 13. Winter sports have also been delayed to begin in January. Spring sports will begin in April.
- NIAA: High school sports will not begin until January; director announces retirement next summer Updated September 24
- NIAA sports seasons, current restrictions and requirements Updated August 19
- 2020-21 Adjustments to Sports Seasons due to Covid-19 Pandemic Sports won’t resume until Jan 2021. Updated July 23
- Guiding Principles regarding NIAA competition due to the covid-19 pandemic Updated July 7
New Hampshire high school sports
Fall recap: New Hampshire fall sports held their regular schedule of competition.
- NHIAA approves winter sports; no minimum games required Updated November 10
- High school sports resume amid pandemic Updated September 30
- NHIAA return to sports announcements Updated August 19
- NHIAA moving ahead on fall sports, putting safety first Updated July 25
New Jersey high school sports
Fall recap: New Jersey had a late start to fall sports but kicked off the seasons in October. As of October 12, all sports, both indoor and outdoor regardless of risk level, are permitted.
- NJ delays start of high school winter sports; seasons will be shortened Updated December 8
- NJSIAA revises guidelines related to transfers and spectators attending games Updated September 2
- NJSIAA updates plan for returning to play Updated August 26
- NJ high school sports given green light by Gov. Murphy Updated August 19
- Central Jersey high school becomes first in N.J. to cancel fall sports season Updated July 23
New Mexico high school sports
Fall recap: In New Mexico, non-contact sports like volleyball, golf and cross country were initially delayed and scheduled to resume later in the fall. However, New Mexico’s governor officially cancelled all fall high school sports in October.
- New Mexico to delay winter high school sports until February Updated December 9
- New Spring 2021 NMAA Sports Calendar Approved Updated December 2
- Youth Sports Won’t Compete in New Mexico This Year Updated October 22
- NMAA Guidance for Return to Play Updated September 30
- 2020-2021 Amended NMAA Sports Calendar Updated September 30
- NMAA ends ‘dead period,’ announces new eligibility rules Updated September 16
- New Mexico governor asks colleges to postpone fall sports Updated July 28
- 2020-2021 Amended NMAA Sports Calendar Updated Since the Governor announced contact sports would not be played in the fall, football and soccer will be moved to the spring. Updated July 15
- Return to Play Guidelines were updated on July 10 Updated July 10
- The 2020 Football and Soccer seasons are being postponed to the Spring semester. Updated July 9
New York high school sports
Fall recap: In September, the NYSPHSAA announced that it would postpone high-risk sports including cheerleading, football and volleyball until March. Low and moderate risk sports, including cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, soccer, girls swimming and diving, and girls tennis, were allowed to play a delayed, shorter fall season, with no regional or state championships.
- Winter sports season for low- and moderate-risk sports moved to Jan. 4 Updated December 9
- NYSPHSAA Postpones State Date for High Risk Winter Sports Updated November 18
- New York Planning Accelerated Decision on Fate of Winter High School Sports Updated October 22
- NYSPHSAA Football, Volleyball Competitive Cheer (Fall) Seasons Moved to March 1, 2021 Updated September 16
- NYSPHSAA Releases Updated Return to Interscholastic Athletics Resource Document Updated September 16
- NYSPHSAA Continues Preparations for Return to Interscholastic Athletics on September 21st – Winter Sports Delayed from Nov. 16 to Nov. 30 Updated September 2
- Gov. Cuomo says New York fall high school sports decision will come within a week Updated August 19
- Don’t look for New York to offer extra high school sports eligibility after canceled season Updated July 28
- NYSPHSAA to delay start of fall high school sports season due to COVID-19 Updated July 16
- Youth sports have been allowed in Phase 4 regions since July 6 as long teams are not traveling long distances and/or across state lines. The governor has not yet addressed athletic competition in his guidelines. Updated July 14
North Carolina high school sports
Fall recap: The NCHSAA halted all high school sports back in March and has used a phased approach to resume high school athletics. NCHSAA color-coded sports as green, yellow, or red, to designate sports from the safest to most high-risk or most likely to spread the virus. Volleyball, swimming and cross country – designated as green and yellow sports – are set to begin competition in November, while football – are red sports – is scheduled to begin in February.
- 2020-2021 Modified Guidelines – Phased Approach Reopening High School Athletics Updated September 16
- NCHSAA commissioner explains changes to high school sports calendar, and her concerns Updated August 19
- NCHSAA announces amended 2020-2021 athletic calendar Updated August 12
- UPDATE | Fall sports season delayed until at least September 1 The first 5 student days of the 2020-2021 school year will be designated as a “dead period” for ALL sports, allowing school staff to focus on the start of school. Updated July 28
North Dakota high school sports
Fall recap: North Dakota was one of few states that chose to proceed with the fall sports season as planned. Cross country, golf, football, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball are all NDHSAA-sponsored fall sports. NDHSAA COVID-19 guidelines specify that sports limit extra physical contact and competitors should keep social distance when possible.
- NDHSAA approves regular season attendance guidelines Updated December 9
- Guidelines and Recommendations for Sports/Activities: North Dakota High School Activities Association Updated December 2
- New executive order suspends winter prep sports, activities until Dec. 14 Updated November 18
- NDHSAA releases winter sports COVID-19 guidelines Updated November 18
- Changes to North Dakota Football Classification and Deadlines for 2021 Updated September 16
- NDHSAA Return to Competition Guidelines – as of 7/24/2020 Updated August 19
- NDHSAA Board votes to proceed with all fall sports and activities as scheduled Updated July 16
Ohio high school sports
Fall recap: In Ohio, non-contact fall sports golf and tennis started as planned. However, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, cross country and football were slightly delayed until late August. OHSAA released recommendations and sport-specific guidelines for all fall sports.
- OHSAA Member Updates: Winter Sports Attendance Updated December 2
- OHSAA reaffirms commitment to starting winter sports Updated November 20
- Revision to Tournament Cancellation/Postponement Policy Updated October 22
- Governor’s Office and Ohio Department of Health Guide: Youth, Collegiate, Amateur, Club and Professional Sports Updated October 22
- OHSAA Committed to Tournaments Despite Financial Cuts and Uncertainties Updated September 16
- Noting the Start of OHSAA Football Season – COVID-19 Protocols Updated September 2
- Governor Gives Green Light for Contact Sports, Urges Caution Updated August 18
- COVID-19 Return to Play Recommendations for OHSAA Member Schools Updated July 22
- OHSAA is proceeding as if fall sports will occur, practices will begin on August 1 and they will conduct their usual series of tournaments in 10 fall sports. Competitive games and tournaments are now permitted for contact sports. During this period, practices and open gyms with another team or club and inter-club/team play are also permitted so long as all teams involved agree to comply with requirements. Updated July 7
- Beginning Monday, June 22, schools may now have open gyms/open fields/workouts/training for Contact Sports. All NON/LOW-Contact sports may continue with competitions previously granted beginning May 26. Updated June 19
Oklahoma high school sports
Fall recap: The OSSAA approved fall regular seasons in football, cross country, fast pitch softball, volleyball and cheer to compete as scheduled.
- Suggested Guidelines for Returning to Participating Updated December 9
- OSSAA to allow every football team in the playoff Updated October 22
- OSSAA: Board amends policy on district football and fast pitch softball cancellations Updated September 24
- OSSAA: Fall activities to continue as planned, for now Updated September 2
- OSSAA Guidelines for Returning to Participation Updated July 27
- Organized practices for Cross Country, Fast-Pitch Softball, Volleyball and Fall Baseball Begin July 15 Updated July 14
- On June 9, 2020 the OSSAA Board of Directors voted to suspend the summertime dead period for this year only. Summertime activities will be permitted during the originally scheduled dead period, this summer only, at the discretion of the school district. All other summertime restrictions are in place, no practices may be held, etc. Updated June 9
Oregon high school sports
Fall recap: In August, all fall high school sports in Oregon were delayed until March 2021.The OSAA left it up to the individual districts for how they want to handle workouts on campuses throughout the fall. The decision to delay fall sports still allows for three sports seasons, with the winter season scheduled for January and February, followed by the fall season in March and April, then the spring season in May and June. Each will have a seven-week regular season.
- OSAA moves high school sports to February Updated December 9
- Statewide Freeze Guidance — Outdoor K-12 School Sports, Limited Return to Play Updated November 18
- Conference sports schedule shelved by OSAA Updated October 22
- Oregon schools are encouraged to schedule locally, regionally to avoid extensive travel during the COVID-19 crisis Updated October 22
- OSAA moves fall high school sports season to March and April Updated August 5
- OSAA adopts New 2020-21 School Activities Calendar Updated August 5
- OSSA is planning to shorten the season and playoffs moving activities to the spring and leaving it up to the district if a player tests positive for COVID. Updated July 27
Pennsylvania high school sports
Fall recap: Despite the Pennsylvania Governor’s urging to delay fall sports until January 2021, the PIAA voted to allow the fall season to proceed despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Practices for all fall sports began in August. Golf, girls tennis, cross country, girls volleyball, field hockey, water polo, soccer, and football began competition between August and September.
- PIAA Return to Competition: Individual Sports Considerations, Winter Updated December 2
- PIAA Moves Forward With Scheduled Start of Winter Sports Updated December 2
- PIAA approves plans for fall sports high school playoffs Updated September 24
- Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Return to Competition: Individual Sport Considerations Updated September 16
- PIAA OKs fall sports at Pennsylvania schools, despite governor’s recommendation Updated September 2
- PIAA Board of Directors Meeting Summary – Approved the start date of the 2020 Fall Sports Season as August 24 Updated September 2
- PIAA Board of Directors will meet again on Friday, August 21, 2020 to discuss the starting of fall sports Updated August 19
- PIAA Return to Competition: Individual Sport Considerations. Updated July 29
- PIAA announces back-to-practice guidelines for fall high school sports Updated July 17
- PIAA addressed questions regarding face coverings announcing coaches, athletes and spectators must wear face coverings with few exceptions. Updated July 3
- COVID-19 Guidance for Sports Updated June 22
Rhode Island high school sports
Fall recap: The Rhode Island Interscholastic League approved cross country, soccer, girls tennis, sideline cheer, and field hockey to compete in the fall, starting in late September, with some safety modifications. Football and volleyball were not approved for competition in the fall. As a result, the RIIL will be adopting a four-season model and those sports not approved to start in September will be moved to Season 3, which will be held between the winter and spring seasons at a start date to be determined.
- RI high schools move to 25% capacity, sports canceled until Jan. Updated December 9
- High school winter sports paused by Rhode Island Governor Updated December 2
- High schools: Fall sports seasons in Rhode Island to have staggered start Updated November 3
- Governor approves Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Sideline Cheer, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer and Field Hockey for team competition this fall with safety modifications Updated September 16
- 8/5 Press Conference: Update on 2020 RIIL Fall Sports Updated August 5
- In phase three, which should be the third week in August, competition and practice will be allowed without a limited group size for low-contact and no-contact sports. Updated July 24
South Carolina high school sports
Fall recap: The SCHSL pushed back the start of its fall sports season. Girls golf, girls tennis and swimming were allowed to start their regular seasons in late August, while cross country, volleyball and football held their first games in September. The 2020 football season was adjusted tobe only seven games with region games first and the playoffs will be only four rounds instead of five.
Competitive cheer was allowed to hold its first competitions in October.
- SCHSL Spring Sports Schedule, Guidelines Updated December 2
- SCHSL unanimously approves winter sports guidelines Updated December 2
- Football and competitive cheer may begin Phase 1.5 with workouts on August 31 Updated September 2
- NCHSAA commissioner explains changes to high school sports calendar, and her concerns Updated August 19
- Start date shifts again for SC high school football season – Practice pushed to Sept. 8, games to Sept. 25 Updated August 5
- Fall Sports start date moved from July 31st to August 17th for the first day of practice for all sports. Updated July 15
- Source: SCHSL “seriously considering” moving football season to spring Updated July 14
South Dakota high school sports
Fall recap: South Dakota high school sports are playing an altered or delayed schedule this fall.
- SD high school winter sports face virus-related rule changes Updated November 17
- SDHSAA: On-time start for South Dakota high school winter sports approved Updated November 11
- South Dakota high school winter sports poised for on-time start, per proposal Updated November 4
Tennessee high school sports
Fall recap: Tennessee fall sports held their regular schedule of competition
- County schools approve winter sports, continue with online learning Updated November 11
Texas high school sports
Fall recap: Texas high school sports are playing an altered or delayed schedule this fall.
- Ysleta ISD allows fall sports to continue playing, winter sports on pause Updated November 11
- 2020-2021 UIL COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidelines Updated September 2
Utah high school sports
Fall recap: Utah fall sports held their regular schedule of competition.
- Utah high school winter sports to continue, but with new rules on spectators Updated December 8
- Utah announces restart dates for high school winter sports Updated December 2
- UHSAA puts winter high school sports on hold, including tryouts for basketball and wrestling Updated November 11
Vermont high school sports
Fall recap: Vermont high school football seasons were delayed as other sports played their original schedules up until mid-September. They are now playing altered or delayed schedules.
- Vermont high school winter sports delayed ‘until further notice’ Updated December 8
- Big Changes Expected for Winter High School Sports Updated November 17
- Coronavirus: State guidance for H.S. winter sports likely to be delayed until November Updated October 7
- What the return of high school sports looked like in Vermont Updated September 30
Virginia high school sports
Fall recap: Virginia high school sport seasons were altered then ultimately cancelled in mid-October.
- List of Virginia public school divisions and high schools who have cancelled their winter sports seasons Updated December 8
- VHSL moving forward with winter sports season Updated November 17
- Virginia High School Sports Allowed To Return In December Updated November 4
- Virginia high school sports officially will not begin until December Updated September 23
Washington high school sports
Fall recap: Washington high school sports were delayed at the start of the school year. Washington cancelled fall competition from mid-September to mid-October. They are now playing altered or delayed schedules.
- Return of high school sports delayed until 2021, and seasons shortened Updated December 2
- Current case numbers leave winter sports in doubt Updated November 17
- Washington high-school state championships unlikely to be held during COVID-19 pandemic Updated November 4
- WIAA Return-To-Play Guidelines Updated October 20
- High school sports may return in winter, with WIAA guidance Updated September 23
West Virginia high school sports
Fall recap: West Virginia high school sports started off on schedule then moved to playing altered or delayed schedules in September.
- WVSSAC makes changes to 2020 winter sports season Updated December 2
- High school winter sports delayed until Jan. 11 Updated November 17
- WVSSAC updates winter sports guidelines Updated November 11
- Nearly two dozen football games scrubbed, postseasons for other sports altered by COVID map Updated November 4
Wisconsin high school sports
Fall recap: Wisconsin high school sports are playing an altered or delayed schedule this fall. There will be no winter competition.
- WIAA: Winter To Be Much Like The Fall Updated December 8
- Wisconsin schools prep for winter sports amid pandemic Updated December 2
- Many high school winter sports return to practice Updated November 17
- WIAA winter sports season begins for some, others wait for games Updated November 17
- Big 8 Conference cancels winter sports conference competitions Updated October 20
Wyoming high school sports
Fall recap: Wyoming fall sports played their original schedules up until mid-September. They are now playing an altered or delayed schedule.
- New health orders mean less space for spectators Updated December 8
- WHSAA outlines winter sports season Updated December 2
- WHSAA: Diligence needed Updated November 11
- Wyoming High School football activities suspended amid positive COVID-19 test results Updated October 7
- High School Winter Sports On, Fall Sports Still Going Updated September 23
Read more: College coaches on COVID-19 impact to recruiting and scholarships
Read more: What the NCAA Extra Year of Eligibility Means for Recruiting
About NCSA
The impacts of COVID-19 are being felt throughout the sports community. As we head into the spring and summer season, there is a lot of uncertainty into how the youth sports community will be impacted. At NCSA we are believers on the importance of sports first and recruiting experts second. We are making all of our research into the impacts of COVID-19 public to help in any way we can. We will continue to update these materials as updates are necessary. Please send any questions or requests to updates@ncsasports.org.
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