WIAA delays start of fall sports season

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Executive Board pushed back the start date for fall sports on July 7.  The action was taken in an attempt to relieve pressure on member schools as they prepare for the opening of schools to in-person and/or online learning, according to the announcement.  The current dates to commence fall sports practices are Sept. 5 for football and Sept. 7 for all other sports.  These starting dates, which fall on the Saturday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, allow for contests to begin as early as Sept. 18.

 

On July 21, the Executive Board will review other options for fall sports should further delays become necessary, with an announcement to be made on July 22.  In the interim, a planning committee made up of Executive Board members, WIAA staff and representatives from WIAA member schools will review possible options and make recommendations.

 

The Executive Board recognizes this recent action creates many questions, and it will work to provide answers on July 22, according to the announcement. In the interim, the WIAA suggested schools avoid any rescheduling of games until a decision is made on how the delayed start impacts the fall season.