On Tuesday, July 21, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) communicated the tentative sports calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. According to the WIAA, the changes will create four WIAA-sanctioned seasons and move moderate and high-risk team sports, initially scheduled for the fall season, to the WIAA Season 3. These changes are in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic. They will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure the plan is not only safe for students, but also in compliance with the Washington Department of Health’s recommendations.
“Bottom line is we will try to have Cross Country, Boys Tennis and Boys Golf and possibly Girls Swim this Fall,” says Chehalis School District’s Athletic Director Jeff Johnson. Winter Sports will start January 4 if COVID numbers allow it, and season 3 will start March 1 and include regular fall sports (Football, Girls Soccer, and Volleyball). Finally, the 4th season would begin on April 26 and include the traditional Spring Sports, including Fastpitch, Baseball, and Track. This season would end in late June versus wrapping up Memorial Day weekend.
In addition to the new tentative sports schedule for the 2020-2021 school year, the WIAA Executive Board and planning committees have created Return-to-Activity guidelines. They have worked closely with the National Federation of High Schools, Washington Department of Health, and the Governor’s Office to create the guidelines, which are on the WIAA’s website.