Despite efforts from parents and other inquiries, the NIAA will not allow fall sports to be played until the spring of 2021.
Emergency Directive 021 issued May 28, 2020, provides for the resumption of sporting events but requires that such events remain closed for public attendance.
In allowing for the opening of school athletic facilities, the Governor’s office communicated clearly to the NIAA that this restriction applies to high school sports events.
With the current restrictions likely to remain in place, it is extremely likely that at least three fall sports could not hold any competition in the fall of 2020 and that other fall sports would require significant modification to have competition.
Additionally, no spectators could be allowed at any of the competitions.
At this time, at least five school districts along with a number of charter schools which all together include more than 45 NIAA member schools and over 69% of the students enrolled in NIAA schools, will not begin school with in-person instruction and would not be able to compete even if a season were held this fall, unless those schools opened to in-person instruction.
These include schools in all five classifications and in both northern and southern regions.
The NIAA has received inquiries regarding the possibility of starting fall sports in late September or early to mid-October to allow for more competitive weeks for all seasons.
Some of the inquiries were from coaches’ associations of fall sports which included potential schedules.
Inquiries have asked particularly for consideration for classifications and/or regions/leagues in areas of the state experiencing less impact from the pandemic.
In consultation with league/region presidents as to whether such a prospect should be considered, the response was mixed with some support and some opposition.
In consulting with the superintendents at their meeting the first week in August, the comment was made that it would be preferred not to alter the schedule issued for the January start.
Only comments in favor, with none in opposition to that statement were made.
