Turning the MHSAA’s COVID-19 guidelines into policies will take discussion, AD says. Again, social distancing and proper cleaning must be followed. The Council also on Aug 14. postponed the Fall 2020 football season to Spring 2021, but voted today to allow for a shortened season this fall. Updated Jun 04, 2020; Posted Jun 04, 2020 . The Earlier today, the Representative Council made the difficult decision to postpone football until the spring of 2021. To recap, here is a breakdown of sport-by-sport attendance and broadcast stipulations. MHSAA COVID-19 guidelines include mask mandate for fall 2020 sports. The return-to-activity guidelines are aimed to provide direction for schools as they continue to limit potential exposure to respiratory droplets, the primary avenue for transferring COVID-19. We will continue to provide updates in accordance with the Governor’s directives for reopening the state, always prioritizing safety for all involved in school sports programs.”, MHSAA 3 0 obj
Following are points of likely interest from Update #2 : Member schools may begin summer activities at school facilities as long as these two conditions are met: 1. Spectator plans for the final two weeks of the Girls and Boys Basketball Tournaments will be provided by Monday, March 16. But traditional Spring sports - girls soccer and girls and boys lacrosse - carry similar risk, negating the value of making that full season switch. More Information at Michigan Coronavirus Resource Page. March 11, 12:00 pm: The MHSAA is working with state and local health authorities to monitor the developing COVID-19 situation in Michigan. This remains a fluid situation, and another update will be released here today, March 12, at 2 p.m. March 11, 6:30 pm: The Michigan High School Athletic Association is planning to conduct all remaining winter postseason tournaments as scheduled. 0��1V��:�-��bQ.n��Z,���ʚ}���W],����j�ƺ{�i�c,ƏQ�U��x)p��(M�m���(*�a!�z �XzhŞ�>�Q�
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!/!�y��C����$. The health and welfare of everyone involved is our number one priority.”. The Council also on Aug 14. postponed the Fall 2020 football season to Spring 2021, but voted today to allow for a shortened season this fall. The concept is fall competition will take place as lo-cally as possible with no large-scale events, invitationals or tournaments. “Based on the events of the last 48 hours and with things changing by the minute, we believe we have no choice but to suspend our winter tournaments immediately,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. The suspension of activities applies to sports for all three MHSAA seasons as Spring sports practices have begun, Winter tournaments were suspended Thursday and Fall sports coaches are working with limited numbers of athletes during the offseason. New competition limits in all fall sports were approved to limit the number of teams and in-dividuals at any one competition site. However, for Hockey Semifinals and Finals and Gymnastics Team Finals – events with far fewer participants – a limited number of spectators will be allowed, as determined by participating schools, to include only parents, legal guardians and essential administrators. We will provide an update when changes are made to this current staff and office environment approach. Updates will be posted as necessary. Boys Basketball District Finals Posted May 29, 2020 . However, based on the recommendations from Gov. Photo by Jonathan Mitchell. The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association today approved the start of competition in girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming & diving in regions of Michigan authorized for that activity by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders, with competition in those sports pending in regions where those activities are not yet allowed as part of preventing spread of COVID-19. More Information at Michigan Coronavirus Resource Page, April 2, 12:00 p.m.: The Michigan High School Athletic Association will announce no later than Friday (April 3) afternoon the status of its 2019-20 Winter and Spring seasons, after the directive by Gov. Also, because most weight rooms cannot accommodate social distancing for groups of 50, the MHSAA recommends cycling in these smaller groups to weight rooms with proper cleaning of equipment between rotations. CREDENTIALED MHSAA MEDIA WILL STILL BE PERMITTED AT EVENTS Finalized the fall sports guidance documents for the safe return to activity. Given the rapid, fast-moving and unprecedented events of this week, the MHSAA will use the time during this all-sport suspension of activities to evaluate all options and next steps which will be shared with schools in a timely manner.”. By Jake Thompson. endobj
Spring sports – baseball, softball, girls soccer, track & field, girls and boys lacrosse, boys golf, Upper Peninsula girls golf, and Lower Peninsula girls tennis and Upper Peninsula boys tennis – may schedule their 16 contact days for voluntary practices from Sept. 8-Oct. 31, if the school permits and all safety protocols are followed. endobj
Play Fall sports in the Fall, as scheduled. (WWJ) The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) has announced winter sports are slated to start on time, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was based on feedback and input from the Governor’s office, state health department officials, member schools, collegiate conferences and individuals on both sides of the issue. Whitmer’s executive order also allows for an immediate start of competition boys soccer; Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving and girls volleyball on Wednesday (Sept. 9) for schools located in Regions 1-5 and 7 based on the MI Safe Start Plan. Published 7:00 am Thursday, October 15, 2020. This weekend’s Boys Swimming & Diving Finals will be held as scheduled at Oakland University and the Holland Aquatic Center, but will be conducted with no on-site spectators. We thank you in advance for your understanding and support in these unusual times. Uyl added that more information and updates will be forthcoming over the next few days. For those allowed to be present, there will be no admission charged at any of these five events. Bands, cheerleaders and gatherings in parking lots or elsewhere on-site will not be allowed. However, the MHSAA will conduct its postseason events in those four sports only for the Fall 2020 season. Delayed the start of football practice with full player pads and equipment until Monday, August 17. Basketball games during the next two days also will allow only limited spectators, as determined by participating schools and following these same restrictions. Specific plans and policies for spectators at this weekend’s Ice Hockey Semifinals & Finals, Girls Gymnastic Finals, Girls Regional Basketball and Boys District Basketball games will be provided by 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12. Schools in Regions 6 and 8 have been able to play volleyball, soccer and swim because those regions have been under fewer restrictions while in Phase 5 of the reopening process. At this time, all MHSAA postseason tournament events will be played as scheduled. These events have the highest number of participants of this weekend’s events. Following are points of likely interest from Update #1 and a comment from MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl: Indoor facilities, including gymnasiums and weight rooms, remain closed. 1 0 obj
The return-to-activity guidelines are aimed to provide direction for schools as they continue to limit potential exposure to respiratory droplets, the primary avenue for transferring COVID-19. No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling for tournaments. Updated Jul 31, 2020; Posted Jul 31, 2020 . “The MHSAA and its Representative Council believe restarting school sports is essential to the physical and mental well-being of students, and the guidelines outlined for schools today provide the ‘How’ for schools to return to athletics when they’ve received the go-ahead from state and county health officials,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said in a statement. On Wednesday, Gov. MHSAA unveils COVID-19 guidelines for football. To provide additional offseason activity for sports that have had their full seasons canceled or moved, the Council approved 16 contact days for football and all spring sports to be used for voluntary practices among students from the same school only. March 12, 3:00 pm: Postseason events sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association have been suspended immediately and indefinitely due to concerns related to COVID-19. The academic school year (last day of online instruction/exams) has ended. However, the MHSAA will conduct its postseason events in those four sports only for the Fall 2020 season. The MHSAA headquarters is currently closed to visitors and walk-in customers. The Representative Council met this morning to discuss fall sports. This will allow for a better response and easier tracing should a positive case of COVID-19 be discovered. To leave a voicemail message, call 517-332-5046 and leave a message in our general mailbox. Spring Sports: The MHSAA is receiving numerous questions about Spring sports, as relates to COVID-19 concerns. “We are thankful for the opportunity for kids to get back on the field in all fall sports, and we appreciate Governor Whitmer providing that opportunity with Executive Order 176 ,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. Please look for our next update to reach you on August 19 with finalized plans and dates for the remaining fall sports. East Lansing, MI 48823 Schools in Regions 6 and 8 also may increase their participation in outdoor activities from 100 to a maximum of 250 people. Schools are not required to play any of those sports this fall, and may postpone until the spring. “We are thankful for the opportunity for kids to get back on the field in all fall sports, and we appreciate Governor Whitmer providing that opportunity with Executive Order 176 ,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. Email the author. To contact the MHSAA via email, visit the Contact Us page on MHSAA.com. 1. Online ticket sales have been stopped, and all tickets that have been purchased are voided and will be fully refunded. Fans not allowed to attend will have the opportunity to watch coverage of all three of this weekend’s Finals live on MHSAA.tv. All events at both Swim Final locations will be streamed live at MHSAA.tv. Published 8:00 am Friday, July 31, … See the fall sport-specific guidance documents for these limits. Based on recommendations from Gov. Allowed all low-risk sports to begin practice and competition as scheduled on August 12. Football may schedule their contact days from Aug. 24 through Oct 31. Decisions on competition timelines (to start or to delay further) would be made on or by August 20. Plans will be shared soon regarding allowed fall coach-player workouts as well as concepts for the spring football season dates, format and playoffs. If it becomes necessary to make adjustments to MHSAA tournament events, decisions will be made to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone involved. MHSAA announces guidelines for winter sports . If conditions only allow some sports, play lower-risk Fall sports with higher-risk Fall sports postponed until later in the school year. The MHSAA Ice Hockey Semifinals and Finals will be played March 12-14 at USA Hockey Arena, with Lower Peninsula Boys Swimming & Diving Finals beginning Friday, March 13 and concluding March 14 at Oakland University and Holland Aquatic Center. They have been developed in consultation with health professionals, government officials, the National Federation and officials from around the state of Michigan. However, administrators and coaches should begin preparing for the allowance of similar opportunities now open in Regions 6 and 8. Schools in Regions 6 and 8 have been able to play volleyball, soccer and swim because those regions have been under fewer restrictions while in Phase 5 of the reopening process. The return-to-activity guidelines are aimed to provide direction for schools as they continue to limit potential exposure to respiratory droplets, the primary avenue for transferring COVID-19. More Information at Michigan Coronavirus Resource Page, All athletic activities to be halted include practices, scrimmages and competitions/games, as well as strength training, conditioning and any other organized sessions and activities in all MHSAA in-season and out-of-season sports. More Information at Michigan Coronavirus Resource Page. March 12, 10:00 am: Postseason events sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association and scheduled for March 12-14 will be conducted as scheduled. Rounds: All scheduled for March 13. Here is a summary of the action taken. At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall. Michigan High School Athletic Association Further guidance regarding these indoor facilities in Phase 4 is coming to schools next week. School administration has announced schools facilities are open to students and staff, and 2. Broadcast: Live streaming of Team and Individual Finals on MHSAA.tv. Parents should contact their school’s athletic director for updates. Moving only selected sports, like all low-risk sports to Fall, was not considered sound because it would force student-athletes to pick between sports they’ve previously played and would have created new problems for many students. The Representative Council, our 19-member legislative body, met virtually with MHSAA staff Wednesday (July 15) to discuss a series of ideas for playing sports beginning in August. “While this is unfortunate for many reasons, we intend to do everything possible to allow our students who have earned the opportunities to compete at these highest levels to do so. We are continually monitoring this situation. Contingency planning has been ongoing since March, and this continues with the release of the Return to School Road Map on June 30. The academic school year (last day of online instruction/exams) has ended. Broadcast: Live streaming of prelims and Finals on MHSAA.tv. The MHSAA is moving forward with a return to play plan for fall sports that follows this progression: 1. We owe it to our kids to plan this way, especially during these uncertain days of the pandemic. Schools are not required to play any of those sports this fall, and may postpone until the spring. Published 10:42 am Friday, July 31, 2020. Rounds: Preliminaries on March 13, Finals on March 14 2. However, we also take seriously our responsibility to help slow the spread of this disease. Network, MHSAA/NFHS Guidance For Re-Opening School Sports. The opportunity for outside gatherings of up to 100 allowed us to rework a number of guidelines that we had published Friday as part of the MHSAA/NFHS reopening document. Boys Swimming & Diving Finals Decisions on competition timelines (to start or to delay further) would be made on or by August 20. Allowed moderate-risk sports of soccer and volleyball (pending the opening of school gyms) to begin practice as scheduled on August 12 but to delay competition. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
Email the author . Swimming can begin indoor practice and competition once pools are opened with capacity limitations being followed. The streaming of all three divisions of the MHSAA Swimming & Diving Finals and both Team and Individual Gymnastics Finals will be provided FREE OF CHARGE. Attendance: Limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators on March 13. MHSAA provided more clarity on the interim guidelines as it relates to all high school, junior high and middle school winter contact sports. Approved a “phased-in” approach to fall athletics. The MHSAA was proceeding in football similar to the way it would at the start of official practice in August – in “shells” with no contact and following all other COVID-19 protocols. 3. Please read the press release for additional information and quotes from the MHSAA. [���?>5�m��E�q���7Qt����o>��/\7Y�'�rq��`VU"�sß ^����.���Bj� �����Wq������
�y? The Fall 2020 football season has been reinstated today by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association after Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 176 lifted restrictions that previously did not allow the sport to be played. Restrictions on noisemakers, etc., will continue to be upheld for those fans who will attend. Schools in all other Regions – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 – should continue to adhere to guidelines put forth in the MHSAA’s June 2 update. Gretchen Whitmer this afternoon, the MHSAA is finalizing plans that will either prohibit or allow limited spectators through this Saturday’s events. Our schools have been cautiously eager to take this long-awaited first step. The situation with COVID-19 is … Gretchen Whitmer closing school buildings and moving education online for the remainder of the school year to help decrease the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 4. By Jonathan Mitchell. Updates and press release to follow. Attendance: No onsite spectators allowed. Broadcast: Live streaming of all nine games on MHSAA.tv. Email the author. Girls Basketball Regional Finals Officials Considerations for COVID-19 Football Guidelines Included below are considerations for contest officials within the guidelines for returning to school sports. “We share the Governor’s priorities of putting health and safety first, and the COVID-19 guidance and protocols designed by the MHSAA at her request have led to the safe starts in all sports across the state. Gretchen Whitmer recommended a stoppage of large gatherings in order to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Ȧ��?���=��F#�UI!g�"�3|��n�8���И!O���"���պ�k6b �����7. “A number of schools across the state already were making this decision, and setting this as the standard across our membership is appropriate especially given the quick pace with which this situation is continuing to evolve. %����
We will do everything within our control to safely have all three high school sports seasons in 2020-21, even if conditions change that would require creativity to provide those three seasons. Schools that are reopened in Regions 6 and 8 may begin indoor activities with no more than 50 people but must continue social (physical) distancing and proper cleaning of equipment as noted in the June 2 update. The Earlier today, the Representative Council made the difficult decision to postpone football until the spring of 2021. March 12, 2:00 pm: As this remains a fluid situation, and in order to provide the most current information, the Michigan High School Athletic Association is preparing an update on Winter postseason events to publish before the close of business today (4:30 p.m.). These three points have guided our planning the past several weeks, and will continue to be our focus in the days ahead. <>
April 3, 1:00 p.m.: The Michigan High School Athletic Association has canceled the remainder of the 2019-20 Winter and Spring sports seasons, in compliance with the Thursday (April 2) “state of disaster” directive by Gov. Complete streaming of all nine Hockey Semifinals and Finals games is scheduled, as is streaming of both the Team and Individual Gymnastics Finals and both preliminaries and Finals for swimming & diving. Baldwin falls on buzzer shot Ferris softball team drops two … Additionally, the Council considered a concept that would swap traditional Fall and Spring sports, but determined that was not a feasible plan. Read below: Read below: 1. Whitmer’s executive order also allows for an immediate start of competition boys soccer; Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving and girls volleyball on Wednesday (Sept. 9) for schools located in Regions 1-5 and 7 based on the MI Safe Start Plan. <>
“We share the Governor’s priorities of putting health and safety first, and the COVID-19 guidance and protocols designed by the MHSAA at her request have led to the safe starts in all sports across the state. x��=�n�6���?豵��E��$ 00q2�9@��lfs2� w�n#v��՝���ԅ7]zzl�� �%�d��b�ȹz�?�f�i���W��ݿ�>?�ګ_���msx�W�oX���Y������n��}�&)��E����e�E�����[�}����o�\}|�|����Ji$�\E�����'��ӯet�Cg�=�U����o~_D�����͏����}�z�u��ڇK�C��LTv Attendance: Limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators. Guidelines will continue to be updated based on directives from Governor Whitmer’s office. While there is dis-appointment today that we could not play football this fall, we are encouraged and motivated to find the best possible plan to fit football in with existing seasons to give all of our kids the best experience possible. MHSAA Fall Update #11 - 9/30/20 MHSAA Fall Update #10 - 9/25/20 MHSAA Fall Update #9 - 9/10/20. Broadcast: Live streaming of some games, with subscription, on MHSAA.tv. 3. Comment from Mark Uyl: We were excited and encouraged by Governor Whitmer’s announcements Monday. Gretchen Whitmer’s school closure and “stay home, stay safe” orders to deter the spread of COVID-19. “This is a suspension until we have a better handle on the situation. Here is what football can do when official practice starts under MHSAA coronavirus guidelines. Those policies will follow up what was presented to schools for summer offseason training, which began June 1 across the state and has seen thousands of student-athletes participate. Coronavirus guidelines for high school sports persist amid emergency order uncertainty The Representative Council of the MHSAA confirmed during its … "Also, because most weight rooms cannot accommodate social distancing for groups of 50, the MHSAA recommends cycling in these smaller groups to weight rooms with proper cleaning of equipment between rotations. MHSAA releases guidelines, timelines for return of sports. Late last week, the Michigan High School Athletic Association released guidelines for an eventual - but not definitive - reopening of prep sports, which have been suspended since mid-March due to concern over the COVID-19 pandemic. Balls may be used among groups of participants, but participants should clean such common equipment as permitted and continue to maintain proper hygiene (washing hands, not touching their faces) and social distance. They have been developed in consultation with health professionals, government officials, the National Federation and officials from around the state of Michigan. This decision was based on feedback and input from the Governor’s office, state health department officials, member schools, collegiate conferences and individuals on both sides of the issue. MHSAA provides guidelines for return of sports. These contingencies reflect our plan to play fall sports as scheduled and to provide three seasons during the school year while also being prepared to operate creatively should that be necessary. This includes swimming pools, although outdoor pools may be used for athletic activities. Plans will be shared soon regarding allowed fall coach-player workouts as well as concepts for the spring football season dates, format and playoffs. Statewide football, and competition in those regions for volleyball, soccer and swimming & diving, had been restricted as part of EO 160, which ordered gyms and pools to remain closed and required social distancing in competition to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in areas under Phase 4 of the Safe Start plan. The MHSAA’s Council had authorized on Aug. 20 the start of competition in volleyball, soccer and swim statewide, pending the authorization of that activity in the specific regions by Whitmer’s office. The week of August 10 shall only include practice sessions that consists of conditioning, physical training and skill work but without player equipment other than helmets. Lights shine … 2 0 obj
Gretchen Whitmer is lifting the current stay-at-home order. No further comments will be available at this time. %PDF-1.7
The Council will meet again July 29 for further discussion on Fall sports. We will continue to provide updates in accordance with the Governor’s directives for reopening the state, always prioritizing safety for all involved in school sports programs.”, May 29: MHSAA/NFHS Guidance For Re-Opening School Sports, Please read the press release for additional information and quotes from the MHSAA. One possible contingency for consideration could be a swap of fall and spring sports as there are concerns with indoor sports (volleyball and girls swimming & diving) being able to be conducted in the fall along with differing views on football. Thompson said he would like more clarification on the MHSAA’s guidelines for screening athletes for COVID-19 symptoms before workouts. ^^'�<5�ǜ��U��+��+e�J��:UE$J�d%TN�«��S�? Guidelines by the MHSAA were provided to member schools for interscholastic sports, a release states. Attendance: Limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators. On Tuesday, the MHSAA already updated those guidelines, based on Monday's announcement that Gov. �?w�xY,�x�/q�h�a���:���@H�B�HDХ��ϫ�Y Currently, high school football practices are scheduled to begin Aug. 10, with all other Fall sports to start practice Aug. 12. Executive Director Mark Uyl: The decisions to conduct practices and hold competitions for Spring sports are being made at the local school level, by local administration. We encourage people to follow the CDC guidance regarding hand-washing, personal hygiene and staying home when sick. As noted in the June 2 MHSAA update, member schools may begin summer activities at school facilities as long as these two conditions are met: 1. Girls Gymnastics Finals Gretchen Whitmer suggesting attendance limitations, no spectators will be allowed for the three Swimming & Diving Finals, both days, or Saturday’s Girls Gymnastics Individual Finals.