Officials with the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), along with the National Federation of State High School Associations, have released a contingency plan for starting high school sports practices for the fall 2020 season.
It is the goal of the Idaho High School Activities Association to start all activities on time this fall,” the IHSAA said in the plan, released Thursday afternoon. In a multi-page document, both the IHSAA and the NFHS list goals and requirements for all Idaho prep teams to follow in order to return to play. While they are currently mandatory, these requirements are subject to change based on directives from the governor’s office, the Idaho State Board of Education or the Idaho High School Activities Association Board of Directors.
All IHSAA-backed fall sports will start on August 10. Any changes to the calendar will be made on a week-to-week basis. If a game is canceled, it must be related to and backed by the COVID-19 guideline, with that decision made by the district superintendent. All coaches and students should be screened for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout, including temperature checks.
All athletes are encouraged to wear face coverings during transportation to games and practices, and during practices and/or games if they choose. Coaches, officials, and other personnel are strongly encouraged to wear cloth face coverings at all times, including practices and games. Plastic shields covering the entire face, or attached to a helmet, are not allowed. The biggest challenge will likely be the elimination of the pre- and post-game traditions: the high fives, fist bumps, congratulatory hugs. All are strongly discouraged this season.
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