The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) is giving the green light to sports activities this fall, but they will be starting on a different timeline with conditions.
The SHSAA Executive Council met on August 12th to review current information school re-opening plans and provincial public health orders. The council has drafted a document which will help school divisions that choose to include sports as part of their reopening process.
From September 1st to the 13th, school divisions will go over the guidelines and protocols, modifications to competition and determine the interest in sport participation. SHSAA then recommends sports start no earlier than September 14th with an exception for golf which can start on September 8th.
Crosscountry, soccer, football and volleyball teams will be able to start practice, making mini-leagues and planning for competitions on September 14th.
Competitions can begin on September 28th and run until the end of the specific sport season. Championships for golf and cross country are being prepared. A playoff structure for provincials in soccer, football and volleyball are not available at this time. There will be no interprovincial travel or tournaments in the fall.
In a release, SHSAA Executive Director Lyle McKellar says they believe in a methodical approach to help in the entire re-opening school process.
“A gradual return to school sport will allow teacher coaches and student athletes an opportunity to gain an understanding of, and become comfortable in, the new school environment while looking forward to a re-introduction of school sport.”
Indoor gatherings are limited to up to 30 people in a space where a two metre distance can be maintained between participants. Outdoor gatherings are permitted up to 30 people with physical distancing.
The SHSAA says edits will be made as more information and guidelines come out from the province. Guidelines and sport specific plans for winter and spring sports will be developed and released during the school year.
