Fall Sports Update?

September 16, 2020 kdomadmin Local Sports 0

The Minnesota State High School League is considering options for possibly allowing more Fall sports to be played this year. 
 
On Tuesday, the High School League Board of Directors held a work-session.  They discussed the current status of Fall activities.  In early August, the High School League voted to postpone football and volleyball from the fall until a new season that would begin in mid-March.   
 
A number of coaches, players and parents have criticized the Board for its action, noting that other states are allowing Fall sports to be held.   
 
During the work-session, updated information on the covid-19 virus was presented by the State Department of Health.    Board members discussed the pros and cons of allowing Football and Volleyball to be played this Fall.   
 
If the High School League voted to allow more Fall sports, it was suggested that Football practice could begin on September 21st with games starting on October 2nd.   Volleyball teams could potentially begin practicing October 12th with games on October 22nd.    Decisions would have to be made on the length of the season and what type of post-season could be held.   
 
In order to call another meeting, the High School League would have to give three days notice, so even if that notice was given on Wednesday, the soonest another meeting could be held would be Saturday.  The next scheduled Executive Board meeting is October 1st.    There was a suggestion that a poll could be taken of all schools in the state to determine how many want to try and play this Fall.   
 
At Tuesday’s workshop, the High School League also discussed other topics, including options for a post-season for Fall sports, the calendar for Winter and Spring sports, and a significant increase in membership fees being paid by schools to the High school League.   
 
The State High School League is also facing a legal challenge.  A motion has been filed in a Twin Cities courtroom, claiming that the High School League did not follow its own bylaws in its decision to postpone football and volleyball.  That matter is expected to have a court hearing this week.