KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) says students may begin fall sports practices on Aug. 10, with competitions beginning on Aug. 28.
MSHAA said that would remain the case so long as schools have in-person classes.
The association released safety guidelines that school practices and competitions should follow amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
MSHAA acknowledged school activities bring the possibility for transmission of the coronavirus and asked individuals to evaluate the “risk versus the benefits of activity participation,” especially students and staff who are immunocompromised or live with people who are.
Schools are advised to assign a “point person” to be in charge of keeping their community informed on “constantly changing” guidance and overseeing mitigation strategies.
In addition to the overarching advice, MSHAA gave specific guidelines on screening, cleaning, social distancing and what happens if there is a positive test.
MSHAA said schools should follow local and state guidance on gathering sizes, advising practices and rehearsals take place in smaller groups when possible.
The association has made the guidelines available online.
Last week, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released similar guidance as schools prepare to open in the fall.
