Coaches around the state were happy to receive good news that schools could resume outdoor athletic practices going into the summer.
After missing spring training, the summer is taking on even more importance for athletes as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Mississippi High School Activities Association executive committee recently met to implement return to activity guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summer athletics and activities will resume on June 1. School athletics and fine arts activity programs can begin summer practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals for student- athletes and fine arts participants. Athletic coaches and activity directors must confirm with their school and/or district administrators that a specific school facility is open and available for use.
Competition in athletics and activities between or among MHSAA member or non-member schools and/or teams is cancelled until school resumes in the fall. All practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals shall be considered voluntary for student athletes and activities participants. School team and school activities participation and travel to summer programs and/or team camps are not allowed.
On-campus summer programs and/or school camps should adhere to national, state and local COVID-19 health recommendations.
MHSAA Executive Director Don Hinton said, “Once again, we appreciate the effort, hard work and leadership of our 15-member Executive Committee of school administrators in making difficult decisions during these uncertain times.”
Hinton said, “The support of our MHSAA member schools has been greatly appreciated as well. Our highest priority is and always will be the safety, health and welfare of Mississippi’s students, educators and communities. We will continue to assess new information and develop plans for the upcoming 2020-21 fall sports and activities seasons. Weekly updates will be provided to help our member schools as we look forward to the new school year of sports and activities.”
