MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – COVID has dimmed the Friday night lights at many schools in Wisconsin. But there is another option, for those who want to play.
Cars have been lining up outside of Appleton North High School’s football field, but they’re not there to watch a game. The parking lot has transformed into a COVID testing site, as the bleachers remain empty.
COVID tackled this season before it even began. One group, though, found a loophole.
Wade Labecki/WIAA Deputy Director: “I’m only aware of a non-school group over in the La Crosse area,” said Wade Labecki, Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association deputy director.
Non-school groups and sports clubs give athletes a chance to play outside of school.
“It’s allowed in other sports,” Labecki said. “It would be new to football, but it would be allowed.”
And if a non-school football team is formed, Labecki says athletes wouldn’t be restricted to only playing other private teams.
“As long as the athletes are age appropriate, grades 9-12, as long as they follow NFHS football rules and utilize WIAA officials, it would be allowed for a school team to play a non-school football team,” he said.
Yes, this means kids would be able to play and, yes, they’d be able to play other schools, but for parents, that may mean more money.
“Schools cannot issue their football equipment, or their uniforms out of season during the school year,” said Labecki. “The group would have to provide their own equipment, and their own uniforms, so their parents would have to buy all their own equipment and uniforms.”
WIAA also says its rules prevent high school coaches from being involved in this.
Still, it’s another option for those who want their kids to get an opportunity to go out on the field again, sooner than later.
Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon has been hosting a private 7-on-7 football league for high school aged players since September.
This league is not affiliated with the WIAA.
