STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The WIAA has opted to split the start dates for fall sports based on their risk factors for transmitting COVID-19.
On an 8-3 vote Thursday, the Board of Control moved the start dates for football, volleyball, and soccer to the week of September 7th. Golf, swimming, and cross country will begin on time the week of August 17th.
Thursday’s plan also includes the option for a spring season should some districts choose to sit out the fall season completely, as the Big Eight conference has already chosen to do. Board members discussed the possibility of moving everyone to a spring schedule, but many health experts expressed safety concerns about that proposal which would essentially amount to having back-to-back football seasons in the spring and fall of 2021. Additionally, it would put northern schools at a disadvantage because of the unpredictability of March and April weather.
It’s unclear how the decision will impact state tournaments. During Thursday’s meeting, the Board of Control discussed the possibility of recognizing regional champions instead of holding state finals in Madison.
The vote was part of a special meeting Thursday morning where the board weighed the risks associated with the fall sports season. It remains unclear how winter sports such as wrestling, basketball, and hockey will be impacted.
