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VHSL committee decides on winter, spring schedules

CHARLOTTESVILLE

High school students in Virginia can expect to start practicing for basketball, wrestling, any gymnastics, indoor track and swimming starting on Dec. 7, and the first contest date on Dec. 21. The first season (winter) in the COIVID-19 era will continue to Feb. 20.

The decision was announced on Friday by the VHSL Executive Committee, which unanimously (33-0-0) adopted its “Championships + 1” schedule that day.

The second season (fall) will be from Feb. 4 to May 1, with the first contest date on March. 1. Sports to be played will be football, volleyball, golf, field hockey, cross country and competition cheerleading.

The third season (spring) will be from April 12 to June 26, with the first contest date on April 26. Baseball, softball, tennis, track, field, lacross and soccer will be played.

Further, the academic activities or robotics, scholastic bowl, theater, debate, forensics, creative writing, film festival, publications evaluation and multimedia contest will be from December through June.

VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. “Billy” Haun stated, “We have received invaluable input from our school communities, parents, and students who say the physical and mental health benefits of getting our students back to a level of participation is extremely important. The Championships + 1 schedule will provide sports in all three seasons.”

Haun continued to state the committee acknowedges that this schedule is not perfect for all concerned. He noted, “We are in unprecedented times in which we have been forced to create a temporary new normal. We understand this plan, or any plan, will not meet the expectations for those wanting a normal fall, winter, and spring sports season. This plan, however, will allow student-athletes and academic activity participants the opportunity of having a season and playing for a state championship.”