Virginia High School Sports Allowed To Return In December

VIRGINIA — Virginia high school sports will be allowed to resume beginning in December after Gov. Ralph Northam amended his executive order regarding coronavirus guidelines.

The Virginia High School League said last week the amended order allows its VHSL Championship +1 schedule to proceed. The Championship +1 schedule means every sport will hold a state championship with one week of region tournaments and one week for a state tournament semi-finals and finals. The VHSL Executive Committee voted on Sept. 17 to adopt the Championship +1 schedule.

Northam's executive order states that participants and organizers must comply with requirements on attendance and screening of coaches, officials, staff, and players for COVID-19 symptoms before admission into facilities.

The amended order did not change the number of attendees permitted at sporting events. Attendance cannot exceed 50 percent of the occupancy load, or 250 people. Attendance at sports played on fields is limited to 250 people per field. Races or marathons can have up to 1,000 participants is there are staggered starts separating groups into 250 people or less.

"Keeping our student athletes safe is critical during this pandemic,” said Northam in a news release. "I know I join many parents in looking forward to the safe return of school sports. VHSL has been a tremendous partner throughout the COVID crisis, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness and diligence they have put in development of these guidelines for returning to play."

The VHSL has provided school districts with guidelines for return to participation.

"The modifications outlined in 'Guidelines for Return to Participation' are meant to decrease potential exposure to respiratory droplets by encouraging social distancing, limiting participation in administrative tasks to essential personnel and allowing for appropriate protective equipment," states a news release from the VHSL. "Recommendations include cleaning and disinfecting; mask protocols; transportation; and how to run activities safely for individual sports and activities."

The Championship +1 schedule includes:

• Season 1 (Winter) Dec. 7 to Feb. 20, first contest date on Dec. 21): basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, swimming and diving, wrestling
• Season 2 (Fall) Feb. 4 to May 1, first contest date on March 1: competition cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, volleyball
• Season 3 (Spring) April 12 to June 26, first contest date on April 26: baseball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track, and field

Student athletes should check with their school district for guidance. Fairfax County Public Schools, the state's largest school district, said practice for the basketball season will begin on Dec. 7 and practice for other winter sports will begin on Dec. 14. The school district is evaluating whether it will allow spectators.