The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) said Monday that it will delay its start for high school sports seasons for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year to December 2020 or January 2021.
The governing body’s move comes as seasonal calendars for student and professional sports across the country have been delayed amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, which according to health data has led to more than 3 million confirmed cases in the US and more than 140,000 deaths.
In its announcement, the group said its officials are “continually monitoring the directives and guidelines issued by the Office of the Governor, the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health and local county health departments and agencies to As these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools / school districts with the health and safety of students at the forefront. “
The group also added in the announcement that its new calendar is not entirely set in stone and said “as these guidelines change, CIF Sections may allow sporting activity to potentially resume under local section summer period rules “
The decision, the group said, was made in collaboration with the 10 body sections.
Vicky Lagos, who serves as commissioner for the City of Los Angeles Section, told the Los Angeles Times that the recent move is “the best possible plan we have with what’s going on to give students the opportunity to participate ”
“There will be problems in terms of multiple sports facilities and athletes, but this is the best scenario for most people,” he continued. “I am confident that schools and coaches will work it out with each other. My opinion of the coaches is that they want the opportunity to participate and be with the children. ”
The move comes as California has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks.
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