The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has revised its high school sports calendar for the 2020-21 school year, becoming one of the first governing bodies in the South to finalize football for a shortened spring season. High school football will play a spring season with the first practice scheduled for February 8 and the last regular season game scheduled for April 9.
NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker said Wednesday that the season is limited to seven games.
“Our decision-making is prudent and calculated because we work to ensure the health and safety of all student-athletes, coaches and administrators at this unusual time,” Tucker wrote in a press release. “There is still a lot of work to be done in terms of playoff formats, COVID-19 related rule modifications for various sports, securing possible playoff facilities and providing the safest possible regular season opportunities for student athletes.
“We are dedicated to that work and will continue to lead and manage interscholastic athletic programs across this state that support and enrich the educational experience offered by our member schools in such a way as to maintain the standards of excellence known to the NCHSAA has become. “
Revised HS sports schedule in North Carolina
- Football First practice: 8 February
- First match: 26 February
- Final game for regular seasons: April 9th
- Basketball First practice: Dec 7th
- First match: 4 Jan.
- Final game of the regular season: 19 Feb.
Earlier this week, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper extended Phase 2 of reopening for another five weeks, the second extension this summer. Businesses will be restricted and all citizens must continue to wear masks until at least 7 Sept.
“In line with our dimmer-changing approach with schools opening, and pushing for declining numbers that will keep people healthier and stimulate our economy, North Carolina will remain in Safe At Home Phase 2 for five weeks,” he said. Cooper at the news conference. “While we are seeing stabilization in our numbers, this does not mean we can stop. We know that stability is fragile and these trends can change quickly if we let our guards down. ”
