The NDHSAA Board of Trustees approved all fall sports and activities during a video conference on Thursday, July 16, unanimously approving the continuation of the fall season as scheduled.
The board plans to organize all fall sports on its pre-approved calendar at this time, leaving the decision to participate in each individual school district. The motion filed Thursday gives the green light to high school sports to move forward with local control so schools decide whether they want to play or not, giving that authority to do so.
School boards and local public health units will determine whether their schools will sponsor sports and activities, the NDHSAA said.
However, any plan, schedule, or procedure can be changed as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
“Since member schools have the option of providing in-person education to students, the NDHSAA believes that it is important that those schools also have the option of returning to physical activity and competition,” said the NDHSAA Executive Director, Matt Fetsch.
Thursday’s video conference took place two days after North Dakota officials announced guidelines to reopen K-12 schools this fall.
Local school districts have the power to decide whether to hold classes in person, offer virtual instruction, or take a hybrid approach depending on decisions made by local school boards and COVID-19 conditions in each district, Governor Doug Burgum said in a Press conference. Tuesday, July 14.
“Everyone’s health and safety are paramount in moving forward with activities and it will not be accomplished without interruption, however providing these opportunities is essential to the physical and mental well-being of high school students,” said Fetsch.
Men’s soccer is the first fall sport to begin with practices scheduled to begin on August 3 and the first competition date scheduled for August 14.
Soccer, men’s tennis, women’s A-class golf and cross-country boys and girls will perform for their first fall practices on August 10.
“The role that sports and activities play in the lives of our youth is extremely important,” said NDHSAA Board President Travis Jordan. “Our students need connection now more than ever, and today’s decision provides yet another vehicle for that to happen.”
The news comes amid an increase in active cases in the state, which has seen an increase in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. North Dakota recorded a pandemic of 720 active cases on Tuesday, July 14. More than 700 North Dakota residents are currently infected with the disease.
The high school association and the NDHSAA Board said they will continue to work closely with North Dakota public education and health officials as well as the governor’s office as the next school year approaches.
It will be vital for the future that the NDHSAA and its Board of Directors continue to monitor the information and guidance of these groups, Jordan said.
The NDHSAA Board President said ensuring the safety of student athletes, coaches and state advisers is a priority.
Guidelines for returning to competition will be shared with member schools by the end of next week.
The “Return to Competition Committee” will meet next week, Friday, July 24, where the board will receive a draft guidelines for the fall sports season, which must be approved to proceed as scheduled.
High school associations in Utah, Pennsylvania and Ohio have also given the go-ahead for fall sports and activities to proceed as originally scheduled.
The NDHSAA suspended all winter and spring sports activities on March 13, two days before Governor Burgum ordered the schools to close due to COVID-19.
