WIAA delays start dates for fall sports

Football practices to begin Sept. 5, all other sports planned for Sept. 7.

The WIAA Executive Board took action on Tuesday to delay the start date for fall sports.

Football practices are set to begin Saturday, Sept. 5, and all other sports are planned for Monday, Sept. 7.

The adjusted start dates for fall sports practices allow for contests to begin as early as Sept. 18, the WIAA said.

“The action was taken in an attempt to relieve pressure on member schools as they prepare for the opening of schools to in-person and/or online learning,” the WIAA said.

The Executive Board will review other options July 21 for fall sports should further delays become necessary, with an announcement to be made July 22.

Options are recommendations are created by a planning committee made up of Executive Board members, WIAA staff, and representatives from WIAA member schools.

Meanwhile, schools are advised to avoid any rescheduling of games until a decision is made about how the delayed start impacts the fall season.