The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced on Thursday that girls swimming, along with boys soccer and volleyball, will continue in approved regions, while other regions of the state will depend on how the state’s COVID-19 guidelines change in the near future.
The Representative Council of the MHSAA approved the start of competition in girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming & diving in regions of Michigan authorized for that activity by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders, with competition in those sports pending in regions where those activities are not yet allowed as part of preventing spread of COVID-19.
As of now, indoor pools in the lower peninsula are closed and for most regions, which forces girls swimming to await a decision. Volleyball will have to wait for indoor competition. Boys soccer will also depend on regions.
The Council said it was prepared to approve competition in volleyball, soccer and swimming & diving for all schools in all regions, but was unable to do so because of questions remaining on which activities are still not allowed.
Teams can still practice outdoors and will await a decision on pools, indoor competition and regional safeness before returning to action,
“Our Council has made clear it is ready to offer students these opportunities, pending approval from Governor Whitmer that we may do so,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “We have been told that within a week, future guidance will address athletic issues that exist in current executive orders. We are awaiting that guidance.
“The MHSAA and Representative Council are committed to following all current and future Executive Orders and safety precautions. However, we need more answers before we can give all of our member schools the go-ahead to play each other again, and the majority of our schools are in regions that are not yet allowed to take part in volleyball, soccer and swim.”
Cross country, boys tennis and girls golf have already begun competition as their sports have been deemed safe to return. Football has been postponed until the spring.
This isn’t as good news as it may seem!! Most of the regions are still closed so no indoor pools are open. Disappointing!
Jealous..
The U.P. has a thriving swim population.?
but the Governor hasn’t opened indoor pools yet in Michigan. How’s that going to work?
I would like to see ANY/ALL current testing of Athletes/Chlorinated pools correlations FOR/AGAINST why this decision necessary… All U.S Aquatic Facilities should have SOME results!!! ANYONE (including family members of a Club Swimmer / Water Polo player) knows this to be TRUE!! I find it completely ridiculous the no major (or any for that matter – so far) have used any/all resources around them (I.E – Major University, Sci, Bio, Chem teams/groups, etc) to HELP with day-to-day testing of Pool Chemicals & pos/neg affects on Athletes.. Most (if not all Major facilities (even smaller ones) have a College/Testing facility close at hand… Has opposite site ENTER / EXIT ways in (teams) . Limit locker-rooms for bathroom break only (all swimers /water polo players have practice bags). Set up Walk-through sprinkler “shower” for athletes before entering pool (athletes can shower afterwards at home) . Disinfectants (handles/doors, etc) can be used between teams entering/exiting (or floating guard on break – 15/30min rotations). Guards are already set up for pool watch so nuff said on that. Have to start somewhere so take it day / practice at time. Shouldn’t be too complicated in working out details. Teams exiting practice/ new teams in will be where TIME can be waisted (Coaches teams will need to boogie so every-time gets equal time)… just for starters. #TimeToOpenUp&MoveForwardWithTesting-InTheU.S.A