GHSA board of trustees sets June 8 as opening date for summer conditioning with restrictions

Following Thursday’s 50-minute remote meeting, the Georgia High School Association board of trustees voted to all sports activities to resume conditioning June 8. The announcement is a promising sign that fall sports will occur in Georgia despite the recent shutdowns over concerns of COVID-19.

The step forward in the return to action will include several guidelines to limit what athletes are permitted to do and how long they will be allowed in the facility at each session.

The workouts are for conditioning only, which means athletes can’t use balls and other equipment. The workouts are to be supervised by a coach and will be conducted in groups of 20 or less while maintaining social distancing. There will also be a 15-minute window between sessions to allow for cleaning and athletes are required to use their own water bottle.

Competitions, including scrimmages between schools, remains prohibited at this time and it was stressed that all summer workouts are voluntary. Masks or face coverings are recommended, weight equipment must be sanitized after each workout, and athletes will not be allowed to use school showers or locker rooms.

‘’As the data related to COVID-19 continues to improve, restrictions may be reduced after input from our health care professionals and guidance from our Governor,’’ Hines stated in a message to the GHSA’s member schools. “Please make every effort to follow the recommendations and restrictions included in the guidance provided.’’

The GHSA suggests athletes and staff be tested or screened for COVID-19 before each session, though the organization did not require an “infectious disease prevention plan” at this time. That decision was left up to individual schools.

The current GHSA plan also notes that high school sports will resume at the normal time for the upcoming school year.

Football will begin on July 27 and other fall sports will begin August 1.