The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced this week that it has voted to start fall sports next month.
This includes football, cross country, golf (alternate), slow-pitch softball, girls and 1B/2B boys soccer, tennis (alternate) and volleyball.
WIAA officials said practice can start Feb. 1. The fall sports season will last seven weeks and end March 20.
All teams will be required to follow the state’s coronavirus guidelines.
“The change in guidelines allow all traditional fall sports to be played in Phase 2 while we still do not have a clear pathway to the high risk indoor activities of basketball, competitive cheer and dance, and wrestling” said WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman. “With that in mind, moving fall sports to Season 1 will hopefully provide the most opportunities to participate.”
Earlier this week, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the state’s new reopening plan, which outlined a new set of guidelines for athletics and activities.
The WIAA will review other seasons at its Jan. 19 meeting.
“We are hoping to receive more details that were not included in the Governor’s announcement on Tuesday, particularly surrounding indoor sports and activities,” Hoffman said. “As we continue to gather more information and evaluate the new metrics, the Board will be able to make better decisions about the remainder of the year.”