The SC High School Leagues met Wednesday morning via Zoom to present a proposal to determine how and when high school sports should and could start in SC amidst the rise of positive test results of COVID-19 throughout the state.
Safety of students, coaches and staff are first priority while ensuring all sports have a season in the 2020-2021 school year.
At present, the athletic calendar is 2 weeks away from starting.
Commissioner Jerome Singleton presented a three Phase plan in order for student athletes to begin practice.
Phase 1 states 10 or less players in a group for strength and conditioning.
Student athletes will not be allowed to share equipment.
One group in each facility, such as weight room, at a time. Social distancing required as well as sanitizing equipment.
Phase 1.5 increases group size to 15 players and could begin in a couple of weeks. Scrimmaging will not be allowed.
Phase 2 would allow for intra squad competition.
DHEC has stated that there is little opportunity to transfer Coronavirus through balls and pads.
Dr. Little and Coach Bennett of Lexington County proposed moving high risk sports to later in the school year.
The National Federation of High School Sports has determined the rate risk of each sport.
As of right now, low risk sports, including softball, baseball, tennis, golf and cross country could begin in the fall.
A spring start date is being proposed for higher risk sports such as football, wrestling and boys lacrosse.
Commissioner Jerome Singleton proposed the football season could potentially start in October with first practice after Labor Day.
Wednesday's SC High School League meeting was to present proposals in order to get a plan in place to begin high school sports practice.
No permanent plans have been put in place.
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