MHSAA schools will be able to begin activities June 1 – maybe. According to an announcement posted on the MHSAA website, the organization’s executive committee approved summer practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals beginning June 1. But it is contingent upon Governor Tate Reeves’ decision on a date to reopen Mississippi school facilities. Coaches and activity directors must confirm with their school or district administrators that a specific school facility is open and available for use. They must also be familiar with any local restrictions. Competition in athletics and activities between MHSAA members or with non-member schools remain canceled until school resumes in the fall. All activities will be conducted on a voluntary basis by students and no student will be punished or restricted from participation in current or future activities due to non-participation. Travel to summer programs or camps will not be allowed. On-campus summer programs must adhere to national, state and local COVID-19 health recommendations. Choctaw County athletic director Jim Wood said, “We have kind of a circuit on our (football) practice field where we can keep everybody apart. We will be following all of the social distancing guidelines.” Baseball and basketball players will participate with the football players for conditioning. “That’s the biggest thing in the first couple of weeks. Getting the kids back active again and keeping them safe at the same time. We’re still trying to put together a plan for volleyball and softball.” Wood said a meeting of coaches was planned for this week “to make sure everybody is on the same page for what we can and can’t do.” Activities, including weight work, will be outside. “The kids need to be outside. They have been cooped up for a while.” French Camp football coach Nathan Wright said “We’re waiting on the governor. We will be trying to do something. What that will be we are not exactly sure.” He added “We will abide by MHSAA guidelines.” His comments were echoed by athletic director Rusty McKnight. “We’re going to do what MHSAA and the governor tells us. I’m sure there will be further clarifications from MHSAA.” He plans to meet with the coaching staff to create a framework based upon guidelines, with safety the priority. French Camp is somewhat unique because there are both day and boarding students. Many of the boarding students live far from the school making it difficult for them to participate in summer activities. MHSAA executive director Don Hinton said, “We encourage everyone involved with MHSAA athletics and activities to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the COVID-19 Return to Activity Guidelines.” It is the responsibility of the organizing coach to monitor and follow the guidelines. The guidelines, available on the website, include: — Facilities have signs stating COVID-19 symptoms, with hand washing and sanitizing materials readily available. — Schools develop a response plan for participants displaying symptoms. — Athletics and activities should be modified to reduce or eliminate physical contact. — Because many participants have been relatively inactive for at least two months, acclimation to heat and a transition to exercise should occur over a 14-day period, with intensity levels reduced by 50 percent during the first seven days. — Masks must be worn for group gatherings and discussion, but not during workouts. — The use of outdoor facilities is encouraged.
