The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association is delaying its decision on when the 2020 high school football season will begin. The DIAA is expected to make the decision at its August 13 meeting.
Below is the DIAA news release:
Dover, DE (July 24, 2020) – Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) held its regularly scheduled monthly Board of Directors meeting yesterday. The board had hoped to provide the guidance regarding options for interscholastic sport seasons for the 2020-2021 academic year during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the decision will be delayed with continued discussion to occur during the August 13th Board meeting.
The board had a lengthy discussion surrounding the fall season start date and options for sports during the 2020-21 academic year. Options considered were leave all sports in the current season, switch fall and spring sport seasons and last, delay all sports and have condensed seasons. The board heard a proposal from Delaware Association of Athletic Directors outlining options mentioned above. DIAA will continue to incorporate guidelines from Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Governor’s executive order, receive recommendations from DIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and work with member school administrators, committees, officials and athletic trainers to formulate the final plan. DIAA remains committed to administering sports this fall, provided it can be done safely in accordance with guidance from DPH and Delaware Department of Education (DDOE).
Member schools should continue adhering to permissible regulations for summer athletic activities through August 1st and conditioning programs until the guidance for sport seasons is addressed at the August 13th board meeting. After the guidance is finalized for what sports will look like, DIAA Return to Play Stage will be determined using DDOE Reopening Schools Scenario Plan.
DIAA is committed to the health and safety of student-athletes and supports opportunities for participation when possible within the current guidelines allowed due to COVID-19. DIAA continues to ask as student-athletes and coaches participate in permissible summer activities that everyone adheres to the health and safety measures outlined in DIAA Return to Play Plan, practice social distancing and wear a mask. DIAA thanks all in advance for your compliance adhering to established guidelines and for your patience and understanding during this time of decision making.
