The California Interscholastic Federation will decide on July 20 whether it will go forth with its current fall schedule, according to a statement released Friday following three days of teleconference meeting with its 10 section commissioners.
If it is deemed unsafe continue as scheduled by July 20, due to ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the CIF will present alternative schedules that is sure to affect the rest of the 2020-21 calendar.
Locally, school districts are beginning to allow its high school sports programs to begin summer conditioning. Fall sports teams from Manteca Unified schools East Union, Lathrop, Manteca, Sierra and Weston Ranch may start meeting next Monday, under strict guidelines. Ripon Christian’s football and volleyball teams started workouts last week.
As it stands, official practices in the Sac-Joaquin Section begin July 27 for football, Aug. 17 for water polo and Aug. 3 for the remaining sports (cross country, girls golf, girls tennis, girls volleyball). Competition is set to begin Aug. 21.
Other items of note, which may be reviewed in depth on the CIF’s website (www.cifstate.org):
• CIF provided guidelines for its member schools consider as they are allowed to return to campus for summer workouts. This includes a two-phase approach to group sizes, hygiene and sanitation, use sports equipment, locker rooms and training facilities.
• A one-time physical examination waiver is available to student-athletes who have been delayed in getting an appointment with a physician. Athletes must have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian and turned into the school before trying out or practicing. They may participate in athletics for up to 30 days starting with their team’s first day of practice. This is offered to fall sports athletes only.
• A financial hardship waiver is available for student-athletes who transfer to a new school because their families were financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The athlete may be granted immediate eligibility with the new school, if approved. A statement from the family and documentation are required.