PIERRE – The winter high school sports season in South Dakota will start on time.
During a special meeting of the SDHSAA Board of Directors Tuesday, there was the recognition of some districts’ concerns over the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 and whether sports should be paused, as has happened in neighboring states. However, no motion was made to delay the start of competition. Gymnastics and wrestling events can begin November 30, with girls basketball on December 3 and boys basketball on December 10.
The board did pass a motion to “highly recommend” that individual school districts implement restrictions on attendance and require spectators to wear masks. Consideration was given to mandate this, but it is unclear whether the SDHSAA bylaws would give such authority. Earlier, Executive Director Dr. Dan Swartos had said that he would be open to the idea of issuing a mandate, then taking up the matter with any schools that would challenge it.
Athletes who attend tribal and on-reservation state schools now have other options for chances to possibly compete this season or next. A motion was passed that allows those schools that cannot participate in volleyball, winter sports and spring sports to work with the SDHSAA to establish alternatives. One is the possible formation of separate winter and spring sports leagues, which would begin shortly after a vaccine is available. Another is the chance for students who are barred from participating or chose not to participate due to COVID-19 to have a full season of high school sports next year. An option has existed since early in the fall sports season for those athletes to transfer to another school and play immediately.
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