The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association will consider on Thursday a proposal that would push the start of the upcoming cross-country season to the spring of 2021 and move outdoor track to the summertime as potential solutions to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan, put forward by a group of schools in southwestern Wisconsin, calls for the start of all fall sports being delayed until the March of 2021; for winter sports to be the first seasons held, either on a normal schedule or with a delayed start to January 2021; and for spring sports to begin in May and continue through July.
Since the school year finishes at the end of June, continuation into the summer would likely additionally require a waiver or approval by individual schools.
As written, these proposed timelines could result in shortened seasons, which would mean fewer meets for cross-country and outdoor track teams, but the timing can still be tweaked to allow for more competition.
The special virtual business meeting of the WIAA's Board of Control is scheduled for July 23 at 9 a.m. That group has the final authority to approve, reject, or modify the proposal and will have ultimate say in what the fall sports season looks like in the state.
This meeting will happen just two days after the Big Eight Conference, which is comprised of schools in and around Madison, announced the cancelation of all conference competitions for fall sports as many school districts begin the year with virtual learning.
Related Content