TOPEKA – The nine-member executive board for the Kansas State High School Activities Association voted 9-0 Wednesday on a proposal to delay the start of the winter sports season to Jan. 15.

The board reviewed data regarding the impact of the coronavirus on interscholastic activities. The executive board unanimously approved the proposal. The final vote now goes to a special 78-member board of directors meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Winter sports teams would be allowed to practice where allowed by local officials through Dec. 22 with a moratorium between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1 when practice could resume.

The proposal would exclude fans from Jan. 15-28. Then, limited fans would be allowed in Jan. 29 through the remainder of the winter season (in locations where fans are allowed). Masks will be mandatory except for athletes during competition and officials during live action.

The proposal would reduce the basketball season from 20 to 13 games, bowling to 8 matches, swimming and diving to six meets per athlete and wrestling to 12 events.

CONSENSUS

No scientific findings indicating spread of COVID19 between athletes on the field of competition

Rapid recent deterioration of Kansas health. Primarily an adult issue

Hospital capacity at max (no transfers)

Positivity rate

Moving indoors

Other illness on top of COVID19

Athlete mental health – compromised with fear, anxiety qStrict adherence to mitigation basics necessary

Pause competition, practice beneficial

PROPOSAL

Winter activities practice through Dec. 22. Winter practice resumes Jan. 4

Delays competitions for all winter activities until Friday, Jan. 15

Allow virtual competition in debate and Scholars Bowl.

Winter moratorium scheduled Dec. 23 -Jan. 3.  No contact between coach/athlete/school. No school facility use in locations where practice is allowed.

All KSHSAA risk mitigation protocols enforced

RESUMPTION OF COMPETITION

Jan. 15 competition could resume

No fans permitted Jan. 15-28

Limited fans Jan. 29 through remainder of winter competitions

Mandatory universal masking. Exception—athletes in competition, officials

No decision on final status of winter postseason earlier than Jan. 15
                
HIGH SCHOOL LIMITS

No invitational tournaments

Basketball – 13 games

Bowling – 8 matches

Swimming and Diving – 6 competitions/athlete

Wrestling – 12 event maximum, 20 competition points
                
MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES

No competition in December until Jan. 14

No events with more than three schools participating

Encourage skill development

Encourage intramural play

Limit two fans per player starting Jan. 15