As states continue to confirm ‘return to play’ plans for the Fall, or in some cases the Spring, we’ve compiled a list of all 50 states and the status of girls high school volleyball in each. If you have information or announcements from your state, you can email jpompeo@prepvolleyball.com. Today we’ve got the last leg of our road trip, Rhode Island through Wyoming. Let’s check in with how some states are handling Fall sports.
*Updated: 8/12/2020*
Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) released an announcement on July 6, detailing the organization’s plan, in partnership with Governor Gina Raimondo, to allow the beginning of Fall sports during phase three of the state’s reopening roadmap. In phase three, which should be the third week in August, competition and practice will be allowed without a limited group size for low-contact and no-contact sports. The RIIL plans to release a new set of rules and guidelines for Fall sports, including as the season draws closer.
South Carolina – On July 15, the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) approved a plan for Fall sports to have a delayed start date of August 17. Volleyball will play only ‘regional’ games with shortened playoffs.
South Dakota – On July 22, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) released a document regarding new safety guidelines to go along with its confirmation of an on-time start for Fall sports.
Tennessee – The Tennesee Secondary School Athletic Association published a release on July 22, outlining return-to-play protocol for all Fall sports, which calls for a lift of the prohibition of contact-sports by August 29. Under the new plan, “students whose school systems are beginning with remote instruction to still be allowed as full participants in all sports.” The association does not yet have an exact start date for competition, maintaining fluidity surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
Texas – On July 21, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced that Class 6A and 5A athletics would have a delayed start date of September 7. Meanwhile, Class 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A will maintain an August 3 start date. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has also pushed back the Fall sports season, now set to start on September 8.
Utah – The Utah High School Athletic Association (UHSAA) voted on July 9 to proceed with Fall high school sports as regularly scheduled and confirmed via the UHSAA website on July 28. However, UHSAA executive director Rob Cuff confirmed that sports would shut down if schools begin the semester with online-only learning.
Vermont – After Vermont Governor Phil Scott publicly confirmed that there would be Fall high school sports across the state on August 7, he has now confirmed that a mandatory mask order for the state will also apply to high school sports. In a strange turn, the Vermont Principal’s Association announced on August 11 that the girls’ volleyball season will now be played outdoors. The season is set to begin with practices September 8 and matches September 21. No further details have been released, outside of practices being allowed indoors, but no matches.
Virginia – On Monday, July 27, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) confirmed that there would be no high school sports played this Fall. The executive committee voted 34-1 in favor of the decision to begin Fall sports between December and June. Volleyball would begin February 15, with matches starting March 1. The VHSL has yet to confirm whether the delayed sports season would have a post-season. In the meantime, off-season workouts will be permitted to continue; however, the decision was left to individual school districts as to whether they will be allowed or not.
Washington – On July 21, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) chose to convert the 2020-2021 sports season into four seasons, beginning with non-contact sports slated to begin in the Fall. Volleyball will begin in early March, ending in Early May, according to the WIAA’s most recent press release.
West Virginia – After Governor Jim Justice announced the delay of the 2020-2021 school year to September 8, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) announced that Fall high school sports will begin practices on August 17. Volleyball will begin competition on September 2.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin confirmed on Friday, August 14, that Fall sports would be played. However, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) has now confirmed an ‘alternative’ Fall sports plan. The plan opted to allow schools to push Fall sports to the Spring, or split their schedule over both seasons. However, splitting the season would only be an option if the school or district was forced to cancel or suspend the season. Schools will have until September 1 to decide on the traditional Fall season or a delay to the Spring of 2021. Volleyball is set to begin across the state on September 7.
Wyoming – As of today, the Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) is slated to begin Fall high school sports on time, with further details to be released in the near future. The WHSAA has seven contingency plans in place, should beginning activities on time no longer be a viable option, and will reconvene on August 3.
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PrepVolleyball, and Advanced Sports Media, recommend following the guidelines of your local health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please take precautions and practice social distancing whenever possible so we can get back to playing again!
