KHSAA holds meeting to discuss plans for athletics during 2020-21 school year

KENTUCKY (WFIE) - The Kentucky High School Athletic Association met Thursday to discuss the plan for “Return to Play” for athletics in the upcoming school year.

The KHSAA is abiding by all of Gov. Andy Beshear’s re-opening orders. This means the earliest athletics can return is June 15, and no extra eligibility will be given to seniors.

The Board voted to allow coaches and players to begin meeting face-to-face starting June 1 through June 14.

Social distancing measures need to be followed and it has to be within groups of 10 people or less. During this time, schools are encouraged to gather PPE and create a plan for reopening.

Beginning on June 15, both low and high-contact sports are allowed to start workouts. Social distancing also needs to be followed and these workouts can only include groups of 10 people or less. Both the school and the county health department have to approve the facilities being used.

Another big change is the traditional dead period from June 25 to July 9 has been eliminated for the summer of 2020. The vote passed 13 to 5.

14 Sports spoke with Daviess County football coach Matt Brannon, as he watched the press conference live.

“We all have to keep our kids’ best interest in mind, and be willing to work with parents and other players as they get comfortable coming back into practices - being around other people they haven’t been around,” Brannon said.

“I’m ready to get back to some degree of work and see my coaches," Brannon said. "Just seeing some guys go through their workouts and be able to yell at them a little bit. Get some excitement and some sweat going - I’m excited about that.”

On June 29, low-contact sports are able to begin competition in the form of practices, while high-contact sports (football, soccer) must continue workouts only.

The KHSAA stopped the discussion at the date of June 29. State athletics officials said as weeks go by and more information is released, this will help them make decisions regarding later in the summer.

The KHSAA is set to release the June timeline on Friday.

High school sports in Kentucky have been halted since March 12.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of both the boys and girls state basketball tournaments, as well as the entire spring sports schedule.

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