From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board of Control approved the AHSAA’s Return to Play ‘Best Practices’ recommended guidelines on Wednesday, July 22 and reaffirmed plans to start fall sports on time.
The action was taken during the association’s annual summer meeting in Montgomery.
Fall sports teams have the option to begin fall workouts on July 27. Football teams will be allowed to practice in shorts and helmets during that first week, ending on Aug. 3.
Fall sports, including volleyball, cross-country and swimming and diving, can use the first week for acclimation and tryouts. The first regular season contests can be played on August 20.
“The purpose of the Return to Play document is to offer AHSAA member schools best practices in order to commence the 2020-21 school year athletic seasons as scheduled and as safely as possible,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese.
The AHSAA has planned a virtual press conference for Thursday at 1 p.m. to discuss details of the Return to Play ‘Best Practices’ document.
“I want to thank this Central Board for having the courage to do the right thing,” said Savarese. “Moving forward, this is a great day for our association.”