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GAME ON: Whitmer Reverses HS Sports Shutdown
Click the AUDIO buttons to hear comments from Governor Whitmer, MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel, and hear MHSAA Director Mark Uyl's entire Zoom press conference.
LANSING---Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced that high school and youth contact sports could resume starting next Monday, ending a shutdown that was first imposed back in November and was scheduled to continue through Feb. 21.
The governor, along with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, Elizabeth Hertel, said that enough progress has been made to allow sports to continue. They also cited the mental and physical well-being of the student athletes, many of whom have dealt with increased depression as the pandemic continued. Girls Basketball Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed. Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday. First contest: Feb. 8 Districts: March 22, 24, 26 Regionals: March 29, 31 Quarterfinals: April 5 Semifinals: April 7 Finals: April 9 Boys Basketball Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed. Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday. First contest: Feb. 8 Districts: March 23, 25, 27 Regionals: March 30, April 1 Quarterfinals: April 6 Semifinals: April 8 Finals: April 10 Competitive Cheer Masking/testing: Teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice. Competition limit: Teams may participate in 12 days of competition, not counting MHSAA Tournament events. First contest: Feb. 12 Districts: March 15-20 Regionals: March 22-24 Finals: March 26-27 Ice Hockey Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the ice if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed. Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday. Teams also may play two games on one non-school day twice; during those two weeks, teams are allowed up to four games Monday through Sunday. First contest: Feb. 8 Regionals: March 15-20 Quarterfinals: March 23 Semifinals: March 25-26 Finals: March 27 Wrestling Masking/testing: Testing is required for wrestling, but competitors will not be required to wear face coverings. Competition limit: Teams may compete two days per week, Monday through Sunday, with no more than four teams at a site (with each individual competing in up to three matches per day.) First contest: Feb. 12 Districts: March 15-20 Regionals: March 22-28 Team Finals: March 30 Individual Finals: April 2-3 The same masking and testing requirements will be in place for all junior high/middle school teams wishing to participate in the four Winter contact sports.  |
