Where All 50 States Stand on Football Returning

July 28, 2020 / Athletic AdministrationFootball
As the calendar prepares to change over from July to August and draws closer to the presumptuous start date for high school fall athletics, many athletic organizations have had to alter its plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some state high school organizations have delayed start dates, labeled each sport with a risk level, and staggered and spread out teams in the summer months for strength and conditioning training.

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Photo: Wesley Sykes / Creative Commons

On Monday, July 27, Matthew VanTryon from the Indianapolis Star put together where all 50 states stand in regards to the football season.

Below is a brief synopsis of where some of the states are in holding football this fall.

Alabama: Alabama High School Athletic Association executive director Steve Savarese told AL.com last week that he is “extremely optimistic” high school football will start on time, with official practices beginning July 27 and games beginning Aug. 20.

California: As of now, there have been no alterations to California’s high school football schedule. The California Interscholastic Federation will decide by July 20 whether it will allow high school sports in the fall.

Delaware: Delaware athletes began workouts in the first week of July. However, contact sports are still not allowed. Delaware Gov. John Carney expressed doubt about football being played safely. “I don’t see how you play it in the pandemic sense, just think about the huddle,” he said in a news conference. The decision will ultimately be up to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Florida: As of right now, There have been no delays to Florida’s high school football season. However, the Florida High School Athletic Association scheduled an emergency Board of Directors meeting for Monday, July 20.

Georgia: Teams were allowed to meet beginning the first week of July. However, no helmets, shoulder pads, girdles, knee, or thigh pads can be worn. The season is scheduled to begin Aug. 19.

» ALSO SEE: Texas School Districts Altering Physical Requirements

Nevada: Coaches recently submitted a proposal to the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association that would shorten the regular season and playoffs. It would include a seven-week, six-game schedule that would begin in September.