The Coronavirus pandemic has sidelined Class 5A and 6A high school football in Texas.
The UIL is out with a road map for coaches. For 5A and 6A schools, there will be no practices until September 7th. And there will be no football games until September 24.
The delay also impacts volleyball. Volleyball teams can start games September 14.
Each sport will still play a full season with football playoffs starting in early December and extend through January 2021, rather than ending before Christmas. The volleyball state tournament is set for Dec. 11-12, rather than just before Thanksgiving.
The UIL will allow schools in Class 4A and below to start on-time for all fall sports.
According to a release from the UIL:
"The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is presenting modifications to the 2020-2021 UIL calendar and updated COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines, set to take effect August 1, 2020.
The modifications to the 2020-2021 calendar differ by activity and conference and can be found on the UIL website. These adjustments reflect the public health situation at this time and the varying numbers of COVID-19 cases across different geographic areas of the state. This plan provides a delay for schools in highly-populated metro areas, primarily conferences 5A-6A, given the challenges with COVID-19 those communities are facing, while providing schools in other areas, primarily 1A-4A, an opportunity to start seasons on schedule. Acknowledging the situation is not always clear-cut and that COVID-19 affects every community differently, the plan also allows for local flexibility and encourages districts to plan for possible interruptions in order to complete district seasons.
Additionally, the COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year can be found at this link. This includes guidance around face coverings, general operations and protocol for individuals confirmed or exposed to COVID-19, congregate settings (band halls, locker rooms, etc.), practice and rehearsal activities, spectators and media, and concession stands and food service."