Alternate seasons now an option for Missouri high school sports

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors announced on Thursday that alternate seasons are now an option if a school has a sport that cannot continue in the traditional timeline due to COVID-19.

“The traditional seasons are still being offered at this time for those schools able to participate,” MSHSAA Executive Director Kerwin Urhahn said. “Today’s action by the board of directors puts into place a plan of action our staff devised in the event a school is not able to participate partially or in whole. This could give those students an opportunity to complete a season in their sport.”

MSHSAA said schools may use the alternate fall sport seasons for any sport if the sport meets certain thresholds including, but not limited to, length of traditional season participation and access to a traditional postseason, reports KMBC 9 News.

Schools choosing to use the alternate fall season for any sport will automatically be included in the alternate spring season, MSHAA said, stating that schools may opt out of any alternate spring sports season(s) by contacting the MSHSAA office.

“The board discussed a request made by member schools to grant relief of the MSHSAA constitution, under the hardship provision of the MSHSAA constitution, for the 2020-21 school year only, waving the requirement for member schools to provide instruction in a building or buildings,” MSHSAA said.

Sports impacted include cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis and volleyball.