MSHAA considering delayed start to high school programs in the fall

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) – Missouri now considering a delayed start to programs throughout the state, reports KCTV 5 News.

More families are back out participating in outdoor sports in an attempt to make a somewhat normal return to summer and early fall activities.

“I feel comfortable, but I just kind of feel like it’s our norm too and it’s something helping him out and about,” mother Heather Stout said to KCTV 5 News.

Some schools in Kansas City, like Kipp Academy where Tonya Gresham is a teacher and coach, have already put off sports until 2021.

“As long as we get to have some sort of season, I’m okay with it,” Kipp Academy Volleyball Coach Tonya Gresham said.

Gresham is putting safety before back-to-back conference wins.

2020 is adding extra pressure on the start of the Fall activity season, including when and how it happens.

“We haven’t really eliminated anything. All things are still on the table,” MSHSAA Communications Director Jason West said.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association has some big decisions to make in the next week or so. As it stands right now, practices will begin on August 10th and the Fall season begins on August 28th.

All that could change at the next MSHSAA board meeting, but they haven’t set a date yet. When they do meet, activities could have some curveballs headed their way.

“The rationale is if it’s not safe to come have in-person learning, it’s not safe to come together and have in-person practices or competitions,” West said. 

MSHSAA says this could come down to a district-by district analysis. The association is getting ideas from across the country, but says the decision made by the Kansas Board doesn’t change their conversations.

“What works in Kansas, what works in Illinois, what works in Iowa may not work for the whole state of Missouri,” West said.