As the fall sports season creeps closer, the Georgia High School Association continues to ease conditioning restrictions related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Schools around the state were back on fields and inside gyms and weight rooms Monday following the GHSA’s mandated dead week.
In a July 1 press release, the GHSA unveiled the latest amendments to its coronavirus guidance plan, stating, “Teams can engage in one-on-one drills such as quarterbacks throwing to receivers and baseball players throwing to batters.”
“Our sports medicine group feels that intensity can pick up,’’ GHSA executive director Robin Hines told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“We’re where we thought we’d be. Now quarterbacks can throw to wide receivers. Pitchers can throw to batters with a catcher. Volleyball players will be able to set and spike. We’re just taking baby steps, trying to strive for normalcy, while keeping as healthy as we can.’’
Intrasquad competitions such as one-on-one, five-on-five and seven-on-seven drills can take place. Competitions and scrimmages between schools are still prohibited.
These measures come after conditioning restrictions were continually eased throughout June. At first, athletes could only run and lift weights. Then sport specific equipment such as balls and blocking dummies were permitted.
Conditioning groups were initially limited to 20 participants, which was later increased to 25 and now stands at 50. Once in a group, athletes were not allowed to switch.
Now, “Groups of 50 are allowed to re-group if it can be done safely (within the same sport),” the press release stated. The GHSA continues to recommend face coverings for athletes and coaches.
Additionally, cheerleading, softball and volleyball may hold tryouts. While the cheerleading squad is largely in place, GHS softball and volleyball will hold tryouts this week.
“I guess this was kind of expected and it’s a chance for these kids to do a little bit more,” said GHS athletic director Matt Johnson. “It’s still a long way off from where we should be at this point typically. There are still no helmets on the football field.
“I’m glad the three sports are able to do their tryouts. That’s a huge help to them. Even wrestling is allowed to wrestle one on one now and that’s something they haven’t been able to do in a long time.”
Confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia continue to fluctuate, and Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state of emergency order through Aug. 11. However, Georgia’s fall sports season is still on schedule to start on time.
Florida, Tennessee, Arizona and New Jersey are delaying fall sports, which will likely lead to games being canceled. Michigan may postpone the season while states such as Mississippi and Texas are exploring the option of moving football to the spring.