Flint Township View

MHSAA postpones football season until spring


GENESEE COUNTY — The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced today the postponement of the high school football season until Spring of 2021.

According to a statement on the MSHAA website, the Representative Council made the decision to postpone the football season based on feedback and input from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office, state health department officials, member schools, collegiate conferences and individuals on both sides of the issue.

“Plans will be shared soon regarding allowed fall coach-player workouts as well as concepts for the spring football season dates, format and playoffs,” the statement said. “Know that all other fall sports in the low and moderate risk categories are moving forward.”

Practices have begun in all those other sports and competitions may begin in golf and tennis on Aug. 19 and cross country on Aug. 21.

The MHSAA said the Representative Council will be meeting again next Wednesday to finalize the competition calendars for boys’ soccer, girls swimming and volleyball. Further guidance regarding these indoor facilities in Phase 4 is coming to schools next week.

“At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall. With all input received, along with school feedback from the first week of practice, there was just too much uncertainty and too many unknowns to safely play football this fall,” said Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the MSHAA. “While there is disappointment today that we could not play football this fall, we are encouraged and motivated to find the best possible plan to fit football in with existing seasons to give all of our kids the best experience possible.”

The website promised an update on August 19 with finalized plans and dates for the remaining fall sports. — G.G.