MSHSL Winter Athletics Update: In-Person Practice Resumes Jan. 4, 2021
Updated 12/5/2020
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has established Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, as the date for the return of in-person high school and youth sports. Sports programs will initially be limited to practice only with the start date for competition to be determined later.
At its Dec. 4, 2020 meeting, the Minnesota State High School League's Board of Directors approved a flexible model to begin winter sports when permitted by the State of Minnesota. In alignment with the Governor's order, and in using the approved model created by the Return to Participation Task Force, Minnesota State High School League winter seasons will begin as follows:
Gymnastics, Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls and Boys Hockey, Wrestling, Boys Swimming and Diving, Girls and Boys Nordic Skiing and Girls and Boys Alpine Skiing will begin in-person practice on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Additionally, the Dance season resumes in-person practice on Jan. 4, 2021, and Adapted Floor Hockey begins its training season on that date, as well.
The opportunity to participate in sports and activities also comes with great responsibility. It is critical that all students, coaches, directors and officials maintain the highest standards of health and safety both in and outside of school. Everyone must actively share the responsibility of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping themselves and others safe and healthy.
The League will continue its work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the League's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee in the upcoming days to review and update the Sports and Activities Guidance and Information which will further clarify, reinforce and implement a commitment to providing a safe environment for all involved.
The following rules remain in effect throughout winter break until school resumes on January 4:
Coaches are allowed to:
- Have virtual contact with their student athletes
- Make optional individual workouts and skill workouts available to be done at home
- Virtually connect to support student-athletes
- Teach, implement, and develop team concepts as they relate to individual skill development
What is prohibited:
- Student/coach in-person contact
- Requiring participation or mandating workouts
- Suggesting or inferring that students should gather
- Athletics participants/teammates gathering independently with their team
The District will continue to provide updates as information changes. Athletics updates will be posted initially at @TonkaSkippers. Competition schedules for Minnetonka varsity sports can be found at https://srv3-advancedview.rschooltoday.com/public/...
MHS Athletics Return to Participation Policy
The MHS Athletics Return to Participation policy contains important information for participants and spectators. Find at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P-TWOh7Smxr3b_wlWoyvm51DQeKLTx__riavEGwOmK4/edit?usp=sharing.
