High schools are starting to see fall sports come full circle after the MHSAA gave clearance for competition to begin on Thursday.
The MHSAA cleared schools to begin competition for boys soccer, girls volleyball and girls swimming and diving in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. Schools in the central lower peninsula and down have not gotten the clearance for competition.
Media and Content Coordinator for the MHSAA Geoff Kimmerly said Practice is allowed in Phase 4, but not competition.
“We wouldn’t need to be in Phase 5 in [central lower peninsula and down] to add competition. The Governor’s office could just make [an] interpretation while not moving the entire state into a different phase,” he said.
Kimmerly said this is a small, yet encouraging step.
“We’re looking forward to what’s next, but coming off of the disappointment of not being able to play football in the fall, I think this has at least brought back a little optimism for these school communities that really want to get their athletes out there and competing again.”
The association was hoping to approve competition statewide, but was unable to do so because of questions remaining in the governor’s executive order.
“We have been told within a week, future guidance will address athletic issues that exist in current executive orders,” MHSAA Director Mark Uyl said.