DENVER — The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) announced Monday it secured variances from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment along with state officials that will allow all winter sports (Season B) sports and activities to begin practice in January.
Practice for Season B sports, which include ice hockey, skiing, girls swimming, wrestling, basketball, and competitive spirit, is scheduled to begin Jan. 18.
Originally, Season B was proposed to begin on Feb. 1. With the practice start date moved up one week, games & competition can now begin on Jan. 25th.
"For months, our office has been laser-focused on students and the safe resumption of high school sports and activities in 2021," said CHSAA commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green in a statement. "The conversations with CDPHE and the Governor's COVID Response Team to resume Season B sports have been intentional and assertive. Though it has taken many late nights and weekends, we are thrilled that our student-athletes, member schools and local school communities have a resolution. Educationally-based athletics are a vital extension of the classroom."
Under the current dial levels, CHSAA-sponsored events could not be conducted due to public health restrictions at the state level that limited the number of athletes to practice or compete in a facility. For example, the current guidelines only allow basketball to have 10 total individuals (including coaches, athletes, trainers, etc.) in a gym.
The new variance approval from CDPHE and state officials will now allow those sports to be played.
The extra week of competition also allows basketball teams to have a 14-game schedule this year.
