(WXYZ) — The Michigan High School Athletic Association says its fall tournaments will conclude today in football, volleyball and girls swimming & diving sports after announcing an adjusted schedule due to COVID rapid testing requirements.
Due to those requirements and the need for more direction from MDHHS that will be forthcoming in the next week, the MHSAA has instructed schools still participating in those sports to suspend practice immediately, a release states.
This change comes after MDHSAA received full details and requirements for a rapid pilot testing program provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which was an opportunity for teams and individuals to conclude their seasons amid the COVID-19 state pause.
The MHSAA will update competition dates to reflect the testing schedule. Taking part in this pilot testing is required for athletes to participate in final competitions.
Those fall teams that are taking part in the program will receive their rapid testing results, antigen tests and more instruction by Tuesday, Dec. 29. Between Dec. 28 and 29, MDHHS will conduct webinars to train school staff about the testing process.
When the first tests are administered on Wednesday, Dec. 30, full team practices will be allowed to commence. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, those schools may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test, a release states.
The MHSAA notes that teams restarting practice on Dec. 30 at the earliest, competition dates could be rescheduled. If so, confirmation of updated tournament dates will be announced.
