The Michigan High School Athletic Association adjusted its schedule to conclude Fall tournaments in football, volleyball and girls swimming & diving on Tuesday, Dec. 22, after receiving full details and requirements for the pilot rapid testing program being provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as an opportunity for teams and individuals to conclude their seasons amid a pause due to COVID-19.
MHSAA has instructed schools still participating in those sports to suspend practice immediately due to requirements and need for more direction from MDHHS will be forthcoming in the next week. MHSAA also is working to update dates of competition to better reflect the testing schedule. Taking part is the MDHHS testing pilot is a requirement for athletes to participate in the final competitions in these sports.
As of now, Fall teams taking part in the pilot program are expected to receive rapid-result antigen tests and more instruction by Tuesday, Dec. 29. The MDHHS on Dec. 28-29 will be conducting webinars to train school personnel who will be involved in the testing process. Once the first tests have been administered on Wednesday, Dec. 30, full team practices may commence. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, those schools may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test.
With teams restarting practice Dec. 30 at the earliest, competition dates also could be rescheduled. Confirmation of updated tournament dates will be announced soon on the MHSAA website.
This is following the announcement from MHSAA the three remaining fall tournaments for football, volleyball and girls swimming and diving could resume practice this week.