THOMASTON — The Geogia High School Association, in a letter sent to all member schools on Thursday, has canceled football scrimmages, proposed a move for competitive cheer to align with region championships, and moved One-Act Play to the spring.
Here is the letter sent to the schools on behalf of GHSA Executive Director, Dr. Robin Hines:
After yesterday's meeting with the SMAC, I have decided to implement the guidance listed below:
Football: (Due to high risk and physical contact)
- Continue to practice as outlined in previous guidance so athletes and staff will be in a controlled environment
- First Football Game is September 4th, as previously voted on by the GHSA Board of Trustees on July 20, 2020
- Eliminate preseason scrimmage game(s) but continue practice with players in the controlled environment
Cheerleading: (Due to high risk of indoor packed arena(s) which do not allow for social distancing)
- Continue to practice as outlined in previous guidance so practice will be in a controlled environment
- Adjust the competition season to align with the proposed new dates for Region and State Championship
- Dates will be published when venue(s) are secured to best accommodate the needs of cheerleading
- Tentative first date for competitions would be November 21, 2020
- Tentative State Cheerleading Finals would be February 26-27, 2020
One Act Play: (Due to risk of indoor venues and aerosol spray from projection and singers)
- Tentative move to spring semester, details will be forwarded when Tommy Whittle returns from vacation
Most every program in the state was scheduled to have at least one scrimmage, which were slated to be held Aug. 21 and/or Aug. 28. Those are now off and teams will see their first real action against an opponent on the now-set Sept. 4 start date.
However, girls fastpitch softball, volleyball, and cross country are scheduled to start as originally planned. Softball is set to open Thursday, cross country on Aug. 10, and volleyball on Aug. 11.
