CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Governor Northam signed an Executive Order which eased COVID-19 restrictions, allowing changes regarding recreational sports on October 29.
Executive Order 67 allows the VHSL Championship +1 schedule to begin in December as scheduled.
VHSL has released its guidelines for school divisions to ensure a safe reopening of sports and activities.
The guideline include "no hugging, high-fives, handshakes or fist bumps,” and pregame and postgame handshakes are eliminated.
"Keeping our student athletes safe is critical during this pandemic," said Governor Northam. "I know I join many parents in looking forwards to the safe return of schooll sports. VHSL has been a tremendous partner throughout the COVID ciris, and i appreciate the thoughtfulness and diligence they have put in development of these guidelines for returning to play."
The amended Executive Order does not changed the number of attendees permitted at an event, which can't exceed 50% capacity or 250 people. For outdoor sports, only 250 people per field is permitted, VHSL says.
Teams having out-of-season workouts will continue to abide by Phase 3, regardless of established adjustments allowed for in-season teams to conduct regular season and post-season events.
Winter sports are scheduled to start practice December 7 through December14 and start playing games December 21 through January 6.
Fall sports are scheduled to start practice in February and run through May 1. Spring sports are scheduled to start practice in mid-April and run through late June.
