WIAA sets guidelines for schools choosing to move fall sports to spring season

MADISON, Wis. — The body that governs Wisconsin high school sports has approved a major overhaul to season structures heading into the new school year as the coronavirus pandemic spreads.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s board on Friday unanimously approved a host of changes, including freezing officials’ classifications, lifting sanctions for leaving a conference, allowing athletes to play for both their school and club teams, eliminating the minimum number of games needed to qualify for state tournament play and allowing a fifth quarter in football games and extra innings in baseball and softball games so reserve players get a chance to play.

The board also approved schedules allowing schools that choose to play fall sports to begin on Sept. 7.

Schools that choose to move their fall sports to the spring will be able to start practice in late February or early March.

All schools will also see their winter and spring schedules adjusted.

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