As the status of fall high school sports in West Virginia continues to be questionable due to COVID-19, the WVSSAC today released modifications that will be in place for the 2020-21 winter sports seasons that includes boys and girls basketball, boys and girls swimming, and wrestling.

 

The changes are on the WVSSAC Web site. A complete list of the modifications can be found by clicking HERE.

 

Some of the changes are subtle, and some not. For instance, in basketball, jump balls will not take place, nor will pre- and post-game handshakes. The team that is the visitor will get possession at the start of each contest.

 

In wrestling, which is the highest contact sport among the sports governed by the WVSSAC, include athletes, coaches, and everyone at floor level required to wear a face mask or covering - athletes are not required to wear them during competition. Handshakes no longer allowed after matches and students will be weighed in at their schools before going to an event.

 

Swimmers along with coaches and other meet personnel, outside of the time when students are swimming, will have to utilize face coverings or masks. Students competing will have to show up in their event gear.

 

Individual changes can be found below:

 

WRESTLING

 

BASKETBALL

SWIMMING

 

UPDATE: The WVSSAC has released postseason standards as postseason play for most sports (golf is already completed) is set to begin. With Harrison County going to orange on several occasions and being in the orange the last two Saturdays, this is problematic for participants.

 

If you are orange, according to the WVSSAC at the time of the postseason, you cannot participate in postseason competition. The exception is for cross country and cheerleading. The exceptions are spelled out in the graphic taken from the MetroNews Twitter account.