WIAA modifies prep sports calendar; football moved to spring

Washington’s high school athletics governing body announced its revised plans for the upcoming school year Tuesday evening (July 21), and football is moving to the spring.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) released its revised sports season calendar for 2020-21, as schools attempt to navigate the coronavirus pandemic. The result is a switch from three seasons to four, and fall’s contact sports — including football — are being pushed back six months.

Cross country, slowpitch softball, as well as alternative seasons for golf and tennis will each begin practices the week of Sept. 7, according to the WIAA. The girls swimming and diving season’s fate has not been determined yet.

Other fall sports including girls soccer, 1B/2B boys soccer and volleyball will now begin in the early spring of 2021 as part of WIAA Season 3.

Traditional winter sports are expected to begin in late December or early January. Traditional spring sports will occupy WIAA Season 4 to end the school year, according to the announcement.