Fall high school sports cancelled

By Darryl G. Smart

When high school students get back to school in September, there are going to be tons of changes. Among them will be that they won’t be able to participate in sports, at least in the fall.

The Grand Erie District School Board and Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association confirmed it today on their respective websites.

“On behalf of our executive and staff, OFSAA has come to the difficult decision of cancelling the 2020 fall championships and festivals that were scheduled for October and November,” the release reads. “The decision is in alignment with the province’s Stage 3 reopening regulations. Those regulations apply a number of restrictions to sports and recreation activities that ultimately prohibit the possibility of OFSAA events.”

OFSAA’s decision is one that staff have been working on since May. The governing body for all high school sports in Ontario created the Return to Sports Working Group, and consists of administrators, teachers, a director of education, a public health official and OFSAA staff.

This group will continue to meet and monitor the situation as it evolves.

“Decisions concerning the status of OFSAA winter and spring events will be announced at later dates and when those decisions have been finalized,’ the release reads.

GEDSB had their information on its FAQ page.

“Given current public-health guidelines, athletics/sports will not proceed at this time,” the release reads. “Extracurricular activities and clubs may be able to meet, with physical distancing guidelines in place. Schools will provide more information in September as to whether these kinds of activities can move forward.”