Mississippi high school sports can resume for practice June 1

The Mississippi High School Activities Association executive committee met Thursday to decide whether to resume sports June 1 or to keep athletics suspended longer due to COVID-19.

After studying the situation, the committee approved the following for summer athletics and activities, effective June 1 and for summer 2020 only:

• School athletics and fine arts activity programs can begin summer practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals for student-athletes and fine arts participants on June 1, pending Gov. Tate Reeves’ upcoming announcement on a date to reopen all Mississippi school facilities. Athletic coaches and activity directors must confirm with their school and/or district administrators that a specific school facility is open and available for use.
• Competition in athletics and activities between or among MHSAA member or non-member schools and/or teams is canceled until school resumes in the fall.
• All practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals shall be considered voluntary for student athletes and activities participants.
• School team and school activities participation and travel to summer programs and/or team camps are not allowed. On-campus summer programs and/or school camps should adhere to national, state and local COVID-19 health recommendations.