COVID-19 update

 COVID-19 UPDATE – May 19

The Mississippi High School Activities Association Executive Committee and staff continue to monitor the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on sports and activities for summer 2020.

The MHSAA remains in communication with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the MHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, the Mississippi Association of Coaches, the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Mississippi Department of Education and the Office of the Governor of Mississippi.

Key information resources for schools and administrators as we move into the summer months will include:

• “Guidelines of Core Principles of Resocialization” from the NCAA Sport Science Institute
• “Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities” from the NFHS
• “Covid-19 Return to Activity Guidelines” from the MHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory  Committee

The MHSAA also is conducting video conferences with administrators and coaches to receive valuable input from school leaders around the state.  All of these resources will be provided to member schools at the appropriate time.

As of May 19 and per MHSAA rules, competition, practice and tryouts for sports and activities are not allowed while schools are closed.  Therefore, offseason and summer sports and activities for MHSAA member schools shall not begin until at least June 1 or until further notice.

The MHSAA Executive Committee — made up of 15 school administrators from across the state — will meet on May 21 to further address the COVID-19 situation, including identifying possible dates for MHSAA member schools to open facilities for a return to sports and activities during summer months.

The MHSAA recognizes this is an evolving situation with multiple measures necessary for a return to activity. We will keep you updated as additional information, updated guidelines and further recommendations develop.