The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced modifications to the 2020-2021 fall sports calendar on July 21. Schools categorized as 1A-4A currently have the opportunity to start the season on schedule; however, schools in highly populated areas, primarily conferences 5A-6A, will be delayed.
“These adjustments reflect the public health situation at this time and the varying numbers of COVID-19 cases across different geographic areas of the state,” according to the UIL press release. “Acknowledging the situation is not always clear-cut and that COVID-19 affects every community differently, the plan also allows for local flexibility and encourages districts to plan for possible interruptions in order to complete district seasons.”
Southlake Carroll, a 6A school, has a new start date for team tennis, cross country, volleyball and football. Practice for 5-6A volleyball and football cannot start until September 7 while schools in conferences 1A-4A can start August 3. Team tennis matches and cross country meets for 5-6A have been delayed to start no earlier than September 7. The earliest volleyball match can be held on September 14 for 5-6A schools and the earliest football game cannot be held before September 24.
Dragon fans may notice this new football date comes prior to the previously scheduled Dodge vs. Dodge season opener. UIL also announced the football state championship games for 5-6A schools would be held in January 2021.
“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt says via press release. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”
To read this press release in full, read the UIL COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidelines or for more information about the upcoming seasons, visit UILTexas.org.