SWAC sports hoping to return next week

SOUTHWEST BOOSTER FILE PHOTO

After many months away from the courts and fields, the Chinook School Division and the SouthWest Athletic Conference are proceeding with a measured “Return to School Sport” using all the guidelines set out by the Business Response Team.

Schools have been using the month of September to assess what they are comfortable offering within the guidelines. The SHSAA has developed a “Return to School Sport” document that has been the basis of a lot of the decisions for what our fall sports will look like. The Chinook School Division has made some adaptations, but we are confident that we can create a meaningful sport experience for our students within the boundaries we must follow. There will be NO SHSAA provincial playoffs for fall sports this year.

Practices for soccer, football, cross country and golf begin Monday, September 2. Volleyball will begin Tuesday, October 13.

Early plans are being made for a “Celebration of Golf” event on October 3 and “Celebration of Cross Country” event the week of October 13.

The seasons of play have been altered and all athletic competitions will look different than they have in the past. There are now limits on how many athletes can take part in a contest and how many individuals can be involved in mini-leagues. Details for league play are currently being developed.

At this time, no spectators are allowed for indoor competitions and protocols are being developed for possible spectators during outdoor competitions.

As Covid restrictions are fluid, SWAC/Chinook will adapt as necessary or as directed by the SHA. This could mean changes on a week-to-week basis. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we navigate through our return to fall sports.

The Chinook School Division sports report is submitted by Val Gordon