Dependent on COVID-19 data, KHSAA set August 3 as start date for practice

LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ) – On Tuesday, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett told the Kentucky Interim Joint Commission on Education he expects there to be fall sports.  On Friday, the KHSAA continued down the road for all fall sports, including football, to be played this fall.  He added, it will likely look very different.

For now, the KHSAA Board of Control voted for football teams and other sports to continue to practice as previously allowed until August 2.  This allowed teams to have voluntary workouts, but they must be socially distanced and only groups of ten were allowed to work out together at a time.  On August 3, if COVID-19 data allows it, Tackett says teams will be allowed to begin normal practice.  Traditionally, football teams begin normal practice mid-July.  This season that date was previously set for July 15.

“July 15 just became August 3,” said Tackett.

Tackett went on to say this likely means the season will not start on time.  Originally with practices scheduled to start July 15, games were set to begin on Friday, August 21.  If that timetable holds true, with the new tentative start date of August 3 for practice you’d expect the football season to begin about five weeks later on September 4.  The KHSAA Board of Control will meet prior to August 2 to make an official decision.

The only sport not affected by Friday’s ruling is golf. The KHSAA voted they will proceed without plans to compete in tournament as previously laid out by the schools.

The KHSAA Board of Control set a tentative meeting date of July 28 to vote on what happens after August 2.