For the second straight week, the Georgia High School Association says the 2020 football season will kick off on Sept. 4.
"After today’s meeting with the SMAC, the GHSA will begin football season the week of Sept. 4 as directed by the Board of Trustees," GHSA Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines said in a statement on Wednesday. "Recommendations and restrictions are fluid and subject to change. Safety must be our top priority."
The GHSA also redefined its re-acclimation protocols for athletes who have been quarantined due to COVID-19.
"After yesterday’s meeting with the SMAC with input from the medical group, the GHSA decided to define the re-acclimation of quarantined athletes when they return to practice," Hines said.
The GHSA requires all football players to complete five days of acclimation before any padded practices can begin. In July, the organization released its guidelines for players, who have been quarantined to re-acclimate using the five-day guidelines.
On Thursday, the GHSA redefined those guidelines, effective immediately. According to the new regulations, athletes and teams requiring re-acclimation will now follow the schedule below (for all athletes who have previously completed the acclimation period):
Day 1: 1.5 hours conditioning - helmets only
Day 2: 2 hours conditioning - helmets only
Day 3: 2.5 hours with helmets only
Day 4: 2.5 hours with helmets and shoulder pads
Day 5: 2.5 hours with full pads – No Game
Recommendations and restrictions are fluid and subject to change. Safety must be our top priority.
Thanks for all you and your staff do for the student/athletes in the State of Georgia.
