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Football: GHSA green lights practice in pads Aug. 1; acclimatization starts Monday

By Bo Wilson Sports Editor
Posted 9:07AM on Thursday 23rd July 2020 ( 4 years ago )

The Georgia High School Association is moving forward with fall practice as outlined on its website. 

The governing body of more than 400 schools across the state says football teams will begin the acclimation process on Monday -- five days in helmets -- and shift to pads on Aug. 1. 

"The GHSA and the Sports Medicine Advisory Council appreciates our member schools' continued efforts in the successful implementation of the Coronavirus Guidance Plan," GHSA Executive Director Robin Hines said in a statement.

The GHSA has remained steadfast in its approach to keep the upcoming football season somewhat on schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did push the season kickoff back two weeks (Sept. 4) on Monday. The good news out of the move is a full season is set to be played with a full five weeks of playoffs, ending in the finals at Georgia State Stadium Dec. 28-30. The GHSA did keep all other fall sports on schedule. Softball, cross country and volleyball are allowed to begin practice on Aug. 1.

The GHSA released its guidance for acclimatization and practice Thursday, leaving it in the hands of school systems to make the decision to participate as recommended. 

"Recommendations and restrictions are fluid and subject to change," Hines said. "Safety must be our top priority."

Below is the "Guidance for Acclimatization and Practice" with recommendations and/or restrictions:

http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/7/922685/football-ghsa-green-lights-practice-in-pads-aug-1-acclimatization-starts-monday

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