MHSA to delay winter sports

The Montana High School Association board voted on Tuesday to delay the start of winter sports in hopes of flattening the curve during the continued COVID-19 pandemic.

The MHSA executive board approved the motion of winter sports practices in basketball, swimming and wrestling to begin on December 7, with competitions delayed until the first week of January, 2021. Basketball practices were originally scheduled to begin on November 19.

MHSA will re-evaluate its guidelines and restrictions during its annual November meeting and as needed throughout the winter sports season.

The board also adjusted its spectator policy for postseasons in fall sports. Local county health departments will need to approve the following policy:

• Up to a maximum of six spectator passes per uniformed player

• Up to a maximum of four spectator passes for each alternate and manager

• Up to a maximum of two spectator passes for members of the coaching staff

• Up to a maximum of two spectator passes for each cheerleader up to 12 total cheerleaders.