12/16/2020

***Updated***

After Governor Inslee updated the in-person learning to allow more the WIAA released a statement of optimism regarding High School sports based on what the Governor presented. Here is the statement released by the WIAA:

WIAA statement on revised in-person learning recommendations…

“The revised recommendations for in-person learning issued by the Governor’s Office, OSPI and Department of Health show that our state leaders are using all available science and data to drive their decisions. While sports and activities were not covered during the announcement, the WIAA is hopeful that guidelines for extracurricular participation will also be revised to align with the data and information that was presented today. “

Here is the link to the latest update from Governor Inslee

**Here is our original story on the Tuesday night WIAA Executive Board meeting.

(Renton, WA) The WIAA Executive Board met on Tuesday evening via Zoom to discuss the latest developments regarding re-starting High School athletics. Executive Board President and Sumner District Athletic Director Tim Thomsen talked with ESN following the meeting. Thomsen said the plan going into the meeting was to get updates on where everything stood from State Guidelines to the likelihood of starting the set schedule of sports in February.

The WIAA has pushed the 3 seasons to begin in early February and these are all set with the intent of also hosting a “culminating event” or post-season tournament or event. But reality has sunk in with everyone and the feedback from kids and coaches on how much appreciation there has been to do any limited practicing has been overwhelming to the Executive Board. Thomsen said it was never intended and the Board has never taken any idea of any competition off the table.

Thomsen felt it was important to make it clear to all the schools, coaches and athletes of the options the WIAA is considering and they run the table from the schedule laid out as is to local leagues having games within their local areas. Our full interview with Thomsen is below and he goes through each option and everything the WIAA continues to consider. There is another meeting on January 4th where it is likely more decisions will be made regarding trying to re-start sports in February.

Interview with Tim Thomsen

www.elisportsnetwork.com