By Bruce Karnick

In an email sent to 100+ people, Trent Hanson delivered an update regarding winter sports. As he stated in the email, “Formal documents will be forthcoming.” MSHSL Board of Directors did act on October 2nd to adopt a winter sports calendar. Hanson explained in his email, “This message is to share what I know in a prompt fashion, after being on a (very long) conference call today.”

As of right now, all sports will have a reduction in the number of weeks and contests that is mostly consistent with the approach that was implemented this fall. The rules seem to be similar to the rules used for fall sports There is a maximum number of two competitions per week. No invites, tournaments, scrimmages or jamborees are allowed. All competitions will be duals or tris depending on the sport. Competitions are restricted to conference, local, and/or section opponents only as determined by local schools.

“Sport-specific COVID mitigation protocols have not yet been released. As such, I have no updates with regard to spectator restrictions, pod sizes, or other necessary protocols. It is fair to anticipate that the restrictions will likely mirror the approach to fall, but again, nothing has been released or shared yet. I will share as soon as I have them in the coming weeks,” Hanson’s email said.

His email went on to state that the Metro East Conference Athletic Directors had meetings schedules both Friday and early in the next week. They will discuss and complete schedules within the guidelines given to them from the MSHSL. We will have them for you as soon as they are made available.

Here are the approved start dates and number of competitions for winter sports: Adapted Floor Hockey – 11/16, 18 contests Boys Hockey – 11/23, 18 contests Boys Basketball – 11/23, 18 contests Girls Hockey – 11/30, 18 contests Girls Basketball – 11/30, 18 contests Alpine Ski – 11/30, 11 contests Nordic Ski – 11/30, 11 contests Boys Swim and Dive – 11/30, 11 contests Wrestling – 11/30, 16 contests Gymnastics – 12/7, 11 contests What does it look like now for Spring sports? Spring sports calendars are tentatively set to fit into mostly “traditional” start dates. These sports should expect some delayed starts (e.g. 1-3 weeks later than usual), a similar reduction in contests and travel, with seasons bumping slightly later in June than normal. Thank you, Mr. Hanson, for all the work you do and for keeping us in the loop as well as you do. GO RAIDERS!