CLOSE

The Central Coast Section (CCS) released guidelines on the future of high school sports in the 2020-2021 school year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all sports will start later than usual. Instead of a three-season year, sports will be divided into two seasons.

On Tuesday, CCS officials outlined that sports slotted for Season 1 can begin their first practices on December 14. These sports include:

  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Football
  • Water Polo
  • Volleyball

The first games for each of the sports can begin Dec. 28 except for football, which will have the first games contested starting Jan. 8, 2021.

Season 2 sports can begin practices between late February and mid-March. This season includes:

  • Badminton (first practices Feb. 22)
  • Soccer (Feb. 22)
  • Tennis (team and individual; Feb. 22)
  • Swimming and diving (March 8)
  • Wrestling (March 15)
  • Basketball (March 15)
  • Baseball (March 15)
  • Boys’ and Girls’ Golf (March 15)
  • Lacrosse (March 15)
  • Softball (March 15)
  • Track and Field (March 15)

The first day of contests for badminton, soccer and tennis will be March 8; for swimming and diving, that’ll be March 22; for wrestling, basketball, baseball, boys’ and girls’ golf, lacrosse, softball and track and field it’ll be March 29.

Traditional competition cheer and competitive sport cheer dates for practice and contests are yet to be determined.

“Through the guidance and support of the California Interscholastic Federation and their continued work, we are continuously monitoring the directives and guidelines released from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health, and local county health departments and agencies as these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools/school districts with student health and safety at the forefront,” the statement read.

The CCS also announced a temporary extension for the summer period, which will last through Dec. 12.

Ayrton Ostly peruses Twitter, fields, courts and tracks throughout Salinas looking for stories from the community. Have a tip? Drop an email to aostly@thecalifornian.com and subscribe for full access to all of The Californian’s local news coverage.