With the question answered as to whether schools will reopen, it was only a matter of
time when the question about school sports would surface.

Will sports be in play this coming fall?

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) made their decision Monday morning,
announcing that section start dates will commence in December or January. While CIF
gave the dates of the last day for section playoffs and regional/state championships, CIF
stated in a press release that “each CIF Section Office will release their own calendar to
reflect regular season starting and ending dates and Section playoffs.”

Boys’ and girls’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ water polo, cross-country, and football will
commence in the winter and end by the beginning of April. Soccer, swimming and
diving, boys’ and girls’ tennis, wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball will begin in
the spring and end in mid-June, possibly after the class of 2021 graduates.

CIF is closely monitoring directives and guidelines released by a number of
organizations that have the student health and safety at the forefront. Although, should
the guidelines change, CIF Sections “may allow for athletic activity to potentially resume
under the summer period rules of the local Section.”

How did students feel about the delayed season?

Cross country runners

“I feel relief knowing the senior class may be able to play the season we have all been
working and anticipating for,” volleyball player Aleena Canavati (’21) said.
Coaches shared the same sentiments.

“I’m really glad we finally have some idea of how high school sports is going to look like
for this school year. I understand that these guidelines may still change and I’m anxious
to find out what each district and school is going to decide in regards to how we can
safely conduct practices,” Hoover’s football coach, Azad Herabian said.

Hoover’s boys’ water polo coach, Kevin Witt said, “I’m delighted that CIF has delivered a
plan for student athletes to move forward with their respective sports. I hope that my
team can get together as soon as possible as we all miss each other, the pool, and the
sport.”