LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation is waiting for additional information on what the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association will decide on regarding the upcoming 2020 fall sports season.
The HHSAA and its member leagues extended the June 17 suspension of all interscholastic practices until the “return-to-play” guidelines are adopted to reopen facilities and workouts, according to a recent news release stated.
The HHSAA evaluates this weekly, and nothing has changed since the mid-June public statement.
The KIF hasn’t played an officially sanctioned game during the spring season in mid-March of 2020.
KIF Executive Director Brent Mizutani said there are still logistics for the HHSAA to work out regarding safety protocols for practice and game situations in the upcoming 2020-2021 fall season.
The specifics on all of the guidelines haven’t been made public or decided on, Mizutani said.
“The HHSAA meets with the five leagues to provide opportunities for updates as they are having meetings with the Department of Health and other government agencies,” Mizutani said. “The hope is to put forth a document that will guide interscholastic opportunities for our schools throughout the state.”
The evolving statistics and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to evolve the situation regarding interscholastic play.
Mizutani said that there are more questions than answers regarding the HHSAA’s next steps to start the season.
The HHSAA hasn’t finalized what is considered low-risk and high-risk sports, according to Mizutani.
“The conversations and conditions are constantly evolving,” Mizutani said. “When we get the answers to those questions, it will help our school plan for the upcoming school year. As of now, they are in a holding pattern. We hope to have more answers soon.”
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
