The CIF released a modified sports schedule for the 2020-2021 season.
The CIF anticipates that most sections, including the Central Section, will have start dates in December of 2020 or January of 2021. This means there will be no sports played in the fall of 2020. For the Central Section, the first possible practice start date for fall sports is December 14.
A new “last day for section playoffs” and a “last day for regional/state championships” for each individual sport has been implemented: Football’s last possible date for section playoffs is April 10, 2021, and the last possible date for regional/state championships is set for April 17, 2021. Summer sports will be able to compete up until the first date of their fall regular season sports calendar.
Students will be allowed to participate on teams outside of school-sanctioned teams (AAU, club ball, etc.). Individual sections will have the ability to develop more strict rules than what the state has determined.
KSBY Sports Director, Neil Hebert, spoke with several coaches and athletic directors on the Central Coast Monday and got their reactions.
“(I’m) very excited. This is the first time since March that we’ve had something concrete, something to look forward to; essentially having a plan and to start planning," said Arroyo Grande Athletic Director, Stephen Field. "We commend the CIF. I think they did the best possible job providing a structure for the seasons for our student-athletes.”
“I think everyone is definitely very excited. We finally have something put together, and we’re moving forward. It’s a very positive vibe so far," said Mission Prep Football Head Coach, David Schuster. “Everyone I’ve talked to today has been absolutely thrilled and pumped. They can’t wait to get going. Yeah, we have to adjust a little bit, but the kids are fired up.”
“I’m just excited to get back to work. We’ll be working on some schedules and do what we do to get things ready," said Morro Bay Athletic Director, John Andree. "There’s going to be preparation and a plan in place. I think it’s good for kids, good for us, and hopefully we can make it work in December or January.”
The Northern Section is the only outlier: They released a statement saying “CIF-NS member school teams will begin league play when the member school districts’ county health officers approve the implementation of youth sports, including high school athletics.” In the Northern Section’s case, teams could be removed from CIF State playoffs.
Here's the CIF's release regarding 2020-2021 sports:
