JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming High School Activities Association (WHSAA) announced this week that all fall sports will begin on time.

With the collaboration of the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) and the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE), the WHSAA’s Smart Start Fall Sports Guidelines were established and approved to return students safely to the six fall sports offered.

“We are excited for our students,” said WHSAA commissioner, Ron Laird. “We appreciate the WDH and WDE working with us to be able to approve a plan we all believe can safely return our students to their sport. This is a great example of how working together will allow our students to continue to enhance their educational experience. We know the mental and emotional issues those students experienced last spring when track and soccer were canceled.”

Practices are scheduled to begin on Monday, August 10 for 4A football, golf, and tennis. On August 17, cross-country, 1A thru 3A football, girls swimming and diving, and volleyball will begin their practices.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jillian Balow, stated, “I cannot overstate the importance of allowing students to safely participate in activities this fall. Activities are essential to the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of our children and fundamental to our mission in K-12 education of building character and necessary skills in our youth. My staff, the WHSAA, and the Wyoming Department of Health have diligently created a framework for activities that schools and communities can use this fall. It will take all of us, including parents and the students, doing our part to make this fall successful.”

It will be a cautious opening; one that will be monitored every step of the way.

“We realize this is the only step one in making sure this fall is successfully completed,” Laird emphasized. “This is going to take a concerted effort by all involved. The focus is on providing the opportunity for the kids. I have complete confidence that our administrators, coaches, parents, and fans will join forces and follow the guidelines to benefit our students.”