OHSAA expects season to start on time Aug. 1

In an online news conference, interim Ohio High School Athletic Director executive director Bob Goldring states the governing body expects the fall high school season to begin on time Aug. 1.

Unless some order comes down from the office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine suggesting otherside, fall sports are a “go” for Aug. 1.

In an online news conference with media members July 14, Bob Goldring, interim executive director for the Ohio High School Athletic Association, said plans are for teams around Ohio to begin practices as originally scheduled Aug. 1.

Goldring discussed a myriad of topics and scenarios involving the novel coronavirus during the news conference, but atop the list was the OHSAA’s plan to start on time.

“As we’re sitting here on July 14, our plan is to go full bore ahead with our practices Aug. 1 with the notion that yes, our seasons would follow in their normal pattern and their normal schedule dates beginning in that normal time frame,” he said. “I don’t think we have any plans with starting our season late. I think they would go hand-in-hand.

“Something I should probably clarify to start off with is that it’s the schools’ decision whether or not they will have sports or not. Just like every other extracurricular activity, we don’t think it’s the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s place to say yay or nay to sports. Our main focus is on our tournaments and we control, so to speak, those.”

Goldring said he discussed the situation with Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted earlier this week.

“Our priority is to start our seasons on time,” Goldring said. “Would we consider other options? I think it would be naïve for us to say no.”

Goldring, who took over the interim executive director’s position last week after the OHSAA dismissed former executive director Jerry Snodgrass, said he has been in contact with officials from other state high school associations to gauge how they are proceeding. The OHSAA’s board will meet later this week to discuss options and plans.

“Our No. 1 priority is the health and well-being of our student-athletes and all those associated with our programs,” Goldring said.

“We have to have conversations beginning with our board, and beginning Thursday some of those questions will somewhat be answered,” Goldring said. “We realize in our office things will be all over the board in terms of different learning platforms vs. face-to-face versus when things will ramp up in terms of starting dates at our schools. Unless something would change where the governor would say all things would change, our plans would be to move forward with things starting Aug. 1.”

Many options — and questions — are on the table, including shifting schedules and seasons.

“I don’t think it’s any secret shorter seasons could be the alternative for us, especially if we are delayed,” he said. “If there’s going to be delays in the season, if there’s going to be postponements to the season or only non-contact sports are permitted during the fall, then we have to pivot and look at our options moving forward.”