Camas and Washougal high school student-athletes won’t participate in any official competitions for at least two more months, but new guidelines from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) have given them hope that they’ll be able to return to the practice field soon.
On Oct. 6, the WIAA announced new guidelines for when and how high school athletics and activities can resume amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines, which align with new requirements from Governor Jay Inslee’s office and the Washington State Department of Health, allow for teams to hold training sessions as long as certain safety protocols are in place.
“These revised guidelines give greater flexibility to school administrators to offer education-based athletics and activities and meet the demand of their students and communities,” the WIAA said in a news release. “The WIAA executive board and staff are pleased with the work that has been done to allow students to be more involved with their schools, as participation in the school setting provides safer and more equitable opportunities for students, especially during this time.”
Camas High School athletic director Rory Oster said that he’s pleased with the new guidelines.
“The new guidelines from the WIAA are a step in the right direction to have the opportunity to give student-athletes a chance to work out with some peers, which is much needed right now for their social and emotional health,” he said. “I am proud that the leadership of the WIAA is doing everything they can to provide any opportunities possible to student-athletes during these trying times.”