VHSL Releases Return to Sport Protocols

<p>The Virginia High School League (VHSL) just released the <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/482231097/VHSL-Recommendations-to-Return-to-Play-2020-21">2020-2021 Guideline for Return to Participation Guide</a>. <img class="alignleft" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcShMwkcPWaV9LY1yYULHpZryulsfW98KZmfPHThVCZodls-h6Q%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Farc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2FJNMKJU3IRJBBRDNSJUIYCHWILM.jpg&amp;usqp=CAU" alt="VHSL will delay decision to provide options on spring sports season until May" width="377" height="212" />The guide was signed off by Governor Ralph Northam and sets the precedents to allow a return to participation to sports starting as scheduled in December. The VHSL, in association with the NFHS, have also made rule modifications for volleyball. Volleyball's traditional season was moved from August to a February start in the 2020-21 academic calendar in an effort to curtail the spread of Co-Vid19 and allow time for safety protocols to be implemented to help with participant safety. Here are some of the significant modifications we can expect in the 2020-21 volleyball season:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The coin toss for non-deciding sets has been eliminated. The visiting team will serve first in the first set and will alternate until a deciding set becomes necessary. </li> <li>In the event of needing a deciding game, the coin toss will be called at the center of the court and called by the home team. </li> <li>The pre-match meeting will be limited to one coach and player for each team and must stay 6 feet apart. The location of the meeting has also been moved to behind the scorers table to provide more space. If sufficient space is not available, the meeting can be done at the traditional place in front of the scorers table. </li> <li>Team will remain in their respective bench area for the entire match, eliminating the side change. If there is a disadvantage to one side versus another, the playing teams will switch sides and may be on the opposite side of the court from their bench. This will be established in the pre-match meeting. </li> <li>Gloves will now be permissible to wear during play</li> <li>Long Sleeves and Long Pants will also be permissible to wear during play. </li> <li>Undergarments that are worn will be allowed if they are of a solid color and are similar to the predominant color of the uniform top or bottom. </li> <li>Substitutions will be closer to the 3 meter line to allow 6 feet between the players and Second Referee. </li> <li>Individuals on the bench and staff at the scorers table should be limited to allow for the 6 feet of social distancing. </li> <li>The amended Executive Order did not change attendance at sporting events, allowing the lesser of 50% capacity or 250 people. </li> <li>The traditional "good luck" and "good game" lines have been eliminated from the pre-and post-game routine.</li> <li>Sports will play 60% of their traditional amount of scheduled games. </li> <li>Games not played due to Co-Vid related issues will be considered "no contest" as opposed to a loss by either team. </li> <li> Every sport will hold a state championship</li> <li>Teams that do not qualify for regional competition will be allowed one additional game that must be completed by the regional deadline. </li> <li>Each region will advance one team to the state tournament. </li> <li>Volleyball can have 12 dual matches or 10 duals and one invitational event or 8 duals and two invitational events.</li> <li>Volleyball can start practices February 15 with a first contest of March 1. The regional start date is April 12. The state tournament will be help April 20 for the semifinals and championships April 23-24.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>