While state's governor starts roll out of youth sports and summer camps, AIA recommends guidelines for safe return to high school competition.
Video: Ty Thompson highlights See Mesquite QB and state's No. 2 football recruit in action.
Arizona is taking small steps toward a return to sports at all levels.
On Thursday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said schools will reopen from the COVID-19 shutdown in August, summer schools that operate year-round and summer day camps can open in June and youth sports are eligible to begin immediately.
On the same day of Ducey's announcement, a special Arizona Interscholastic Association executive board endorsed a set of recommended
guidelines produced by the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for what a safe return to practice and competition could entail for the member schools.
The recommendations by SMAC are meant to serve as a "living document" as the state goes forward.
AIA executive director David Hines told AZPreps365 that "we are not guaranteed to have a fall season. We are preparing to be ready on time, but it will all depend on how this situation develops as the summer goes on. We just ask that schools, coaches, players and parents consider and utilize the guidelines until we get back to normal."
Asked if high school football will begin in August, Hines told Arizona Republic's Richard Obert: "I'm hoping. This has been really frustrating for kids not being able to play. The safety of the communities are very important. I certainly would love to have the opportunity for the kids to get back to competing and being able to watch them play. We have to wait and see how things go in the next month."
