2020 High School/Middle School Athletic Fall Season Information

Independent School District 518
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR JOSH DALE

MSHSL MOVES FORWARD WITH SOCCER, CROSS COUNTY, AND GIRLS TENNIS, DELAYS FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COMPETITION
 
On Tuesday, August 4th, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) made the decision to move forward with the fall sports season for girls and boys soccer, girls and boys cross country, and girls tennis.  Football and volleyball competition seasons have been moved to mid-spring, creating a fourth sports season.  Practices this fall for football and volleyball will be allowed with a start date that is yet to be determined.  All fall season activities will have a reduced season in number of weeks and contests.  New schedules for soccer, cross country, and girl’s tennis will be released in the near future. District 518 is looking into the possibility of holding middle school intramural volleyball and football seasons.
 
The athletic eligibility meeting scheduled for Monday, August 10th has been cancelled due to the large number of athletes and parents who would attend and District 518’s observation of social distancing practices.  Teams will meet individually to review rules and guidelines that would normally be addressed at the eligibility meeting.
 
Each athlete’s involvement in extracurricular activities is voluntary and is a decision made by the athlete and their family.  The MSHSL and District 518 will be implementing guidelines for each activity to provide the safest environment possible. 
 
The MSHSL extended expiring physicals to the end of the 2020-2021 season.  District 518, however, recommends all students with expiring physicals to update their sports physicals.  All athletes who do not have a physical on file or have underlying health issues must receive a physical to be allowed to compete in events or practice. 
 
All athletes must complete a participation form before they are allowed to compete in events or practice.  This form can be found on our district website, www.isd518.net, under activities, then athletics, and click on “Participation Form” in the athletic form tab (or click here).  These forms can be turned into the middle school or high school office.
 
The recent actions taken by the MSHSL are unprecedented in the history of the league.  We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we continue to work with the MSHSL to best provide a meaningful and safe experience in all activities during the 2020-2021 school year.
 
If you have any questions, please contact ISD 518’s Activities Director Mr. Josh Dale
by phone at (507) 376-6121 or by email at josh.dale@isd518.net