MOSES LAKE — The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) released a statement from its executive board meeting on June 7 concerning the anticipated reopening of school athletics and activities.

The WIAA stated work has begun on formulating guidelines for a return-to-play on a sport-by-sport basis. Focusing on the fall slate of activities first. WIAA assistant executive directors have gathered a committee of coaches, administrators, officials and students to work through issues unique to each sport’s return.

The WIAA acknowledged that schools and areas of the state would need to operate under differing rules and regulations dependent upon their current situation and level of possible risk.

The WIAA addressed the scenario if schools statewide don’t return immediately to in-person learning, stating that they intend to try to hold a regular season, assuming the Department of Health (DOH) approves the recommendation.

The slate of fall sports is planned to begin as scheduled, but the WIAA is looking at the possibility of moving it back slightly as part of a contingency plan.

Assuming certain parts of the state are still “COVID-19 hot spots” when the season begins, the WIAA stated it would still intend to conduct a regular season even if some schools aren’t able to participate.

Concerning the question of only holding certain fall sports that might be deemed “lower risk,” than others, the WIAA reaffirmed it would intend to hold all athletics and activities that are approved by the DOH.

The WIAA stated it intends to conduct specified work groups to recommend and evaluate in modifications to rules or scheduling that might take place as part of the new guidelines. A recommendation was made to the executive board as well that a priority be set for modified season options and deadlines for decisions to be reached.