AIA Announces Fall Sports Calendar

The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Executive Board approved a fall schedule for the 2020-21 academic year. 

There will be a staggered return to sports, and region and conference committees will continue to determine the minimum number of games to qualify for a postseason, region tournaments and other qualifying procedures.

“The health and safety of our student participants, coaches, officials and essential personnel, including volunteers, is the primary concern for the return of interscholastic athletics and activities,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said in a release. “We are very grateful to those who share our commitment of a return to these highly beneficial educational activities and athletics.”

Golf
First practice – Aug. 17
First competition – Aug. 24
Championships – Oct. 26-29 (Div. I), Nov. 2-5 (Div. II)

Cross Country
First Practice – Aug. 24
First Competition – Sept. 9
Championships – Nov. 12-13

Swimming & Diving
First Practice – Aug. 24
First Competition – Sept. 14
Championships – Nov. 5-7

Badminton
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 14
Championships – Nov. 7 (Individuals), Nov. 9-12 (Teams)

Fall Soccer
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 16
Championships – Nov. 4-7

Volleyball
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 21
Championships – Nov. 12-21

Football
First Practice – Sept. 7
First Competition – Sept. 30-Oct. 3
Championships – Dec. 11/12 (4A-6A & Open)

Per the release, the AIA will continue to work with schools that have already canceled there fall seasons to see what options may be available for athletes to compete. Football programs in the 1A-3A divisions are still in discussion on number of games and when a championship could be held.

In addition to the fall decisions, the executive board also decided that winter sports will begin one week later than usual. 

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