The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) board on Tuesday approved a plan to begin winter sports and activities Dec. 1 and continue through Dec. 22.
After Dec. 22, there will be a winter moratorium, in which there will be no practices and no competition, beginning Dec. 23, according to an announcement.
The winter moratorium is usually Dec. 23 to Dec. 27, but the board has extended the moratorium through Jan. 3.
Practice can begin on Jan. 4 and competition may resume on Jan. 8, according to the KSHSAA. The new rules will apply to high schools and middle schools, according to the announcement.
Masks will be required of everyone, except for athletes while they are competing, and officials who are actively officiating.
Spectators will not be allowed at high school and middle school contests through Jan. 28, according to the announcement.
There also are limits placed on the number of events allowed for each individual sport. For example, basketball is capped at 20 games, not including the postseason.
Each school district may decide on its own winter sports rules, schedule and participation.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools board on Nov. 10 voted to start practices Jan. 4, with games beginning Jan. 18. (See https://wyandotteonline.com/kck-school-board-approves-winter-sports/)