Lake Norman Publications

Mask mandate accompanies launch of fall sports



Unlike in this 2019 Hough-Lake Norman matchup, volleyball games in 2020 will feature masks for players and fans. /Doug Coats

Fall sports competitions finally got underway the week of Nov. 16 for N.C. High School Athletic Association schools.

Cross country and volleyball are the first to launch in this delayed, condensed 2020-21 year of athletics. But just before athletes took to the trails and courts, new requirements were passed by the governor, and then the NCHSAA.

Though Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order limits indoor gatherings to 10 people, that does not apply to high school athletics, which can have 25 in attendance. The next day, NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker announced that athletes and coaches are required to wear masks during indoor practices or competitions.

She said after two weeks of official practice, several volleyball teams across the state will not start their competitive seasons on time due to COVID-19 exposure.

“With approximately 400 volleyball teams and nearly that number of cross country teams actively participating across the state at this time, we believe it is our responsibility to do all we can to keep this number as low as possible,” she said in a statement. “The mask mandate for all indoor skill development activities is the most effective way we currently have to mitigate the risk of infection, while allowing opportunities for athletic participation to continue.

In the I-Meck 4A, volleyball games are slated to begin Thursday, Nov. 19, while first competitions for Community School of Davidson, Lake Norman Charter and Pine Lake Prep were Nov. 17.

“We are asking our coaches, student-athletes and administrators for their continued vigilance and cooperation in these measures, including making sure to properly socially distance during skill development sessions and adherence to the mask mandate,” Tucker said. “We all must do our part.”

Tucker also announced Nov. 16 that NCHSAA wants games postponed due to COVID-19 to be played eventually if possible. If not, they will be declared a no-contest.

Hough shuts down off-season workouts

CORNELIUS – Hough High canceled all of its off-season workouts through Nov. 29.

The two sports that have officially begun their seasons, volleyball and cross country, will continue as scheduled for regular-season activities. Swimming and diving are slated to begin practices as scheduled on Nov 23.

Official basketball practices are slated to begin Dec. 7.

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