It’s no secret that our schools in Osceola County have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s not in the rear view mirror yet. The district’s spring sports season basically ended as soon as it started, and the pandemic’s effect is still impacting sports and numerous other extracurricular activities like band and so much more.
So perhaps the release of the Fall sports schedule by the school district will bring some normalcy to students, parents and to the community. Please keep in mind that this schedule should be look at as fluid, as the pandemic continues to impact decision making on a daily basis.
Football
First practice – Week of September 7
First contest – Week of September 21
Last contest – Week of November 16
Bonus week – Week of November 23 (Regional Semifinals) and Week of November 30 (Regional Championship)
Cross Country
First practice – Week of August 10
First contest – Week of August 24
Last contest – Week of October 16
State Series starting October 19
Golf
First practice – Week of August 10
First contest – Week of August 24
Last contest – Week of October 5
State Series starting October 12
Swimming
First practice – Week of August 10
First contest – Week of August 24
Last contest – Week of October 12
State Series starting October 19
Volleyball
First practice – Week of September 7
First contest – Week of September 21
Last contest – Week of November 2
Bonus week – Week of November 9
Bowling
First practice – Week of August 10
First contest – Week of August 24
Last contest – Week of October 12
State series – TBA
Bonus weeks for football and volleyball will serve as an opportunity to provide regional post-season events, such as Regional championship caliber tournaments, matches, events, and bowl games as conditions allow. There will be no preseason contests. High schools in Osceola County will participate in the Central Florida Coalition in cooperation with other school districts, and they will not participate in the FHSAA State Series for football and volleyball.
“The delay in our athletic schedules for fall sports will allow schools to safely open, and still allow our student-athletes and coaches to complete their seasons with safety precautions in place as conditions allow,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace.
At the July 20, 2020, Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Board of Directors meeting, the FHSAA Board Members voted to allow the start of athletics on the originally scheduled date of July 27, 2020. In the recent FHSAA Board meeting, autonomy to adjust seasons outside of the normal FHSAA calendar was granted to schools and school districts. By doing so, the FHSAA provided flexibility in scheduling options based on information received from the local health departments. Any alternative schedule would be for the benefit and safety of the student-athletes.
