Contingency plan set for TSSAA football, still no firm start date

Contingency plan set for TSSAA football, still no firm start date

Finally deciding on a contingency plan for the 2020 high school football season today.

The board of control voting in favor of a hybrid option that does not include a firm start date.

However, it does allow for football to start earlier than the originally delayed september 18th date.

The biggest positive of this plan is that schools will not have to rush to fill open dates on a new schedule.

Teams can keep their opponents, with game dates moving around if necessary.

Now teams will just have to wait on governor bill lee to lift restrictions on contact practices -- that will then determine the season's start date.

Out of the 21 tennessee valley coaches i asked, 14 -- an overwhelming majority -- are in favor of the decision.

Grant reynolds: "it makes sense, and i really, really think the tssaa is giving us the best chance to play a full season by adopting this hybrid plan.

I think it's well thought out and put together."

Ralph potter: "i think anything we can do to be able to play i'm all for.

I think it's a good plan."

Drew akins: "through twitter and looking through some of the conversations in the immediate reaction that there's a lot of frustration because we don't have a firm start date, and coaches are so ocd on scheduling.

And i'm that way ... we just got to, this year, we just got to be comfortable being uncomfortable."

Tssaa also unanimously passed a dozen regulations that go in effect immediately for all fall sports.

Most notably, this includes a severly decreased capacity in football stadiums. individual capacities will be determined by schools and health departments to ensure social distancing.

Masks will also be required of all non-players in the facility.

Concessions can still be sold, but are discouraged by the board.

And scrimmages, 7 on 7s and the jamboree will not be allowed.

I'll have a full list on our website, wdef-dot-com.

All nfl fans will also be required to wear