Board of Directors News Release, Oct. 7, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. --- Following a 2020-2021 school year that was marked with adjusted state tournament formats and non-traditional venues, the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors learned during their bimonthly meeting today that planning continues for a return to traditional formats and familiar venues.

In preparation of upcoming state tournaments for the fall, League Staff provided updates that included a look at what is projected during winter state tournaments as well.

“I am thrilled to see the work done by League Staff in preparing for the full return to our fall state tournaments,” said Troy Stein, the Activities Director at Edina High School and vice president of the League’s Board of Directors. “In addition, we are excited to see the added classes in soccer, volleyball and cross country, and our ability to keep them at their distinguished venues.”

Here is a projected look at the fall lineup of state tournament events:

·       Girls Tennis --- A two-class, four-day bracketed event is scheduled for Oct. 26-29. Class AA will be played at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of Minnesota campus and Class A will be at the Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center in south Minneapolis.

·       Boys and Girls Soccer --- A third classification had previously been added for the event that will take place over two weeks. The quarterfinals will be held at six different sites on Oct. 26-28. The semifinals will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 3-4 and six championship games will be played on Nov. 6. Third-place games will be played Nov. 4-5 at the West St. Paul Regional Athletics Center.

·       Boys and Girls Cross Country --- A third classification had been previously approved to this activity as well. Here is the tentative schedule for Saturday, Nov. 6 at St. Olaf College in Northfield: Class AAA boys, 9:30 a.m.; Class AAA girls, 10:30 a.m.; Awards, 11:15 a.m.; Class A boys, noon; Class A girls, 1 p.m.; Awards, 1:45 p.m.; Class AA boys, 2:30 p.m.; Class AA girls, 3:30 p.m.; Awards, 4:15 p.m.

·       Volleyball --- The addition of a fourth classification had been approved for the tournament that will be held Nov. 10-13 at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul. This event has been extended to four days and feature all championship and third place contests on Saturday, November 13.[EM3] 

·       Girls Swimming and Diving --- The traditional two-class meet will be held Nov. 18-20 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the University of Minnesota campus.

·       Adapted Soccer --- The two-classification tournament is scheduled for Nov. 19-20 at Stillwater High School.

·       Football --- This remains a seven-classification event. The quarterfinals will be played at various Minnesota sites from Nov. 11-13. The 14-game semifinal round is scheduled for Nov. 18-20 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The two-day Prep Bowl Championships are scheduled for Nov. 26-27 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

A preview of the winter state tournament season was also discussed, including specifics in programs with changes in store. That includes the addition of a Sprint Relay event to Nordic Skiing and a Girls Division at the wrestling state tournament. An update was also provided for potential changes for the Boys Basketball tournament due to a scheduling conflict at Target Center.

In Action Items, the Board of Directors reviewed and approved the six areas defined as Strategic Directions. Those approved directions guide the work of the League and are:   

1.     The MSHSL and League Staff will effectively manage the return to full participation through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2.     The MSHSL will further define, strengthen and promote the vision, values and purpose of education-based activities and athletics.

3.     Together, the MSHSL Board of Directors and League Staff will further develop and deploy effective policy governance models and practices.

4.     The MSHSL will implement the approved sustainable financial model, developed to meet the needs of our students and schools and create a foundation for the growth desired by schools and communities.

5.     The MSHSL will further develop the technology and communications systems and structures that address the needs of our students, schools and communities.

6.     The MSHSL will work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop strategies and action that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the MSHSL.

The Board of Directors also approved two COVID-19 guidance documents. One includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirement of masking on buses and a requirement that individuals that test positive for COVID-19 are not permitted to participate in interscholastic in-person competition until three specific criteria have been met. The other includes guidance related to situations where member schools or individuals are precluded from practice and competition because of COVID-19 health and safety concerns for students or coaches, resulting in competitions being impacted.

“The COVID-19 guidance is in alignment with the CDC, MDH and the majority of our member schools,” said Board President Tom Jerome, the superintendent of the Roseau School District. “It is focused on providing safe and healthy opportunities and experiences for all students and adults who participate in our activities. The League is grateful that our member schools, students and communities are able to experience full participation this fall, and we are looking forward to the upcoming tournaments and upcoming seasons.”

In other discussion:

·       The Board of Directors received updates from League Staff about the option of adopting a shot clock for Boys and Girls Basketball. The National Federation of High Schools’ rules committee has approved shot clocks for use in states that choose to do so. League Staff has communicated with member schools on the shot clock option via Area Meetings this fall. League Staff shared information with the Board of Directors on next data-gathering steps with member schools. This option is expected to be an Action Item at the December meeting of the Board of Directors.

·       The deadline to submit proposed amendments for consideration by the Representative Assembly is Oct. 15. An amendment proposal to sanction Unified Basketball as an activity has been submitted and proponents of boys volleyball have indicated that an amendment to sanction Boys Volleyball will be submitted as well.

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