WIAA: Spring sports set for Season 2, winter sports for Season 3

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced Tuesday night that traditional spring sports will leapfrog winter sports as high school athletics return to play in the coming months.

The WIAA Executive Board voted Tuesday night to have traditional spring sports take place in Season 2. Practices can begin March 15 with games ending May 1.

Traditional spring sports include baseball, softball, boys soccer and track and field.

Traditional winter sports (basketball, wrestling, bowling, gymnastics and boys swimming) are now scheduled for Season 3. Practices can begin on April 26 with contests played through June 12.

The move gives the state more time to lower the rates of COVID-19 before trying to start basketball and wrestling, which are deemed “high-risk” sports.

“Based on the risk levels assigned to traditional winter activities compared to traditional spring activities, the Executive Board made the decision that those spring activities will have the opportunity to play much earlier than winter activities,” said WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman. “The Board will continue to monitor the status of activities over the coming months to ensure that those traditional spring sports receive a chance to participate.”