Tackett says KHSAA looking at having fall sports

Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Julian Tackett says the KHSAA is "walking a tightrope" in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but he told the Interim Joint Committee
on Education this morning, "we are looking at having fall sports; without doubt, we are still planning for fall sports."

Tackett said what that looks like could change just like the data related to the virus changes.

"We are more optimistic now than perhaps a few weeks ago when we see what the states of Illinois and Indiana, some of our other neighbors have been able to do," Tackett said. "We get a little pessimism when we see what's going on in Tennessee. So we're trying to balance a lot of different issues here."

State Senator Max Wise asked Tackett what football and basketball look like in the coming school year.
Tackett said according to the sports medicine folks, basketball is more dangerous than football.

"They're talking about vulnerability to the disease because it's played inside," Tackett said. "The ventilation, how long we practice, how we play. There's going to have to be some areas addressed there. Football is changing everyday in terms of opportunities for equipment."

Tackett said the two major manufacturers of football helmets have issued equipment that can go inside the helmets.

"A very inexpensive piece that can keep some of the things that are coming out of the mouth and nose inside the helmet," Tackett said. "The challenge right now is that the data is changing so quickly."

The Commissioner was asked if there had been any consideration to moving some contact sports such as football and soccer to spring and some non-contact sports like baseball and tennis to the fall.

"In all candor, there's nothing that hasn't been discussed," Tackett said. 

He added this Friday's Board of Control meeting will be the first chance for the KHSAA to formally look at flipping some seasons.

"Everything has to be on the table, and everything is on the table," Tackett said. "Right now we have an open opportunity for everyone to kinda get involved, get back out of the house, get in shape as students and be checked for their physical and mental fitness. It doesn't have to be today that we define what's being played because, frankly, the virus keeps changing all around the country."