ASD officials stated in a press release, “The District will determine whether sports and activities can begin after August 20 based on the community health situation and District risk levels. “While we (ASD) recognize the physical and mental benefits of participation in prep sports and activities, we have a public responsibility to weigh these benefits against the need to protect students and coaches from the increasing risk of exposure in our community.”
The Anchorage School District risk determination is based on the Risk Determination Matrix, which is based on a formula of 10 positive cases per 100,000 population. Under these guidelines, the Municipality of Anchorage must maintain a 14-day, daily average of 28 or fewer cases to register below the “high risk” level.
Anchorage Municipality Risk Levels: Daily Average per 14-Day Period
Daily Average Totals
Anchorage High Level= 29 and above Medium Level= 28 to 15 Low Level=14 and under
Fall sports athletes around the Kenai Peninsula could begin practices on Wednesday, July 29th in accordance with the Alaska School Activities Association 2020-21 Calendar of Events. The official first day of practice for football, flag football, co-ed soccer, cross country running and tennis and football cheer is July 29th. Volleyball and Swimming & Diving are scheduled to begin on August 5th.
The Anchorage School District decision to halt activities until August 20th will have a major trickle-down effect state-wide. For example, Soldotna High School football was scheduled to play two Anchorage teams in the first three weeks of the regular season–those games will not happen. Complete overhauls of the fall schedules will be necessary.
