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The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control today approved the association’s Return to Play best practices recommended guidelines and reaffirmed plans to start fall sports on time, according to a release.

The action was taken today at the board’s annual summer meeting in Montgomery.

According to a release, fall sports teams have the option to begin fall workouts next Mon., July 27, with the first week used by football for acclimation purposes only with helmets and shorts only.

Other fall sports, including volleyball, cross country and swimming and diving, can use the first week for acclimation and tryouts. Schools not choosing to start July 27 can start fall practice on Aug. 3.

The first football contest is Aug. 20.

“The purpose of the Return to Play document is to offer AHSAA member schools best practices in order to commence the 2020-21 school year athletic seasons as scheduled and as safely as possible,” said AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese.

     The AHSAA has planned a virtual press conference set for tomorrow, Thurs., July 23, at 1 p.m. to discuss details of the Return to Play ‘Best Practices’ document.