BISMARCK -- North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, in a joint statement with House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, announced Wednesday a timeline to conduct practices to set up a return to play for high school athletics following a coronavirus-related pause.
Winter sports practices will be allowed to resume Nov. 30 with extra precautions, Burgum announced, while competitions will remain suspended until Dec. 14.
On Friday, Burgum issued an executive order to halt winter sports from starting up until Dec. 14. The amended order allows practices to resume for high school winter sports, community and club sports for youth and adults starting Nov. 30.
According to a release from Burgum, the changes comes after "daily consultation and collaboration between the governor and legislative leaders, constructive input from the North Dakota High School Activities Association and athletic associations, and feedback from numerous legislators, parents, school administrators, students, coaches, mental health professionals and others concerned about the impacts of suspended activities on students' well-being."
