Swimming and Diving season moved up to Season 1, can start Feb. 1

In a letter addressed to member schools on Wednesday, Jan. 13, the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section announced changes to the season schedule for high school sports within the county.

The most significant news included that swimming and diving, previously slated to begin in March as part of Season 2 of the truncated high school sports season for 2020-21, has been moved up to Season 1 and can begin their season with cross country on Feb. 1.

"In order to provide additional athletic opportunities for our student athletes, the San Diego Section has made the difficult decision to move the sport of Swim & Dive into our Season 1 schedule," the letter stated. "This move was made based upon its Purple Tier Assignment that was provided with the updated Youth Sports Guidance released back on December 14, 2020. With Swim & Dive being assigned to the Purple Tier, and both Boys' & Girls' Water Polo being assigned to the Orange Tier, this move enables additional athletic opportunities for the student athletes of our section throughout the period in which our counties (Riverside, San Diego, Imperial) remain in the Purple, most restrictive tier."

Basically, swimmers and divers that typically participate in water polo will have the opportunity when and if San Diego County returns to the Orange Tier of the state mandated guidelines for reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Season 2 sports that can begin competition while in the purple tier were given start dates as well: girls golf on Feb. 8, boys golf on Feb. 15, boys and girls tennis on Feb. 15, and track and field on Feb. 15.

Sports in the red tier, which includes baseball, softball, and girls lacrosse can start on March 13, providing the "Stay at Home" orders are lifted across the Southern California region.

Sports in the orange tier can start practicing on Feb. 22 once San Diego County reaches the red tier. Those sports include boys and girls soccer, boys and girls water polo, boys lacrosse, and boys volleyball.

Once the county reaches the orange tier, sports in the yellow tier like boys and girls basketball, competitive cheer, and boys and girls wrestling can begin practicing.

"As an example, field hockey would be able begin their season once the Southern California region is off the 'Stay at Home' order yet continues in the Purple Tier," according to the communication from CIFSDS. "All of our sports in the Orange Tier, would be able to officially begin their season once the county of each member school's residence reaches the Red Tier."

The letter, signed by CIFSDS Commissioner Joe Heinz, reminded that no competitions can begin until the "Stay at Home" order is lifted for the entirety of the Southern California Region and though CIFSDS has set timelines, schools and districts can elect to start seasons at a later date.

Student athletes can participate in only one cohort (team) during the same time or season, and all teams should follow the out of season guidance from CIFSDS Bylaw 600.2 until they can officially start their season.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].