OSSAA: Expect changes for playoffs
Basketball and wrestling will have mask mandates, spectator limits
Imagine heading to State Fair Arena to watch a state championship basketball game and seeing only a couple hundred spectators in the stands. It could happen. During a high school basketball and wrestling season severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, safety protocols could strictly limit the number of fans allowed in postseason games.
Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association executive director David Jackson met with media members via Zoom teleconference Wednesday afternoon to discuss some of the changes, which includes fan limitations and scheduling.
Because of Gov. Kevin Stitt's executive order, fans at indoor events are limited to four spectators per player. That applies to the state basketball playoffs and wrestling championships.
Instead of entire towns making the trek to State Fair Arena, there's a chance only four family members could be there to watch teams try and capture a gold ball. Jackson said the OSSAA is in communication with the governor's office to see whether that rule can be changed for bigger venues like State Fair Arena or Mabee Center.
In addition to fan limitations, the action on the court could be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar to football, if a team is unable to play in a playoff contest because of COVID-19, its opponent would automatically advance to the next round.
In addition to changes at the state tournament level, which
Jackson said will have more details be r el eased next week, the playoffs in district, regional and area rounds will have requirements, too. Masks will be required and social distancing protocols observed, facilities will be cleaned between games and sessions unless the same schools are participating and seating will need to follow state guidelines, which includes the four spectators per participant or a maximum of 50% capacity.
All of those will be minimum mandates, and individual districts may have strict er rules. The OSSAA came up with these in cooperation with the State Department of Health and the governor's office.
Additionally, the OSSAA has changed all game times. During a two-session event, games will begin at 1 p.m. and 3 in the first session and 6 p.m. and 8 in the second.
Ticket prices will be $ 7 for the district, regional and area rounds and be $10 for the state tournament.
Each school is limited to 10 spirit squad members.
Jackson said the state basketball tournaments will be different. He said games may all be played at one site and could start as early as Tuesday, but the OSSAA is ironing out some details and hopes to have that schedule completed as soon as next week.
For wrestling, state tournament dates have been shifted around to try and alleviate some traffic on the floor and in the stands. The girls state tournament will be Thursday, Feb. 26, Classes 5A and 4A boys on Friday, Feb. 27, and Classes 6A and 3A boys on Saturday, Feb. 28. All of these contests will be at State Fair Arena, and spectators will have to purchase tickets online.
For dual state, which is at Enid's Strike Bank Event Center, tickets will only be sold at the door. Classes 5A and 4A dual state is Friday, March 12, and Classes 6A and 3A is Saturday, March 13.
Reporter Cameron Jourdan covers high school sports across the Oklahoma City metro and state. Have a story idea for Cameron? He can be reached at cjourdan@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @Cam_Jourdan. Support Cameron's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at oklahoman.com/subscribe or by using the link at the top of this page.