NCHSAA pushes back start of playoffs for most sports for Helene impacts; allows up to 8 volleyball matches in a week

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Several high school fall sports had their schedules pushed back, leading to some condensed playoffs following the slew of cancellations brought from Hurricane Helene in recent weeks.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors approved the changes Wednesday, including the postseason calendar.

“Changes to the fall calendar are difficult as well as complex but necessary,” said NCHSAA President Dr. Stephen Gainey and NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker in a joint statement. “Keeping our student-athletes safe as we try to minimize risk of injury was central to any decisions made. We commend the work of the NCHSAA staff in its research, the Board of Directors in making time to consider these changes, and the willingness of our host partners to accommodate any changes and make their venues available.”

Football

The window for regular season games was extended one week, pushing the first round of playoffs to Nov. 15. This means the state championship games will be played the weekend of Dec. 21. Also, a minimum of three calendar days must occur between contests.

Boys soccer

The playoffs were pushed back to begin on Nov. 9, but the championship games remain. This means there are fewer days between contests; most rounds will be only two days apart. After modifying the weekly game limit, now teams can play up to four games in a week to make up regular season games.

Volleyball

Teams can now play up to eight matches in a week in an effort to make up any cancellations. The playoffs will begin later, on Oct. 22, and play a condensed schedule until the state championships on their original date of Nov. 2.

Girls Tennis

While the individual playoffs will remain unchanged, the dual-team bracket was moved. The first round will be played Oct. 21, with the state championships now slated for Nov. 9.

Cross Country

Only the reporting deadline was moved three days to Oct. 22.

Also part of the NCHSAA Board’s decision, Sunday practices and competitions are still prohibited for all sports.

Similar condensed playoff schedules were played during the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 season, as well as in 2018 and 2016 when hurricanes caused major damage to eastern North Carolina.

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