Damien vs. Radford Varsity Football Game Postponed
Organized outdoor sports are not allowed for now as part of Oahu's new reopening plan. (Hawaii News Now/file)
By HNN Staff
Published: Aug. 4, 2021 at 8:15 AM HST
“All Hawaii public high schools to require student-athletes, coaches to get vaccinated for fall sports”
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - All Hawaii public high schools will now require student-athletes and coaches to get vaccinated in order to participate in the upcoming fall sports season, the state Department of Education announced Wednesday.
As a result, the state is delaying the start of the season to late September.
The DOE said all student-athletes, athletics staff and volunteers will need to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 24 in order to participate.
“We opened the new school year this week with in-person learning and our highest priority is to ensure all students can continue to attend school safely,” interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, in a statement.
“This decision was not made lightly because we know the important role athletics play in a well-rounded education, but we cannot jeopardize the health and safety of our students and communities.”
The announcement comes after a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the state and the cancellation of two Oahu Interscholastic Association non-league football games — the 2021 prep football season was slated to start this Friday.
The vaccine requirements are the most sweeping yet impacting Hawaii students and come as employers and local government also consider mandates of their own.
Hayashi said the alternative to a vaccine requirement is canceling the season outright.
“We are implementing this layered plan that prioritizes vaccinations as the best way to protect against and reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19,” he said.
Teams will also not be allowed to practice until the start of the season.
The HHSAA has called an emergency board meeting for Friday, where a calendar for a shortened season that includes state tournaments will be discussed, executive director Chris Chun told Hawaii News Now.
It’s yet another blow to prep sports in the islands as the sports impacted by the move haven’t competed since the 2019 season.
Schools will be sending home a letter to parents with further details.
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