At the time of the publication of this document, the start date for fall athletics is September 21. All teams (except golf and sailing) will be required to hold a minimum of six (6) practices prior to their first competition and thus contests may begin no earlier than September 27. The intention of moving the start date from August 24 to September 21 is to allow sports to begin with no rule restrictions, however there may be restrictions regarding spectators. League schedules will take priority and the team schedules will be revised in early August to reflect the later start times. All of this, however, is subject to change. Currently, sports have been classified by the state into three categories of risk: high, medium and low. It is possible that the low-risk sports may be permitted to start on September 21 while the higher-risk sports may not. All of this is still very fluid.

If certain sports are not permitted to compete, Nichols will develop safe ways, which follow the guidelines at the time, to allow student-athletes involved in the higher-risk activities to participate. For example, if the soccer team is not allowed to play games, we would consider breaking the teams into two 10-person pods and have these groups meet as a daily physical education class, with one coach instructing each group, to work on skills and fitness. All school equipment that is used in during a PE class will be cleaned thoroughly following the completion of the class.

Locker rooms will not be assigned to teams. Student-athletes will be expected to arrive at school in their practice clothes (covered with sweats if the weather is cool). Footwear, shin guards, eye protection, etc. can be kept in their gym bag or car. A place will be found to store field hockey sticks during the day.