The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) is considering a proposal from superintendents in Southwestern Wisconsin to move this year's fall sports season to the spring of 2021.

We, the signers of this petition, object to this proposal for the following reasons:

1. After much research and carefully weighing the risks, college football in Wisconsin will begin as scheduled this year.  It would be arbitrary to make a more restrictive decision for high school players since the risks presented by COVID-19 are the same for both age brackets. 

2. Recruiting would be hindered, and many students rely on scholarships to continue with a college education.  In addition, many seniors have spent years training and competing for this final showcase year to earn their place on a college roster.  This decision would be most detrimental to their futures.

3. Students can be tested regularly and commit to social distancing during the season if they wish to participate 

4. Due to easily accessible technology, games can be live streamed and easily accessed by both parents and recruiters therefore, parents who choose not to attend can still watch the games.

5. Spring weather is not conducive to football with the rainy season making wet fields  more likely to result in injuries to players. 

6. Pushing the 2020 fall football season to the spring of 2021 would result in the season going into July.  This would impact the 2021 fall season which is scheduled to begin August 1, 2021.  Players would not receive the much needed off season to recuperate and train which may result in a higher probability of injuries and athletic fatigue resulting in reduced performance (again impacting recruitment status).