WILSONVILLE — The Oregon School Activities Association announced an update to its winter sports schedule on Thursday, Jan. 20, modifying championship formats in the midst of the recent spike in COVID-19

The changes, which were discussed at an OSAA Executive Board meeting on Jan. 18, involve modifications to swimming and wrestling schedules, as well as potential updates to state basketball tournaments if affected by COVID-19. OSAA’s press release noted the changes are subject to change as the pandemic continues to impact the landscape of high school sports in Oregon.

“The OSAA Executive Board remains committed to providing state championships in every activity offered by the Association and will continue to work closely with schools and venues throughout the year,” the statement read.

The 2022 swimming state championships are set to be moved to a timed final format. Competition among 1A/2A/3A/4A teams will take place on the afternoon of Feb. 19, while the 5A state championship will occur on Feb. 18. The 6A state championship was moved to the morning of Feb. 19.

OSAA reported the number of alternates allowed to attend per relay team was reduced from four to two athletes. The modification, along with schedule changes, will allow OSAA to access the Tualatin Hills Swim Center without reducing the number of qualifiers from across the state.

The 6A state wrestling championship date was moved, while time requirements for dance/drill performances were adjusted.

OSAA stated it plans to move forward with the eight-team format for the final sites of basketball state championships, but is prepared to move to home sites if necessary. The same adjustment was made during the volleyball playoffs in the fall.

The organization emphasized its playoff forfeiture policy — once the state brackets are published, COVID-19 related cancellations will be scored as a forfeit. It also went on to state that canceled league games should be rescheduled by Feb. 11.