Arizona approves fall sports calendar; high school football season scheduled to start in September

Arizona plans to play high school football this fall.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) Executive Board approved a fall sports calendar on Wednesday that allows all fall sports with the exception of football to begin in late August. Football practices can start Sept. 7 with the first games scheduled for Sept. 30.

High school football teams in Arizona will play an eight-game regular season with the highest levels -- 4A, 5A, 6A and Open -- holding a three-week playoff. The state championships are scheduled for Dec. 11 and 12.

Winter and spring sports in Arizona remain in their regular windows.

Like in every state, "the resumption of all athletics and activities in Arizona are subject to change based upon changes to national, state or local guidelines, or government directives," per the AIA's website.

Arizona fall sports schedule

Golf
First practice – Aug. 17
First competition – Aug. 24
Championships – Oct. 26-29 (Div. I), Nov. 2-5 (Div. II)

Cross Country
First Practice – Aug. 24
First Competition – Sept. 9
Championships – Nov. 12-13

Swimming & Diving
First Practice – Aug. 24
First Competition – Sept. 14
Championships – Nov. 5-7

Badminton
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 14
Championships – Nov. 7 (Individuals), Nov. 9-12 (Teams)

Fall Soccer
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 16
Championships – Nov. 4-7

Volleyball
First Practice – Aug. 31
First Competition – Sept. 21
Championships – Nov. 12-21

Football
First Practice – Sept. 7
First Competition – Sept. 30-Oct. 3
Championships – Dec. 11/12 (4A-6A & Open)

The 1A-3A conferences are currently discussing possibilities for length of their regular seasons and when to hold state championships.