(EAST LANSING) – The Michigan High School Athletic Association has made an announcement regarding fall sports.

The MHSAA's Representative Council announced Thursday they have approved the start of competition in girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls swimming and diving for schools in Regions 6 and 8. That's the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Schools in those regions can begin competition in the three sports on August 21, which is the date they were originally scheduled to begin.

This decision is in alignment with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Executive Order.

Schools in Regions 1 through 5 and Region 7, may continue outdoor practice, pending further executive orders allowing for the opening of indoor facilities and physical distancing while competing in those areas. Most of Southwest Michigan is in Region 3.

MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl says the Representative Council was prepared Thursday to approve competition in volleyball, soccer along with swimming and diving for all schools in all regions, but was unable to do so because of questions remaining on which activities are still not allowed.

The Council also approved out-of-season coaching adjustments allowing football and spring sports coaches more contact with their athletes in advance of the 2021 season.

A calendar for the inclusion of football into Spring 2021 will be released later this fall, upon Council approval at a later meeting.