The National Federation of State High School Associations held a media availability with Executive Director Dr. Karissa Niehoff Monday, and a reporter asked how realistic it is to play high school sports without testing athletes and staff.

Niehoff said to expect a phase-in approach to activities in some states.

To reiterate, Niehoff spoke for the national trend. MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn is the NFHS president, and Urhahn says Missouri’s schedule remains unchanged. The executive director Dr. Niehoff said to anticipate positive tests.

Niehoff detailed why the NFHS considers the risk worthwhile.

Niehoff cited a Wisconsin study of about 3,000 student-athletes that concluded the absence of school and co-curricular programs was the likely cause of more than three times the average depression cases.