Entering Dead Calm

By ERIC X. VICCARO

EVICCARO@STEGENHERALD.COM

You won’t be hearing pads crackle on football fields across the state of Missouri this week.

Volleyballs won’t be thundering down onto hardwood courts. Cross country runners will have to train independently this week. Girls’ golfers must wait until next Monday to tee off.

That’s because we have entered the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s ‘dead period,’ which will run through this Sunday, Aug. 8.

The ‘dead period’ is intended to provide a break from athletics before the season cranks up.

“The MSHSAA-mandated dead period is a great opportunity for student-athletes who are busy throughout the summer with camps, open gyms and weight room or conditioning to get away,” said Ste. Genevieve R-II School District athletic director Dr. Jeff Nix.

This week typically in Missouri is a time of vacations, and athletes spend time with family and friends.

Hey, recharging the batteries is a good thing, isn’t it?

Nix reported the ‘dead’ period applies to both sports and activities — including marching band and other music-related practices — and must be nine consecutive days starting on a Saturday and ending on the following Sunday.

During this week, the word ‘no’ is fashionable.

Athletes may not participate in any camps, practices, weight room or conditioning regimens — or even fundraising.

“They also may not use the school’s equipment or facilities,” Nix added.