The North Carolina High School Athletic Association will delay the start of the fall sports season until at least Sept. 1.

The first five days of the 2020-21 student school year will be a dead period for all sports. Phase One of the NCHSAA’s summer conditioning and workouts will continue until further notice.

“For now, we believe these steps provide hope for our student athletes and the possibility for playing fall sports,’’ said NCHSAA commissioner Que Tucker. “We know that many decisions are being made relative to the reopening plan your schools will follow.’’

Tucker said the NCHSAA will conduct a survey of its members to determine what is possible as far as sports this fall is concerned, adding the current delay is not in cement and could be changed.

Tucker said the NCHSAA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee believes sports can and should be offered, at least in a modified format.

“In the coming weeks, we will continue working with the SMAC as we plan our next steps for the fall,’’ Tucker said.