BROOKLYN CENTER - The Minnesota State High School League published winter sports guidance Wednesday as all sports get ready to start practices on Monday.

The league guidelines, like those issued by the Minnesota Department of Health issued Monday, mandate face coverings be worn throughout practices and games in basketball and hockey.

Flexibility exists for other winter sports. Several other states mandate wearing a face covering during competition, including Maine, Michigan and North Carolina.

Face coverings at contests are limited to black, white, beige or school colors and may include the school's name and or/mascot.

Practice pods being capped at 25 athletes and spectators not allowed at practice. Guidance on whether spectators will be allowed wasn't announced. Contests can start as early as Jan. 14.

Teams will have about 30% fewer regular-season contests.

Invitationals and tournaments are not permitted for the regular season in wrestling and gymnastics. Those sports will be limited duals and triangulars.

As far as postseason play, the MSHSL has discussed reducing two-week section playoffs to as little as one week.

It's also considering a draft "State Tournament Road Map" to identify options for hosting winter state tournaments considering the current restrictions on large gatherings.