Athletics Department

We have received quite a few questions regarding the upcoming fall season. The MIAA regulates High School Athletics in Massachusetts. We have included some of their answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will provide further updates as they are determined and become available. We hope to have some additional information next week. In the meantime we hope that everyone stays healthy, positive and that all of our student athletes are able to get back to what they love to do and we love to watch as soon as possible. Thank you. Go Raiders!

Please see the message below from the MIAA on May 18th:

Given the unprecedented events during spring 2020 due to COVID-19, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) would like to provide the following FAQs to assist member schools with up to date information related to MIAA’s response, rules and MIAA regulations.

COVID-19 Response

Q1: What is MIAA doing to respond to membership concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A1: The MIAA is convening a COVID-19 Task Force to examine potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the Fall 2020 season and the 2020-2021 school year.

Q2: How will COVID-19 Task Force members be selected?
A2: MIAA President Jeff Granatino will be appointing individuals to serve on the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force.

Q3: When will the COVID-19 Task Force meet and provide guidance?
A3: It is anticipated the COVID-19 Task Force will meet virtually for the first time in late May and throughout the summer to analyze available information from the Massachusetts Department of Health, Governor’s Office and local health departments.

Q4: What are some of the topics the COVID-19 Task Force will review?
A4: The COVID-19 Task Force will review all aspects of the fall 2020 season and the 2020-2021 school year related to the COVID-19 crisis, such as practice requirements, fan attendance, re-socialization efforts, protocol, procedures, transportation, etc.

Q5: Will the COVID-19 Task Force make MIAA rule changes?
A5: The COVID-19 Task Force will not have the authority to make rule changes, it can make rule change recommendations to the MIAA Board of Directors.

Q6: Where should MIAA member schools go for up to date information?
A6: The best source for up to date information is always the MIAA website at www.miaa.net and MIAA social media platforms.

Eligibility Standards & MIAA

Q1: Will students have the ability to extend their athletic eligibility as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?
A1: The MIAA Board of Directors acted on rule changes at their May 13, 2020 Board meeting relative to fall eligibility. The Student Eligibility Rule Recommendations for the Fall of 2020 document may be found HERE. Recommendations for MIAA Rules 49, 58 and 62 were APPROVED; MIAA Rules 56 and 59 required no action.

Q2: My school district is concerned students will have difficulty getting pre- participation physical exams (PPE) in preparation of the Fall 2020 season. Is this being addressed?
A2: The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) has released a position statement on pre-participation physical exams recommending a one-year extension on all physical exams. The MIAA Sports Medicine Committee will review and be in dialogue with the Mass Department of Health for consideration.

Spring 2020 Activity

Q1: Are spring coaches allowed to continue sport-specific contact with their respective teams?
A1: The Board ruled on the out-of-season SPRING coaching on April 13, 2020. This ruling will be enabling and will remain in effect until June 27th and must have approval of local administration.

Summer 2020 Activity

Q1: Will students be able to participate in non-school athletic activities during the summer?
A1: Summer activity is not regulated by the MIAA. At this time Governor Baker has established phases that businesses and organizations should rely upon when evaluating reopening.

Q2: Can my school allow open gym or weightlifting during the summer?
A2: This is an individual school district decision based upon Massachusetts state directives and Governor Baker’s phase in plans.

Fall 2020 Season

Q1: Is MIAA planning to make any changes to the fall 2020 start date as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?
A1: At this time, MIAA is not planning to make any changes to the start date of the Fall 2020 season. The scheduled start date for Fall 2020 practice is Monday, August 24, 2020, except for football which may start practice on Friday, August 21, 2020.

Q2: Will the MIAA Fall 2020 championship calendar or venue locations be impacted by the COVID- 19 crisis?
A2: At this time all MIAA championship venues are available to host on the selected dates.

Q3: Will any changes be recommended or mandated for student participation or fan attendance for the Fall 2020 season?
A3: MIAA is convening a COVID-19 Task Force to examine potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the Fall 2020 season and the 2020-2021 school year. The committee will meet virtually for the first time in late May.