The MIAA Board of Directors (BOD) held a conference call meeting on March 30th consisting of over 30 participants representing the BOD, the Tournament Management Committee (TMC), MIAA staff and members of the press. Discussions were focused on the recommendations brought to the BOD from the TMC March 19, 2020 meeting regarding the 2020 spring sports season. Thank you to all who participated.
The MIAA Handbook may be found on the MIAA page at miaa.net
Motion:
Begin spring season no earlier than May 4, 2020 and have completion of regular season and tournament games by June 27, 2020 with consideration of June 28, 2020 for weather and facility needs. (Thom H./Lindsey v.)APPROVED 19-0
Student Eligibility/School Requirements
Physical Examinations Rule 56.1
Motion: To waive the 13-month rule for physicals (Rule 56.1) providing that the student-athlete physical was up-to-date on March 13, 2020 or that a virtual physical or physicians note giving permission to the student-athlete to participate is received between March 14 -May 4, 2020. (Thom H./Brian M.) APPROVED 19-0
Academic Eligibility Rule 58.1
Motion: The MIAA will waive Rule 58.1 on Academic Eligibility, and allow for each principal to individually determine their own local academic eligibility standard for the 2020 Spring Season. (Lindsey v./Thom H.) APPROVED 19-0
Special Olympics MA-MIAA Unifies sports teams
With regards to our school partnerships, the school superintendents and the school districts will take the lead. Our schools programs are part of the inclusive school community. If and when school districts make the decision to open and resume interscholastic sports and other school initiatives, our schools programs will follow suit.
These measures will no doubt cause incredible disappointment for our athletes, coaches, and volunteers, however, in light of the current circumstances, we must continue to make everyone’s health and safety our number one priority.
Social Distancing
As has been recommended by Newton Health and Human Services, and reiterated in Governor Baker’s remarks, social distancing is critical to slowing the spread of the virus in Massachusetts. We are encouraging “social distancing” (staying out of large groups and maintaining 6 feet of separation at smaller gatherings) to lower the risk of transmission of illness to others. We urge families to restrict their childrens' play dates and in-person social interactions and to consider other ways that they can have appropriate and healthy connections with their peers.
