High school athletes in the state of Massachusetts will continue to follow the masking guidance that they received in the fall now that the winter season has arrived.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) told schools in a memo on Tuesday that the masking guidelines for the upcoming winter season will be the same as the fall.
“Student-athletes, coaches, and officials that are indoors shall be masked,” the memo said.
With some schools utilizing facilities outside of their campus, the MIAA is reminding schools to follow the guidelines regardless of location.
“While masking guidelines may vary at off campus facilities and venues please treat practices and competitions as school events and adhere to the above guideline,” said the statement. “Further, be respectful to the policies and expectations set forth in school districts and local communities and continue the practice of communicating with member schools that may or may not have reached the 80 percent vaccination threshold.”
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has set January 15, 2022, as the date to assess masking guidelines.
“Through our work with State officials, and monitoring vaccination rates and COVID rates, we will take into consideration MIAA committee votes and push for a transition to unmasking during athletic competition within the winter season,” said the MIAA.
The winter season sports are allowed to begin practicing Monday, with games allowed to start 10 days after that.
