Spring Sports Plan Released For Connecticut High Schools

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut high school sports are intending to complete a full spring season, including state tournaments, according to a plan officially released Thursday morning by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC).

Exactly one year ago, on March 11, 2020, the CIAC canceled winter tournaments already in progress due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Spring sports were shut down entirely.

A return to active competition for spring student-athletes does come with some restrictions. The CIAC will utilize the same mask protocols in the spring as it did in the fall, with masks to be worn at all times by coaches, officials, game workers and spectators, as well as players not active in a game.

Due to being an indoor sport, boys volleyball players are required to wear a mask during active competition, just as girls volleyball in the fall and winter indoor sports competed. Outdoor spring sports athletes are not required to wear a mask during active competition; however, they may opt to do so.

The first day of practices will be March 27, except for baseball pitchers and catchers, who may begin workouts March 20. Regular season games may not begin before April 10.

Baseball, softball, volleyball and tennis may schedule a maximum of 20 regular season contests, with golf, lacrosse and track limited to 16. CIAC tournaments are slated to open May 28 for tennis; June 1 for baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and volleyball; and June 7 for golf.

"The CIAC is excited that Connecticut’s COVID-19 metrics supports planning for full spring seasons, including state tournaments," executive director Glenn Lungarini said. "We proceed with an understanding that we are still mitigating a COVID environment, but are encouraged to be getting closer to our priority of engaging students in full in-person learning and a variety of extracurricular experiences."

Stonington softball coach Ann Marie Houle told Patch, "We are very excited to be given this opportunity to play softball. Our players and coaches feel fortunate to get back onto the field after missing last year's season (which we of course understand why). It's important for us to follow the protocol put in place so we can all get back to doing what we love - playing softball."

Ridgefield athletic director Dane Street said, "I'm pleased that we will be able to move forward with all of our spring sports this year. I think the modifications put forth by the CIAC will allow our kids to remain safe while getting them back on the fields to enjoy the sports they love. Looking forward to it."

"It's a good thing that spring sports are moving forward," Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said. "Yes, masks on the sidelines are an important element of the season, because we all fear a quarantine situation that could ruin the season. As long as we follow the rules, we'll be OK."

The complete spring plan from the CIAC may be viewed here.

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