Delay Of Game: Melrose Fall Sports Still Up In Air

MELROSE, MA — The fate of fall sports in Melrose won't be decided until September, allowing time for Middlesex League school and athletic officials to collaborate on a return to the field.

The School Committee on Tuesday night delayed a vote on the issue until its next meeting, Sept. 8. A plan between Middlesex League superintendent and athletic directors is expected to take shape before then.

"We're still awaiting some guidance that won't be available until Sept. 1," Superintendent Julie Kukenberger said in the virtual meeting.

The Middlesex League is considering keeping team schedules tight, with about 8-10 games per team and only playing within their division, according to Athletic Director Steven Fogarty. That would mean Melrose would only play Freedom Division rivals, with two weeks of preseason and 6-8 weeks of competition.

The state has said districts such as Melrose Public Schools in communities that are not deemed at high risk for coronavirus infections but are starting the school year fully remote must receive School Committee approval to participate in the regularly scheduled fall sports season. They also have the option of postponing sports to "floating season" at a later date.

As of the most recent community-level COVID-19 data, no Middlesex League districts are in communities deemed high-risk.

Fogarty said indoor sports will look very different, including state guidance that recommends limiting the number of fans at one per student-athlete. Site administrators will take on new burdens to help enforce guidelines.

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One bright side is that students will have the opportunity to play in all four seasons, opening the door to play different sports they otherwise may not have been able to.

"We believe students should be active participants in the process of their education, and we feel athletics can be a tremendous motivator for many of them," Fogarty said.

Regardless of the School Committee's decision, the football team won't get a chance to defend its Super Bowl title this fall. Football, cheering and unified basketball will be only be able to practice, not play games, for now.

Other sports, like golf, cross-country, field hockey, soccer, gymnastics, girls volleyball and swimming/diving seasons will be allowed, though some with higher risks will have modifications that eliminate contact.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi.