RI Schools Can Begin Most Winter Sports With Some New Rules

It'll soon be game time for many long-awaiting student-athletes across Rhode Island.

Low- and moderate-risk sports, including indoor track and field, basketball, hockey, gymnastics and swimming, can begin playing games as early as Friday, the Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday morning.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic Association also unveiled new rules and guidelines for athletic programs. Among them are all players (excluding those actively swimming,) coaches and fans must wear face coverings at all times; Each athlete is allowed two parents/guardians and younger siblings for fans; and Minimizing "deliberate contact" such as collisions and checking.

Athletes, coaches and officials are strongly encouraged, though not required, to get weekly COVID-19 tests.

There can be no practices, games or tournaments with out-of-state programs.

Indoor facilities must limit capacity to one person per 150 square feet, have a regular sanitization schedule and enforce physical distancing, all in line with state guidelines.

"We all recognize and appreciate that Rhode Island athletes have had to sacrifice a lot during the pandemic, and in recent weeks by not engaging in competitions. Similarly, indoor sports facilities have suffered during the pauses," Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit said in a release. "Although school sports will experience a shortened winter season, we hope that participating in competitive games and meets will benefit our kids’ physical and mental wellness and help them feel more connected to their school communities."