Connecticut Fall Sports Plan Updated By Athletic Governing Body

CHESHIRE, CT — The executive director of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) discussed the state's high school sports governing body's updated plans for fall sports Thursday, following discussions about safety concerns from the Department of Public Health (DPH) in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

At a news conference at CIAC headquarters, Glenn Lungarini said, "We have set Oct. 1 as the start date for all sports."

Oct. 1 is the first date for fall games and competitions, following a period of low-risk conditioning programs and non-contact skill work in cohorts no larger than 10. Programs are slated to begin those workouts Saturday, and continue through Sept. 20.

On Sept. 21, CIAC officials will assess data to determine if full practices may begin. Lungarini said the organization will be in close contact with each member school regularly throughout the process.

DPH officials had recommended moving football and girls volleyball to the spring, an idea rejected by the CIAC. The DPH then suggested modifications to those two sports to mitigage risk, including moving volleyball outdoors and playing football on a 7-vs.-7 basis.

"The CIAC has examined the possibility of playing outdoor volleyball games and has determined that it is not feasible for our member schools," according to an updated fall sports plan released Wednesday by the CIAC. "A lack of sturdy outdoor standards, inclement weather in the fall months, equity of resources to establish outdoor courts, and a significant loss of participants who would simply choose to play indoors for a club team during the fall season are the primary considerations that have eliminated outdoor play as an option."

The full updated plan may be viewed here. Thursday's news conference may be viewed below (in three parts).

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