High School Football, Cheer Practice-Only; Others Play On: State

MASSACHUSETTS — The high school football season should be postponed while low- and moderate-risk sports play on this fall, according to guidelines released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The MIAA still needs to ratify the guidelines; the guidance is subject to change throughout the year.

For now, football, cheering and unified basketball teams can practice but not play games.

The golf, cross-country, field hockey, soccer, gymnastics, girls volleyball and swimming/diving seasons will be allowed, with modifications that eliminate contact.

"The sports that MIAA ultimately does not approve to be played in their normal season will be moved or considered for later in the year during the floating season," the guidance reads.

The MIAA is expected to release more expansive guidelines soon.

School districts in communities designated red in the state's color-coded COVID-19 map and starting the fall remote-only must postpone their practices and seasons until a still-to-be-determined "floating season."

Districts in yellow, green or white communities and starting remote-only will have the option to postpone their seasons until then as well. Those districts can take part in the regularly scheduled sports season, but it must be approved by the local school committee.

Higher-risk sports in the later seasons, such as hockey, basketball, wrestling, boys lacrosse, and rugby, will be evaluated as the seasons approach.

"The health and safety of our school communities must remain the top priority, and we recognize that any plans for athletic opportunities must adapt to evolving public health metrics," the guidance reads.