Will there be athletics at Grafton High this fall? Maybe
New Grafton High School Athletic Director Kevin Anderson is trying to hit the ground running — so to speak — as he starts this week, and his first task is going to be a doozy.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association voted in July to have school sports start the fall season on September 14. That doesn’t mean games begin. That’s when teams may start tryouts and practices.
But with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Grafton schools’ adoption of a hybrid return to class (students will alternate a week in school with a week of remote learning) — not to mention the annual fall threat of EEE from mosquitoes feeding at twilight — no one is quite sure if only some sports will be played, all sports will be played, or if school athletics will be the next victim. And, specifically in Grafton, no one is even sure what name will be attached to the teams after the School Committee voted to retire the “Indians” moniker and mascot.
Anderson starts his new job Thursday, but he introduced himself on the Grafton High website with a Frequently Asked Questions post at the start of the week.
Members of the Grafton Community:
Hello from the Athletics Department at Grafton High School. My name is Kevin Anderson and I was named the Athletic Director at GHS and GMS earlier this month.
While my first official day isn’t until August 13 (Thursday), I wanted to provide some information regarding the fall season of athletics. Please keep in mind while reading this, the situation remains fluid and parts or all of this can change at the drop of a hat.
I’m sure everyone involved in or who is associated with athletics has a lot of questions. Don’t’ worry, I still have a ton of unanswered questions myself as we all await guidance from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and our state government.
This document is simply to try and provide the community with everything we know with regards to the fall 2020 season.
With decisions beginning to occur, it is important for parents, student-athletes and other members of the Grafton Athletics community to stay connected via Twitter (@GraftonAD), Schoology and the GPS website.
Below are some frequently asked questions that may have crossed your mind as we head into the start of academic year.
What Do We Know About The Fall 2020 Athletic Season?
In a meeting back on July 21, the Board of Directors of the MIAA (which includes GHS Principal, Mr. Pignataro) voted to delay the start of the season until September 14 – this means that Monday, September 14 is the first day for tryouts, practices, etc. and not the first date of competition.
With The Delayed Opening And Total School Day Reduction Recently Announced, What Affect Will There Be On Fall Athletics?
The aforementioned September 14 date could be adjusted based on several different factors. However, schedules are constantly under construction and will be made available as soon as possible following more guidance being issued by the MIAA Board of Directors at some point this week.
When Are Sports Signups Happening?
It is my expectations that signups for athletics will be made available in the next 5-7 days. Be on the lookout via Twitter (@GraftonAD), Schoology, E-Mail and Powerschool.
What Can I Do To Help?
Practice social distancing whenever possible. If that is not possible, then wear a face covering to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Our best chance at having a fall season relies on the Grafton community working together to try and stay in front of COVID-19.
What Should I Do About A Physical?
The MIAA requires all students to have a current (within 395 days of the first day of the sports season) physical documented by a health provider on file with the school nurse in order to try out for any team. The student-athlete and their parent/guardian is responsible for making sure a valid physical is always on file with the nurse. A physical exam expires 395 days (one year and one month) after the date of the exam.
Remember to keep an eye on the expiration date of your physical. Once it expires, the student is no longer eligible for athletics and participation in their sport is not permitted until an updated physical is on file.
Can We Have “Captains’ Practices”?
“Captains’ Practices” are not sanctioned by the MIAA or by GHS. Student-athletes are allowed to work out together – as long as they are following Governor Baker’s guidelines to reopening – but these work outs are NOT a function of the school and they are definitely NOT mandatory.
It is my sincere hope that athletics get to be a part of the 2020-21 school year as it provides a challenging, supportive and caring environment helping our student-athletes reach their academic, athletic and personal potential. However, the focus for us at GHS is and will always be the health, safety and general welfare of all of our student-athletes.
Regards,
Kevin Anderson
[kofi] Support Grafton Common and local, independent journalism!
