I have been asked to share this message from our Director of Athletics with you. Thank you for giving this your attention. The players, coaches and managers are working hard to follow this directive and we ask for your support and cooperation. Thank you.

Attention Student-Athletes and Families,

We are very excited that the 2021-2022 winter season has begun. Athletics is such a vital part of a students’ high school experience. The health and safety of our students and staff are at the forefront of any decision we make and our winter programming is in line with state and local rules and regulations. There is important information you should know that will help prepare you for the start of competitions on 12/10/21. Below is a statement released from the MIAA (who is working in conjunction with DESE) that pertains to the winter athletic season. The information below applies to all Massachusetts Interscholastic Atheltic Association member schools. This information is consistent with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and set forth by the Commissioner of Education.

MIAA Statement: In order to maximize full participation in winter sports we will begin the winter season with the same guidelines that we utilized this fall:

Student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators that are indoors shall be masked.

These are minimum required State safety standards that remain consistent with the practices that take place during the school day. While masking guidelines may vary at off-campus facilities and venues please treat practices and competitions as school events and adhere to the above guideline. Further, be respectful to the policies and expectations set forth in school districts and local communities and continue the practice of communicating with member schools that may or may not have reached the 80% vaccination threshold. DESE has set a January 15, 2022 date to assess masking guidelines. Through our work with State officials, and monitoring vaccination rates and COVID rates, we will take into consideration MIAA committee votes and push for a transition to un-masking during athletic completion within the winter season.

To reiterate, all student-athletes, coaches, and officials, that are indoors shall be masked (practices and games) and all spectators MUST wear a mask when attending competitions, including off-campus facilities. While masking guidelines may vary at off-campus facilities and venues (ice rinks, aquatic centers, and gymnastics facilities), practices and competitions are considered an extension of the high school and you must adhere to the above guideline. We ask that you respect the school guidelines we are currently following. Additionally, food is not permitted in all ARHS gymnasiums when attending an athletic event this winter season.

The ARHS Athletics Department is excited about our upcoming winter season. We will communicate further as updates become available.

Respectfully,
Mike

Mike Mocerino – Director of Athletics
Algonquin Regional High School
Phone: (508)-351-7010 x1021
Fax: (508)-351-7005
Follow us on Twitter: @ARHSAthletics