While the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, didn’t yield much in the way of dramatic change from the status quo, there was one big exception — the allowance of fans at games.
The executive board ruled that — pending the OK of local health officials — host schools can decide to allow a limited number of spectators. There isn’t a specific capacity allowance so it will be similar to what was allowed in the fall.
Since the onset of the winter sports season, the only spectators allowed by the AIA have been up to two parents or guardians for each student athlete. That originally included only parents/guardians of the home team athletes but was later expanded to include visiting parents and guardians as well.
The ruling was welcome news to student-athletes at Sedona Red Rock High School.
“I think that is definitely a good step toward progression,” said Leah Pedersen, a sophomore on the SRRHS girls basketball team. “Obviously we’re still going to take the best safety precautions. But it’s going to be really good having the support back out again and having that community feeling.”
“It can be hard to play without supporters, parents and fans,” Pedersen added. “It just makes it so much more fun and more enjoyable. It definitely makes me proud to live in Sedona when we have that whole family in the gym.”
Her teammate, senior Lesly Suarez, echoed Pedersen’s sentiments and was happy for another reason. As the spirit coordinator on the SRRHS student council, Suarez said it can be challenging to get people hyped up when the crowds are limited to parents and players from other Scorpions teams.
Suarez also saw the benefit for communities outside of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
“In some places, like the reservations, basketball is like medicine to them in these times, especially now — no pun intended,” Suarez said. “And with the COVID pandemic going on sports are our medicine. It’s bringing us together …. I think any decision that the AIA makes that brings communities together is a good one.”
One key is that while the AIA is allowing spectators, individual schools can still opt not to allow them. SRRHS athletic director, Pedro Ortega Sr., is still trying to figure out if spectators will be allowed and if so, how many. So, anyone planning on attending a game who wasn’t previously allowed to is still encouraged to check with the host school. Also, masks are required to be worn at all times and social distance must be kept.
The most contentious point from the AIA executive board meeting was whether to continue mandating masks for all winter sport athletes — including those active in games. Following a lengthy debate and a close vote, it was decided that the mandate will continue through the remainder of the winter season — including the postseason.
The executive board also solidified the previously expected start dates. The first day of official practice will be Monday, March 1. The earliest allowable day for competition is Friday, March 12. As has been the case in the fall and winter seasons, tournaments will not be allowed for team sports. A limited number will be allowed for the individual spring sports — golf, tennis and track and field.
The mask mandate for spring sports will be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, March 2. Masks will definitely be required for any spectator, coach or athlete not active in a game — which includes base coaches in softball and baseball. But the decision on whether they’ll be required for athletes in a game was tabled until the March 2 meeting.
The entire Feb. 16 meeting can be viewed at the AZPreps365 YouTube page.
