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BHS student-athletes train for uncertain fall sports season

RIIL officials plan for a return to high school sports 'when it is safe and appropriate'

By Josh Bickford
Posted 7/28/20

Some falls sports teams at Barrington High School have started their preseason practices, but the future of high school sports this fall remains uncertain.

On Friday, July 17, public school …

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BHS student-athletes train for uncertain fall sports season

RIIL officials plan for a return to high school sports 'when it is safe and appropriate'

Posted

Some falls sports teams at Barrington High School have started their preseason practices, but the future of high school sports this fall remains uncertain.

On Friday, July 17, public school departments across Rhode Island were required to submit plans for re-entry to school in the fall. But while many districts shared extensive details about multiple re-entry options, a return to interscholastic athletics was not included. At least not in Barrington.

According to Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore, the district is still waiting for guidance from the Rhode Island Interscholastic League before drafting its plans for athletics.

A statement issued by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League in early July stated that RIIL remains committed to developing and updating plans and scenarios as officials move through each new reopening phase and as the governor’s guidance changes.

"Although we cannot speculate as to exactly what high school sports will look like, it is our intent to support our member schools in providing each student athlete the opportunity to participate in each of their chosen sports during the upcoming school year," it stated.

"The reality is that there will be many challenges and obstacles to overcome so we will need to be as flexible and creative as possible to be successful."

According to the statement, the RIIL has been working with the Governor's Task Force, the RI Department of Health, the RI Department of Education, the National Federation of State High School Associations, as well as local superintendents, principals, athletic directors and other state leaders to plan for a return to high school sports "when it is safe and appropriate within a school environment."

George Finn, the director of athletics and extracurricular activities at Barrington High School, said some fall sports teams have been allowed to begin their summer training and preseason condition, as long as they closely follow the state and CDC guidelines.

"We aligned with the RI Department of Health summer camp guidelines," Mr. Finn said. "All coaches must review and attest to completing the state produced webinar."

Mr. Finn said the Barrington High School football team and cross country teams have started their workouts, while other programs have had the option to begin as well.

"We will plan to have a fall sports meeting in early August when we have a better idea of the school academic plan," Mr. Finn said. The date and time of the meeting have not been determined yet.

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