Step closer to return

Governor’s announcement paves way for sports

On the same day Governor Gina Raimondo gave her blessing for in-person learning for all school districts except for Providence and Central Falls, the R.I. Interscholastic League released a statement that contained an intriguing caveat regarding the status of fall sports.

“We are continuing conversations with Governor Raimondo’s office and key staff members regarding school sports guidance and expect to be able to release more information later this week,” is what the RIIL tweeted out at 4:20 p.m. Monday.

At a time when districts such as Cumberland, Woonsocket, and Pawtucket have stated their intentions to open the 2020-21 school year with distance learning, the Interscholastic League on Monday said that

its still committed, “to offering member schools as many traditional fall sports as possible within the Governor’s guidelines for school sports.”

Under the state’s current Phase 3 guidelines, cross-country (boys & girls), girls tennis, and cheerleading are the only fall sports that would be offered to RIIL members. Football, soccer (boys & girls), field hockey, and volleyball (girls & Unified) are awaiting word about whether they’ll proceed as scheduled or be shifted to Season 3 of the league’s four-season proposed plan that was unveiled last month.

“Based on the information released (Monday) afternoon, our member schools must now determine what education plan they will be implementing on Sept. 14 to begin the academic school year,” said the RIIL.

Sept. 14 is the day the Interscholastic League is still targeting for the first day of fall practice. Additionally, the summer practice period has been extended to the day before the RIIL official fall sports start date.

“The RIIL appreciates everyone’s patience and support of our member schools as we all continue to navigate the difficult task of reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the league wrote.