Leagues finalizing spectator policies for postseason play

The Southern Connecticut Conference is giving serious consideration to holding its boys and girls basketball championship games at neutral sites to accommodate spectators.

The SCC Board of Governors approved the league tournament schedule Tuesday. The girls and boys basketball Division I and II finals are to be held March 25 and 26, respectively, currently at the site of the higher seed.

If the higher-seeded team in each tournament does not allow at least two spectators per player for both teams, then the game will be moved to a neutral site, according to SCC commissioner Al Carbone.

“If one of the schools can’t adhere to (the policy) set for the championship game, then I will move it to a neutral site and have a doubleheader (with the other division),” Carbone said. “We as a league have gotten to the point that two parents can watch their son or daughter play in a championship game. We will be able to do that safely.”

Branford remains the only SCC school not allowing any spectators for its athletic events. Several others are allowing for just home fans. The higherseeded team’s spectator policy will hold up for the other rounds of the tournament, beginning March 17 for girls and March 18 for boys.

Bennett Rink in West

Haven is hosting the three SCC-SWC boys hockey finals (Division I on March 26, Division II and III on March 27) and the SCC girls hockey final (March 25). Bennett has been allowing spectators for both teams since the start of the regular season.

“We are working with Bennett Rink. We think we could have between 250-300 people (for each final),” Carbone said. “Right now, our focus is to safely run playoffs and allow family members to see their family members play.”

Both hockey tournaments begin March 20. Carbone also said no admission will be charged for any league tournament games in any sport.