AIA mask rules will continue for spring high school sports
The Arizona Interscholastic Association isn’t budging on its COVID-19 protocols for spring high school competition, even though Gov. Doug Ducey has rescinded the state mask mandate for K-12 schools.
Ducey’s order allows local districts to decide locally whether to continue with mask requirements in schools.
During Monday’s AIA Executive Board meeting, Executive Director David Hines said spectators still will be required to wear masks at the AIA sports events for baseball, softball, track and field, boys volleyball, golf, tennis and sand volleyball.
The AIA’s spring modification do not call for participating athletes and officials to wear masks during competition, but those not playing and those in attendance must wear a mask.
Executive Board President Toni Corona, athletic director at Safford, said she has observed a lack of enforcement with the modifications.
One board member asked whether the AIA’s use of facilities being rented for spring state championships could be impacted if the board, which did not take a vote on changes, opted to revise its protocols.
Hines said it could cause problems. Tempe Diablo Stadium and Hohokam Stadium in Mesa are sites for the AIA baseball playoffs. Rose Mofford Park in Phoenix is being used for softball tournaments.
Hines said that even though the governor made his decision, “our modifications are basically a bylaw.”
“If we are in charge of the state championship games, if we are hosting the event, to be honest with you, we will hold up the game until they’re compliant,” Hines said.
Some members of the 10-member board commented on how few fans have been wearing masks at spring sporting events, especially outside sports, as Arizona’s infection rate numbers have dropped considerably since January and vaccines are being administered.
Arizona has made vaccines available for anybody 16 years and older.