In accordance with Governor Charles Baker’s announcement Tuesday that Massachusetts schools will be closed to in person learning for the remainder of the school year, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) regretfully has cancelled all spring sports and spring tournaments.
Today’s decision by the MIAA Board of Directors was difficult, disappointing, and one that was deferred for several weeks as Association staff, Association members from the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) and the Board worked aggressively to construct optional structures to save the opportunity for our MIAA 80,000 student-athletes to enjoy a spring season.
Despite this disheartening but unavoidable action, it is paramount to applaud our constituents, principals, athletic directors, coaches and student-athletes for their positive power of example and cooperation during this unprecedented crisis. The “life lessons†inherent in the games we play will be our resiliency to provide mental and physical strength to focus on the discipline and teamwork to make a difference in the challenging chapters in the Game of Life. #OneTeamOneMIAA.
“Although I certainly understand the reason for canceling the spring season, it doesn’t make it any easier to accept. My heart breaks for all of our athletes, especially our seniors. They have worked so hard for the past 3.5 years, I just wish they were able to step on that field one last time wearing that Viking uniform representing their school, community and families. Although they did not get that opportunity that does not define them. They are a group who has accomplished so much and are destined for great things. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.â€