CIAC Votes To Keep Connecticut High School Football In The Fall

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has voted to go forward with fall football with workouts beginning next week.

All fall sports will be played.

The CIAC Board of Control met Wednesday as part of its planned review of the official fall sports plan, which was approved on July 30.

"Our collective work remains centered on providing safe opportunities for Connecticut student-athletes that support their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and mental health," according to a statement released after the meeting. "We remain committed to a constant state of evaluation and review on current CT COVID metrics, advice from medical and public health experts, and collaboration with our professional colleagues."

A brief statement from CAS-CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini can be viewed here:

The decision goes against what the CIAC football board recommended this week.

The start date for football is Aug. 17.

"At this time, the Board will continue to move forward with the July 30 plan as outlined," the CIAC's statement said. "This includes keeping football in the fall and beginning on August 17. In considering any change from the current plan, the Board discussed at length any change in COVID data between approval of the plan and today. Based on the input from medical advisors and the continued positive COVID numbers in CT while sports are being played, the Board believes it is appropriate to move forward with all fall sports, at this time.

"As stated from the onset, our plan is fluid, under constant review, and may change at any point, based on new information. We will continue to consult with our education partners, medical experts, and review positions from state leaders and departments. However, the CIAC believes that the approved plan aligns with the educational interests of our member schools and provides the safest athletic experience for Connecticut student-athletes."

The CIAC reiterated its policy that fans should not be allowed at interscholastic contests or practices.

"We understand the complexities of individual districts who use public fields and that the ultimate decision rests with the district, however, the CIAC believes that prohibiting fan/spectator attendance aligns best with the goals of education-based athletics," according to the statement.
"Also, the CIAC Board of Control would like to clarify that the decision on eligibility of students who choose a full distance model of learning will made at the district level, provided the student is otherwise eligible."