The plans for the 2020/2021 school year remain unknown at this time, and with that, the fall sports season continues to hang in the balance.
According to Tim Spear, Gorham High School (GHS) Athletic Director, the major deciding factor will be whether school opens for in-person instruction.
“If we are not in school, and instead, doing academic work virtually, then it would be impossible for us to begin fall sports in a traditional fashion,” he stated. Spear did say GHS is still planning for a traditional fall season. “This is certainly subject to change as we continue to gather more medical information,” he said.
The MPA (Maine Principals Association) allowed for “non-sport specific” workouts starting July 6. Spear said the guidelines were very specific and put in place to conduct the workouts as safely as possible. However, the SMAA (Southwestern Maine Activities Association), which includes Gorham, voted unanimously that those schools would not begin workouts on July 6. Furthermore, the SMAA decided teams would not begin until at least August based on updated information.
So for now, fall sports athletes will have to continue waiting on the sidelines to hear if and when they can move forward and participate in their respective sports.