The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) met on September 9 to finalize the fall sports season. As football is classified as a high-risk activity, and volleyball is the only indoor fall sport, neither will be offered this fall. The MPA is hoping to provide a season for both sports in the late winter/ early spring. All other fall high school sports (including golf, cross-country, field hockey and soccer) have the green light to participate.

There are new guidelines in place for schools, coaches, and athletes participating in fall sports: before starting any athletic activities, each school must receive approval from its local governing board; no indoor practices can be held; crowd size is relegated to 100 people for outdoor events; and all athletes (other than those actively playing in the game), coaches, staff, officials and fans must wear a mask.

Gorham High School Athletic Director Tim Spear confirmed, “While the state guidelines speak to the governor’s orders of 100 people for outside gatherings, both Gorham Schools and the SMAA (Southern Maine Athletics Association) have mandated that there will be no spectators at any of our school or SMAA events.”

The MPA also stated that for schools in any counties that have a yellow or red designation on the Department of Education’s color-coded system there should be no practices or games held until they are once again designated green.

Although football and volleyball is not being offered, the MPA provided alternatives and Spear said Gorham is working to offer in-house options.

“Volleyball must be outside, so we are exploring ways to do this. Football is allowed to play 7 v 7 flag football amongst ourselves, so we plan to implement that as well for our football players,” he said. The MPA also suggested a Punt/Pass/Kick Competition as an alternative for involvement.

Spear said GHS coaches were now able to meet with athletes and official practices began on September 14.