Schools and coaches in York County are facing new challenges as they attempt to adapt to fall sports guidelines that will prohibit practices and games in the region for at least two weeks.
The guidelines from the Maine Principals' Association were announced Thursday. While allowing for most fall sports, the MPAwill not sponsor tackle football or volleyball.
The new plan also says that schools in counties with a "yellow" or "red" label from the state's school health advisory system will not be able to practice or play until they're designated green. Currently, York is the only county in the state with a "yellow" designation.
Connor Daley, a senior who plays running back and linebacker for York High School, says he's upset that he'll be unable to gather with his teammates for the near future.
“We haven't been able to meet, or have anything with any of our teammates — really, we haven't at all,” Daley says. “That's pretty much it. We still haven't had any contact with our teammates. And it really stinks. Because that's all that football is really about, is team. And we can't.”
York High School Football Coach Matt Nelson says he's disappointed in that decision and concerned about how the lack of practices and games will affect seniors.
“They've worked really, really hard,” says Nelson. “They've set some really high goals for themselves that they won't even have a chance to obtain. The players, and the players' families, are just as disappointed as the coaching staff.”
Nelson says he hopes the state can find a way to have a football season in the spring. For now, he says he's still working to support student-athletes over the next few months, including finding alternative options for athletes, if possible.
In a statement Thursday, Mills administration officials acknowledged that sports are important for physical and mental health, but say the new guidance will protect students and staff.
Marshwood High School Athletic Director Rich Buzzell says he takes the virus seriously and will follow all the new guidelines from the state. But he says with practices and games delayed for at least another two weeks, it will be difficult for teams to play as it gets colder and darker.
“If we're starting to lose daylight at 5:00 or 5:15, and trying to have all these kids practice appropriately and safely, with only one lighted field, it's going to be tough.”
In the meantime, Buzzell says the district plans to continue engaging with student-athletes through virtual meetings on platforms such as Zoom.
