As we approach the end of October, we celebrate the incredible play of our fall teams and we begin to shift our attention to Bulldog winter athletics. This blog entry is designed to provide some- although limited- information on what lies ahead for CHS Athletics.
What do we know for certain about the winter sports season? Not much as of today but we expect the State to release information in the coming weeks. The Hockomock League Athletic Directors have been meeting weekly to plan for winter sports action. We do know that the MIAA is working incredibly hard to provide whatever opportunities are possible for our student athletes as we head into the winter. We also know that the MIAA has voted to eliminate any state tournaments for the winter season. Although this is disappointing for all of us, it does provide us with a bit more flexibility to provide some sort of a season, as we did for fall.
When can we expect more definitive information about the winter sports season? The Dept. of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) have been working with each other and with the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to share guidelines with local school systems in regards to what sports may be offered when and under what modifications. It is expected that this critical information will be released by the middle of November.
At that point, CHS Athletics would amend our safety protocols and guidelines after consulting with the Canton Board of Health.
Bottom line- We are not able to determine what sports will look like this winter until we hear from our governing body- the MIAA. That is expected by mid-November. We realize that this is a very tight time-table, and we will work hard on our end to be prepared for whatever guidelines come our way.
Additionally- Although the MIAA will set guidelines and expectations for all member schools, it is quite likely that they will grant each League a great deal of leeway on how to best navigate the winter months (particularly from Thanksgiving through New Years). What is good for leagues in the western part of the state may not be what is best for the Hockomock League. This is consistent with the approach we took this fall season.
In Closing- We will always make decisions around our athletic program offerings and protocols with the health and safety of our student athletes as our top priority.
As is always the case- if you have any other specific questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to the CHS Athletic Office at ericksond@cantonma.org.
Additionally- Although the MIAA will set guidelines and expectations for all member schools, it is quite likely that they will grant each League a great deal of leeway on how to best navigate the winter months (particularly from Thanksgiving through New Years). What is good for leagues in the western part of the state may not be what is best for the Hockomock League. This is consistent with the approach we took this fall season. 
