Masking and CHS Athletics

This Canton High School Athletics blog entry is intended to clarify the expectations around mask wearing this winter season for our winter athletes, families and fans. 

In compliance with MIAA protocols and in an effort to keep our student athletes, families and spectators healthy and safe, masks must be worn at all times* by student athletes, coaches, spectators and all others in attendance at all indoor events at all venues. 

MIAA Statement of November 23, 2021- As of this date in November, we are providing direction regarding masking guidelines for the winter season. This information is consistent with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and set forth by the Commissioner of Education. In order to maximize full participation of winter sports we will begin the winter season with the same guidelines that we utilized this fall: Student-athletes, coaches, and officials that are indoors shall be masked. These are minimum required State safety standards that remain consistent with the practices that take place during the school day. While masking guidelines may vary at off campus facilities and venues please treat practices and competitions as school events and adhere to the above guideline. Further, be respectful to the policies and expectations set forth in school districts and local communities and continue the practice of communicating with member schools that may or may not have reached the 80% vaccination threshold. DESE has set a January 15, 2022 date to assess masking guidelines. Through our work with State officials, and monitoring vaccination rates and COVID rates, we will take into consideration MIAA committee votes and push for a transition to un-masking during athletic completion within the winter season. 

We in the Canton High School Athletic Department fully appreciate the challenges associated with competing in athletics while masked. Further, we understand that our kids really thrive off of the social aspect of communicating with their teammates and coaches while able to see their full faces. We get it. We miss that too!  However, we are fully committed to following all MIAA and CPS Face Covering policies and to keeping our community safe and healthy.  We need your help!

We need everyone on board in order to make this work well.  We understand that the issue of masking has been a divisive one over the past 18 months and has really challenged our student athletes. However, these are the safety protocols put in place and our coaches and athletic staff cannot be alone in making sure we have 100% compliance. Your partnership is essential.

We ask that all CHS winter sports families discuss the importance of proper mask wearing while participating in CHS Athletics.  Your help is critical in getting all of us on the same page (whether we like it or not).  Some food for thought-

• Please show your coach the respect of not having to put them in the position of repeatedly telling you to put on or fix your mask. 

• Remember that every time your coach needs to correct your mask-wearing, they are not able to focus on their role of coaching. 

• Proper mask-wearing means the mask is covering the nose and mouth. 

• Have a bunch of back-up masks in your athletic bag. We have masks available if you need them.

• Excellence in sport is almost always a result of dealing well with adversity.  The team/player who deals with the "uncontrollables" the best are most often those who excel. This is a classic "uncontrollable!"  Bulldogs- let's not let this get in the way of our goals!

Thank you Bulldogs! 

*At certain times in gymnastics and while in the pool for swimming, masks may be removed.