While many cross country runners and fans across the state are giddy to see the sport back in action over the past few weeks, this might be short-lived merriment for everyone if parents, coaches, and athletes continue not to adhere to the mandatory modifications set forth by the AIA for fall sports. After speaking with David Shapiro, Tournament Coordinator for cross country, soccer, and track & field for the AIA, he said that the season may end abruptly if people continue to not wear masks and social distance at events.
The main concern that Shapiro has along with many municipalities who have allowed races to occur in their parks is that fans and athletes simply are not socially distancing and wearing masks.
As outlined in the AIA's 2020 Fall Sports Modifications document under the cross country section:
- Face coverings are to be worn by athletes while sitting under the tent or when not warming up or racing.
- Coaches are to wear face coverings at all times; when in contact or proximity of participants or spectators. Spectators may attend at the discretion of the Host School. Spectators must also be masked.
As Mr. Shapiro noted to us, across the state it is already very hard to get park and recreation departments to allow cross country events to occur on their grounds due to the overall numbers. And in order to hold sectionals, there need to be various locations throughout Arizona willing to accommodate such numbers.
The City of Gilbert, which gave permission for the Western Equinox XC Festival last weekend is contemplating not allowing any more events on its fields due to witnessing hundreds of people (parents, athletes, and coaches) not consistently wearing masks and/or social distancing at the event.
The City of Gilbert will share with the AIA early next week on what direction they will proceed in regard to competitions within its parks. If the city were to prohibit any more events this would affect the Titan Invite (62 teams scheduled), Chandler Relays (25 teams scheduled), The Phoenix Classic - Showdown at Sundown (77 teams scheduled), not to mention that one of the traditional sectional sites each year is held at Crossroads Park; and now with the State Meet officially slated at Freestone Park in November, this decision by the City of Gilbert would almost definitely put the kibosh on the 2020 high school cross country season.
And to be clear, this is not just a City of Gilbert problem for the AIA. The City of Phoenix has recently restricted access to its parks for cross country meets (and large events in general). Cochise County parks are prohibiting large events as well. Kiwanis Park (in Tempe) is not allowing races to be run there either as of now. Coaches all over the states are trying to find meets to race their kids, but many parks and recreation departments across the entire state, due to safety reasons put forth by the CDC are not allowing large events within the confines of their parks.
Shapiro had to be the "AIA mask police", as he called it, at the Desert Daylight Invitational yesterday. He explained how he had to go up to a number of coaches at the meet, who he is good friends with, and let them know that he was witnessing entire teams under tents unmasked and not socially distanced. Plus, many of the parents were not wearing masks either.
Moreover, this is not a political issue, Shapiro wanted to point out.
"About half of the AIA are Trump supporters and about half are with Biden, but we all understand that what we have decided on for modifications aren't recommendations but are mandatory for our athletes, coaches, and parents safety."
Coaches, athletes, moms, and dads - if you want to continue having a cross country season in Arizona please put on a mask and keep at least six feet apart.