Below is the entire letter from the AIA to Arizona Cross Country Coaches yesterday:
An open letter to Athletic Directors, Cross Country Coaches, Athletes and Parents
Recently Dave Allison wrote an article for MileSplit at my behest. The gist of the article is that sports in Arizona had to submit modifications for all sports to resume and that in our sport of cross country the optics are that we are NOT following these modifications. The modifications were written to ensure the safety and health of coaches and athletes.It is the belief here at the AIA that we need to provide our students an opportunity of normalcy and the ability to compete on the athletic field.Our priority is to have a season for student-athletes, even if it meant not having a State Championship.Our top priority are the athletes, even over parents and spectators.IF we did not allow any spectators to any of our state championship contests the loss to the organization this year would be between $600,000 and $1,000,000.
After this article was written, rather than expressed acceptance, I have seen many comments that are contrary to what needs to occur to ensure we have sectional and state. The point that many of you have made is essentially,
· "I have seen youth sports at my park, and they are not masking up"
· "Why are we being picked on"
· "This is so unfair."
I agree I have seen the youth sports and how they are operating.However, youth sports are operating on different guidelines than Arizona high school sports.They are generally operating under Phase Two of the Governors order.Through city attorney's opinion and understanding; if an organization is having an outside reserved field event they can have 50 total individuals per field.This is why Flagstaff High School had to cancel their Peaks meet; as they were told only 50 would be allowed into Buffalo Park.This is why all of Phoenix parks are not allowing cross country meets.This is why City of Glendale is not allowing cross country meets in their parks.Not all cities are even in phase two. I can list more; but I think you have the point.
I have been at or observed three meets these first three weeks of the season.Some of you are doing a great job ensuring that your athletes and parents are abiding by the modifications.Some of you are not.Spectators are doing a great job of staying out of the finish line area, but there is more than just that.If the following modifications were followed we would not be having the issues we are having securing sites for state and sectional meets.
1. Athletes need to put their masks on after their cool down.
2. Athletes are NOT to have their team huddle and cheer.
3. Parents need to wear a mask.
Recently, the AIA had announced that state Cross Country would be at Freestone Park.This is no longer true.The city of Gilbert has decided to treat cross country like youth sports; 50 per field.Since Freestone Park has only six fields, it would mean that only 300 athletes, coaches, meet workers, media, trainers and parents would be allowed into the park for state.They are working with us for alternative sites.The city of Gilbert is at least working with us.Right now we do not have a site lined up for the Rose Mofford sectionals-though Holbrook has said we can use their golf course.
I just want to reemphasis that this is not a political, constitutional or religious debate.These modifications are not recommendations but requirements.Please follow them so we can proceed to have our sport.If you need to re-read these modifications you will find them at:http://aiaonline.org/files/17110/fall-2020-sports-modifications.pdf
