By Bobby Black – Staff Reporter

The CIAC, the State Department of Public Health, and the state’s athletic directors are trying to figure out a way to play the upcoming high school basketball season. 

The current plan is that the basketball teams will start practicing on January 19, but this date still may be pushed back based on the local and statewide numbers of COVID-19 cases. On January 7, the CIAC board will meet and the coaches expect to receive a start date for the games and practices. 

Teams will likely play 10-12 regular season games in addition to a conference and state tournament. 

“I am going to listen to the protocols for the next season and we need to make sure that everyone is safe,” Law girls basketball coach Mr. Young said. “Whatever time we have we need to maximize so that we can compete at our highest level after we make sure everyone is safe.” 

Due to COVID-19, more regulations and rules will be put in place to ensure safety for all the players and coaches that are participating. 

“The CIAC is currently working with the Governor and the state DPH to develop the regulations to safely conduct winter sports,” Law athletic director Mr. Sarullo said. “Once those are finalized, they will be sent to the individual school districts to determine what is safe at the local level.”

One of the concerns that will take place throughout the basketball season is how the teams will stay safe while going to away games. 

“We will strictly follow all approved transportation protocols,” Law boys basketball coach Mr. Anderson said. “It is my understanding that our fall programs, in tandem with our bus company, did a stellar job in this area and they had no issues.”

Mask wearing will also be required in some cases during the basketball season. Student-athletes will have to wear a mask while sitting on the bench, during a talk with the coach or other players, and when they are talking to an athletic trainer. The coaches are required to wear a mask at all times.

Though players need to wear a mask, it doesn’t have to be medical grade masks and cloth ones are accepted. Also the shields or mask helmets are not allowed while playing or sitting. 

“We need to wait for the approved requirements and once cascaded at our level, we will go above and beyond to ensure a safe environment to compete in,” Anderson said. 

Even though there are already many rules that have been enacted to minimize the spread of COVID-19, there are likely still more to come. Members of Law’s basketball teams said they will do whatever it takes to make sure a season happens.

“As a leader on the team I am going to make sure the team and I follow safety protocols to ensure we have a healthy and successful season,” senior girls basketball player Katie Konareski said. “This may include staying socially distant while off the court, wearing masks if told, wiping down equipment after use, and other rules required to follow to keep safe and sanitary.”

All of the players and coaches are eager to get started with the season and practice for the upcoming games. The players will compete while trying to stay safe throughout the season.