Fans of Maricopa Rams sports may soon be able to follow their teams in person again.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s executive board voted Tuesday to allow more fans to attend winter season home games. But each district must first check with its local health officials to determine the number of fans that can attend games.
According to MUSD spokeswoman Mishell Terry, the district will work with local health officials to determine what changes in the attendance policy can safely be made.
“The MUSD athletic director, Evelyn Wynn, will collaborate with the Pinal County Health Department to discuss and determine any changes in the number of spectators at future athletics events,” she said in a text message to InMaricopa. “We will provide additional details as soon as we have more information.”
AIA director David Hines is hopeful that districts will allow more spectators yet maintain a high level of safety.
“Even though the (COVID-19) numbers are going down, they are still high (compared) to the beginning of the fall season,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said in an announcement. “So, we are hoping people are very reasonable to allow a few more people in their stands. But to open up completely would be not a good choice and not helpful to the community or the state of Arizona.”
The board also voted to continue the mask mandate for the remainder of the winter season, including the playoffs. That mandate includes requiring athletes to wear masks during competition.
Tuesday’s decision by the AIA stands in contrast with last week’s decision by the Phoenix Union High School District to cancel all winter sports seasons.
On or about March 1, the board will discuss if the mandate will continue when spring sports teams are scheduled to begin practice.
