MHS Basketball
Senior Maricopa Rams guard Stephen Harris dribbles down court in action against Mountain Pointe. Photo by Samantha Herbaugh / Mako Photographic Studios

Athletes will no longer have to wear masks during competition in the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

The group’s executive board voted Tuesday to remove the mask mandate for winter playoffs, the spring season and Spiritline, citing improving COVID-19 metrics, including decreasing number of cases and increased hospital bed capacity.

Students, coaches, officials and other personnel are still required to wear a mask when not actively playing or in the arena of competition. All spectators attending games also must continue to wear an approved mask or face covering.

Mesh face masks are not acceptable face coverings, the AIA noted.

All other COVID-19 modifications remain in place.