Hockomock League Makes Statement On Spring Sports

To our Hockomock Athletes, Coaches, School Administrators, and Fans,

It is with our deepest regret that we reach out to you today as the inevitable, but official word came to us from the MIAA Board of Directors on the cancellation of the Spring 2020 season:

“In accordance with Governor Charles Baker’s announcement Tuesday that Massachusetts schools will be closed to in person learning for the remainder of the school year, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) regretfully has cancelled all spring
sports and spring tournaments.

Today’s decision by the MIAA Board of Directors was difficult, disappointing, and one that was deferred for several weeks as Association staff, Association members from the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) and the Board worked aggressively to construct optional structures to save the opportunity for our MIAA 80,000 student-athletes to enjoy a spring season.”

The Hockomock League Athletic Directors and Principals had worked continuously from the first closures in mid-March optimistically planning for whatever Spring season might be had for our Spring athletes. Every conscious thought was invested towards our seniors and their final season of high school competition. Three different schedules had been posted and now retracted, with due diligence given to balanced league competition in preparation for the state tournament which then was reduced to sectional championships before their full cancellation. Our hope was for some sort of season to be played, to bring appropriate closure to the 19-20 school and athletics’ year.

We continue to learn invaluable life lessons as we battle together as a society against this unprecedented pandemic. We applaud our athletes who daily persevere through their final academic weeks in remote learning and recognize the many who have taken on part-time, or even full-time, jobs to aid in their families’ financial struggles. And, of course, we sympathize with those families who have lost loved ones to the virus, or who are battling its debilitating symptoms as this letter goes forth. We must always remember the seriousness of why there is no school, no competition, stay-at-home orders, and proper social distancing in all areas. Please stay safe, and stay healthy.

Nonetheless, despite this news of cancellation, your Hockomock Athletic Directors are continuing to work together in creative ways to recognize our league’s scholar-athletes, our captains, our seniors and all of our Spring athletes who have lost this season.

Sincerely, and respectfully,
Your Hockomock Athletic Directors: