CIAC: No full contact football this fall. The CIAC feels it has exhausted all possible scenarios in seeking DPH support for a full contact football experience this fall.
For the entire press release CLICK HERE
In regard to football, the CIAC Board of Control has provided DPH with updated statements from the NFHS that reflect its position on 11 v 11 football and the success of other states that are currently playing full contact football. The CIAC also provided an updated timeline that reflected an opportunity to evaluate sufficient COVID data after an approximate 3 to 4 week return to school. Previously, the CIAC provided its position that COVID metrics continue to support the playing of high risk sports in Connecticut, as they have since July 6, and has emphasized the value that football provides its student-athletes from a physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and mental health standpoint. In doing so, the CIAC feels it has exhausted all possible scenarios in seeking DPH support for a full contact football experience this fall. However, DPH has made it clear that it is “unlikely to support higher risk activities for the Fall term.” Given DPH’s position, the CIAC is obligated to provide its student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and superintendents with a clear direction on football activities that aligns with DPH recommendations. Without DPH support, the CIAC cannot move forward with a full contact season as it would place superintendents and boards of education in the impossible position of acting against the recommendation of a state agency. As such, the CIAC Board of Control, in alignment with DPH recommendations, has determined that high risk full contact football is no longer a viable option. In alignment with DPH’s encouragement to consider modifications to higher risk activities, the CIAC will collaborate with athletic directors, coaches, and medical experts to provide football players with meaningful low to moderate risk fall activities.
A large petition is making the rounds on social media, and can be found by clicking here.