What Will Winter Sports Look Like At Valley Regional High School?

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — A letter about the upcoming Winter Sports season went out last week to Valley Regional High School parents and students stating:

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians;
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Board of Control made the determination on Thursday, January 14th that the following winter athletics will move forward which include; basketball, indoor track, boys swimming, fencing, gymnastics, and ice hockey. The CIAC has collaborated with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), Governor Lamont’s office and the CSMS Sports Medicine Committee to determine how athletics can occur this winter season while maintaining the health and safety of school communities.
We would like to make you aware of the following information for the 2021 Winter Sports Season:
1. Your student’s coach will be in communication regarding expectations for the first day of practice.
2. An additional Notice of Risks and Informed Consent form is required to be completed prior to student-athlete participation in their sport. This form will be shared with student-athletes and must be returned to the coach and or athletic office prior to the start of practice.
3. Any athlete that is identified as a close contact of a known COVID-19 case will be required to complete a full 14-day quarantine prior to return to sports per DPH and American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
4. Any athlete that has had a diagnosed COVID-19 infection, will be required to complete additional health screening and clearance prior to returning to play in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations.
5. No spectators will be allowed at practices or contests.
6. Valley TV will be broadcasting the Varsity and JV contests throughout the season. We will provide links to away contest broadcasts when available.
This situation remains highly fluid. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the DPH, our local health departments, and our district medical advisor while taking into account the guidance of the CIAC about winter sports. In any instance when those organizations are not in agreement, we will follow the guidance of the DPH and our local health authority. Please communicate with your student’s coach if you have any questions or concerns.
As always, thank you for your support and patience.
Sincerely,
Mike Barile, Principal