Salpointe Catholic’s Evan Nelson (5) and Tommy Irish (0) celebrate with teammates following a 54-48 overtime victory against Peoria in the 4A boy’s state championship basketball game in Phoenix on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.Ralph Freso / Special for the Arizona Daily Star
By Richard Obert, Dana Scott | Arizona Republic
Four days after voting to cancel the winter high school sports season, the Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board reversed itself Tuesday and restored the seasons for boys and girls basketball, soccer and wrestling.
The board voted 5-4 to start winter sports competition on Jan. 18 as previously intended, but this time with masks mandatory for participants. Last Friday, the board voted to cancel the season by the same vote count.
Board member Jim Love changed his vote to reverse the decision.
The AIA decision also includes a provision that no general fans will be allowed, but that can be reconsidered at some point, AIA Executive Director David Hines said. However, the board did agree to allow two parents or guardians per athlete into contests, which was approved unanimously by the board. Media will have to receive permission from the school athletic director to be able to cover an event at that school.
“Great decision! Quite thankful the AIA revisited the issue and decided upon a thoughtful approach.”
Jordan Rose, Rose Law Group founder and president has assisted in multiple AIA appeals on behalf of youth athletes and their families.
