Originally on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic due to being deemed high risk sports by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), there can be cheerleading, dance, and track competitions this winter after all.

Following recently revised guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) met with representatives from the Connecticut DPH and Governor Lamont’s office to discuss how those revisions may impact interscholastic athletics, the CIAC announced on February 18. After that meeting, the CIAC formally requested consideration from the Connecticut DPH to revisit the winter sports of competitive cheerleading, competitive dance, wrestling, indoor track jumping events, and the spring sport of boys’ lacrosse, all considered high risk activities.

In alignment with DPH’s detailed response and guidance, the CIAC Board of Control acted to permit virtual competition for competitive cheerleading and competitive dance beginning on March 1. Mask wearing will be required with the exception of brief removal of the masks by individuals engaged in stunts, lifts, tumbling, and other acrobatics. Masks must immediately be put back on after those specific activities are completed. Complete COVID-19 protocols and mitigating strategies for cheer and dance must be followed and will be redistributed to member schools this week, according to the CIAC announcement.

Cheer and dance participants have been permitted to practice and perform while following social distancing protocols at basketball games. Now they will be allowed to have contact and, thus, do some activities that have been on hold.

“We are really excited to get back and stunt,” said Susan Bridges, coach of the Newtown High cheerleading team.

That said, an end-of-season competition will not happen, said Bridges, adding that the State Cheer Committee discussed possibilities earlier this week.

Cheerleaders usually train and practice stunts just about year-round. That has not been the case, and the team would have a very limited time in which to put together routines for competition given that a winter championship would have to be held prior to the start of spring sports in late March.

“It will be difficult. You have to balance safety and level of skill on what you think they can do and the amount of time allotted and go from there,” Bridges said.

The NHS cheer coach said smaller scale virtual meets will be held.

Newtown's dance team is also planning to participate in virtual competitions. The track team plans to participate in dual meets.

In alignment with DPH’s recommendation, the CIAC Board of Control will continue with only conditioning and noncontact skill building in wrestling.

The board set March 1 as the date schools may begin indoor track dual meets; those competing in running events must wear masks. In alignment with DPH, those competing in jumping activities will be allowed to remove their masks during the approach and jump before putting the mask back on after the jump is complete. All other previously approved COVID-19 protocols and mitigating strategies for indoor track must be followed.

Gymnastics is a sport that, similarly, allows athletes to remove masks during competition at events. Swimming is another.

With the entire spring season wiped out last year, the CIAC has set out to ensure, to the best of its ability, that a full spring campaign will be held in 2021. The group is in the process of developing COVID-19 mitigating plans for all spring sports, which will begin on March 27, with the first contest date on April 10.

Boys’ lacrosse is being considered. CIAC officials are looking into mitigating strategies such as adjusting face-offs to limit close contact.

The final date for regular season games to count toward the state tournament will be May 27. The CIAC plans to hold traditional spring sports tournaments from June 1 through June 13.

The CIAC Board of Control discussed fan/spectator attendance at winter sport events and reaffirmed its current position, which recommends that fans/spectators not be allowed; however, due to the complexity of venues around the state, it leaves the final decision to each local district. If a district chooses to allow fans, all Department of Economic and Community Development sector rules for fan/spectator attendance at sporting events should be followed.