On Tuesday, December 2, the Middlesex League Athletic Directors and Superintendents, voted to establish guidelines for the winter 2020-20201 sports season.

Among the many changes under these new guidelines was an absolute prohibition of any spectators attending any “practice or contest”.

The Athletic Directors and Superintendents claim to have established these new guidelines based on venue capacity, local and state ordinances from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the MA Energy and Environmental Affairs, (EEA). 

Yet, on the subject of spectators attending sporting events, the MIAA follows the EEA ordinance, which states, “the presence of spectators plus players, coaches, referees and facility workers does not cause the facility to exceed more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for the indoor facility, then spectators for the players under 21 years old are allowed to attend, spectators are limited to two adults, parents/guardian, sibling of participating players…”

In short, the Middlesex League Athletic Directors and Superintendents went well beyond the EEA guidelines, and did so without any facts, documentation, or scientific evidence to support their decision to ban all spectators.

So, what can be done?

First sign on to this petition and DEMAND the Middlesex League Athletic Directors and Superintendents call an emergency meeting and reverse their decision to ban spectators, and come into compliance with the EEA guidelines and allow up to 2 spectators to attend winter sports contests in 2020-2021.

Second, spread the word.  Tell everyone you know to sign on to this petition.