Due to Covid-19, the winter sports season, like everything else this year, will be looking different in the interest of health and safety for all athletes and coaches.

Per PIAA restrictions, winter sports have been put on hold until recently. On January 4th winter sports teams were able to resume practices and games.

The PIAA has passed several changes for the winter sports season. According to GoErie, the regular season will generally occur as normal, with the implementation of social distancing and mask rules. The bigger changes will take place in the postseason.

According to PrepLive, the PIAA has chosen to continue the “champions-only state tournaments” used in the fall. This means that only teams that win districts will qualify for the state championship tournament. In past years teams in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place would have qualified.

In addition, the PIAA has left the decision regarding mask usage during a game up to individual schools. According to GoErie, “If two schools can’t agree on masks and the game or event is canceled, it won’t be a forfeit but rather a no contest.” Postseason game’s mask policy has yet to be determined.

“We have to wear masks at all times while playing during practices and games which has been an adjustment and can be annoying. I am just happy to have any kind of season even if we have to wear masks,” says Hershey junior varsity basketball player Mary Cotter.

The PIAA additionally has a minimum amount of practices that need to be completed in order to play. If their team is unable to practice for seven days in a row, they must complete two practices to be eligible to play.