Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 4, 2020 Greater Boston League undecided on next move for fall sports GBL cities in “Red” listing might force move by member ADs, principals By Steve Freker “A ll for one and one for all” could be the theme for the members of the Greater Boston League (GBL) this school year, which has been proven to be topsy-turvy at best, when it has come to high school sports in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Malden Public Schools Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Charlie Conefrey told the Malden School Committee last week that the GBL powers-that-be are considering moving some or all fall sports to the newly-designated “Fall 2” season, which is tentatively set for the period February 22, 2021-April 25, 2021. The GBL consists of fi ve full members – the public high schools of Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere and Somerville – as well as a sixth school, Chelsea High School, which is at present an independent. Chelsea is designated as a scheduling partner A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Same Location * Same Service for over 48 Years... Thanks to our customers for their support ! Malden Public Schools Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Charlie Conefrey is also chairman of the MIAA’s District G and a first-year member of the MIAA’s Board of Directors. (Courtesy Photo/MHS Blue and Gold) of the GBL schools for the 202021 school year and is planning to join the GBL as a full league member in the fall of 2021 for the 2021-22 school year. Several meetings on the issue Chris Dan Steve OPEN AND READY TO SERVE YOU...GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE MASK REQUIRED! * Desktop Humidors * Gift Cards * Travel Humidors * Vapes * Juice * Cigar Accessories * Bongs * Lighters & Ash Trays * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * Juuls * CBD Infused Products Buy your Cigars by the Box & Save! Plus our “Golfers’ Special” 15 Handmade Cigars - Churchill Size including a Cohiba! Only $43.95 SPECIAL OF THE MONTH Montecristo Sampler 5 Toro size cigars Plus a matching ash tray Regular Price $75 Special Price $49.95 Daily Special Cigars priced with a green label buy 2 cigars get the green label cigar - FREE STORE HOURS 8 AM - 8 PM Mon. - Sat., Sun. 8 AM - 6 PM of “What will GBL Fall Sports look like” have been held at various school and city levels, including this week, but a fi nal decision has yet to be reached, Conefrey said Wednesday. The main point of contention is whether or not GBL schools will compete in games, in any individual sports, this traditional fall season, or would fall sports all be pushed to the “Fall 2” season designation. A major part of the conversation is the recent color-coded system released by the office of Governor Charlie Baker which has rated individual communities according to the rate of COVID-19 transmission and the risk level existing in that community. “Red” is the “highest risk” for a community, meaning there are more than 8 COVID-19 cases reported per 100,000 residents. “Yellow” is “moderate risk” with 4-8 cases per 100,000 and “Green” is “lower risk” or under four cases per 100,000 residents. Unshaded are fi ve or fewer total active COVID-19 cases. According to Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)–adopted guidelines, in conjunction with state guidance, cities and towns coded “Red” are not allowed to participate in high school athletics. As of Wednesday, the latest report issued by the Executive Offi ce of Environmental Aff airs (EEA), three of the six GBL communities – Chelsea, Everett and Revere – were three of the eight statewide listed in the “Red” category. The other three – Malden, Medford and Somerville – were designated “Yellow.” At the School Committee meeting, Conefrey acknowledged that this was a year like no other, in which an entire season, spring sports, this year was canceled outright due to COVID-19. “This is not going to be like any athletic year we have ever seen before,” said Conefrey, who is beginning his fi fth year as Director of Athletics. “We are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with our student-athletes, and we really hope it changes for the better. “But we are not going to make any decision, not one move, unless it is fully and completely in the best interests, safety and physical and emotional health of our students, coaches, staff and their families,” said Conefrey. By the directive of the MIAA Board of Directors, the high school athletic calendar on August 14 was changed to provide for four sports seasons, as opposed to the traditional three: fall, winter and spring. The MIAA Board accepted recommendations of its Sports Medicine Committee and other committees before voting in favor of the four-season plan. Coincidentally, Conefrey just began his fi rst year as a member of the MIAA Board of Directors in July. He is also District G Chairman with the MIAA. Also on the MIAA Board is Malden High School House Principal Stephanie Sibley, who formerly served as a Board member when she was an administrator in the Boston Public Schools. As for fall sports, football has already been moved to the Fall 2 season. At this time, the GBL athletics directors and princiSPORTS | SEE PAGE 14
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