Norwell Sports in a COVID Year

This year, one of the biggest uncertainties of our school year has undoubtedly been about sports-- which sports would be moved, which would be modified, and which would take place at all. The Fall season seemed to be off to a rather promising start until it was unfortunately cut short in early November. Despite that bump in the road, the Winter season is set to commence soon.

Several sports in the Winter season have been pushed off to the Fall II season, or have been cancelled altogether. This year, our Winter sports will include basketball, ice hockey, swim, and gymnastics. These sports do not come without their changes, though.

Spectators, among other things, are being limited (if allowed at all) across all sports. Swim and basketball, as of right now, do not seem to be accommodating spectators. Hockey’s fan space is still up in the air, and might be on a rink-by-rink basis; however, they are looking into live stream options should spectators be limited or prohibited. And gymnastics, as it is a combined team of Norwell and Cohasset gymnasts, will be determined by Cohasset as they host the team’s home meets.

Aside from spectators, each program is further making specific modifications to ensure that state regulations are followed. Swim meets are completely virtual, with no face to face competition between teams. Basketball is replacing the game-initiating jump ball with a throw in, and on-court huddles are prohibited. Any more than two opposing players in a hockey scrum will result in an immediate stoppage of play, and bench space must be extended throughout the rink to allow for social distancing. Gymnasts must come prepared with their own chalk rather than using a shared bucket or tray, and JV routines will not be happening this year. These differences are just the surface of changes that Winter sports must accommodate. While the new regulations are unideal, they at least mean that our athletes will get a chance to play their sports, especially our seniors, who prepare for their final games and meets as Clippers.

As the season begins, the league will need to keep an eye on COVID cases throughout the state, as well as on a more local level. Massachusetts is reporting thousands of new cases each day. The school has been doing its best to remain open, and have cancellations and closures be a last resort. However, should the prevalence of cases creep closer to home, the state of the school and its sports may have to be reconsidered. For now, all we can do is stay positive and do our best to keep the community safe and healthy.