AIA changes policy, allows parents to attend away high school games

PHOENIX — Up to two parents will now be able to attend their children’s away high school sporting events after the Arizona Interscholastic Association announced a change in policy on Thursday.

The board that governs high school sports in the state reversed a rule restricting parents to only their children’s home games, citing improving COVID-19 metrics.

The rule was originally put in place to reduce the spread of the virus after the executive board voted Jan. 12 to reinstate winter sports, with Executive Director David Hines saying, “We all want winter sports to happen, but it must be done safely.”

Parents disagreed with the decision and started a petition to reverse the rule, saying there is plenty of room to allow both teams’ parents to attend and distance in both bleachers and gymnasiums. As of Thursday, the petition had over 3,800 signatures of the 4,000 goal.

Another point of concern for parents was children being injured during the game while parents watched online, adding parents should be in attendance in the case of unforeseen injuries.

AIA in a statement to KTAR News 92.3 FM last week said it would not comment on the matter and the modifications in place would not be changing.

The organization says it is still up to the discretion of the home school whether spectators are allowed.

Schools can begin to allow visiting fans starting on Monday, while masks and social distancing requirements must be maintained.

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