Under new guidelines, Coupeville cross country runners like Cristina McGrath may be allowed to compete this season without masks. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
At least one Coupeville High School sports program could go largely mask-less when it returns to play.
After a new ruling Tuesday by the Washington State Department of Health and Governor Jay Inslee’s office, cross country has been given leeway not afforded most other sports.
Under the change, harriers will be allowed to drop their masks once a race begins.
Runners will still have to wear masks prior to the beginning of each race, and once they finish their running.
Instead of having runners bunched up at the beginning, as in pre-COVID times, cross country races will feature staggered starts.
Cross country and gymnastics, which Coupeville doesn’t compete in, are the only sports currently allowed to compete without masks.
Under current Northwest 2B/1B League plans, cross country and other traditional fall sports will run from March 29 to May 8.
Spring sports (baseball, track, softball, girls tennis) are supposed to signal a return to play, running Feb. 22 to April 3, with winter sports going May 3 to June 12.
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