The Stark County High School Bowling Conference announced Wednesday that it will return to interaction between teams during matches for the 2021-22 season.
During COVID in the 2020-21 season, teams bowled on their own pair of lanes during matches with opposing schools.
During the preseason coaches meeting (attended by 23 of the 26 members), coaches agreed to continue the practice pending school district changes.
Last week, most area school districts agreed to lift mask mandates. Following this decision, the conference’s three commissioners agreed to have coaches vote again on how to handle matches this season.
“I am pleased to announce that this upcoming bowling season the majority of the coaches have voted to go back to interaction during matches, with masks being optional,” tri-commissioner Kim Heaton wrote in an email, adding teams should follow school guidelines.
“Coaches, if you feel that you do not want your school to interact with the opposing team, feel free to respond,” Heaton added in the email. “I will put a list together of what schools will not be participating and send it out soon.”
Despite the change, the conference’s Kickoff Classic, set for Nov. 20 at Park Centre Lanes, will not allow fans, as had been announced previously. The tournament has a full field of 18 boys and 18 girls teams.