It was a confusing afternoon for coaches, players and parents across New Mexico. “The big thing is I don’t want it to distract them from the task at hand, which is our first match. So they’re upset that they have to go back to a mask,” said Nick Madrid Highland High School’s Boys’ soccer coach. Madrid got news that his players would have to wear a mask one hour before game time. “I received word from my athletic director and he received the word from the NMAA, New Mexico Activities Association, who I assume probably worked with the PED on this one,” Madrid said.The new requirement according to the PED toolkit stated that those who participate in all outdoor sports would need to wear a mask moving forward. “It’s ridiculous. And I feel bad for the kids. They’re going to have dehydration, fatigue, and I don’t think it’s safe,” said Stephanie Davis, a parent of a soccer player. But around 5 p.m. while many were playing outdoor sports with masks, the PED changed its guidance. “It will continue to be mask wearing for all indoors. And that was what we’ve had all along this whole time. And for outdoor sports, no matter the color of the county, it would be recommended that there would be mass wearing,” said Sally Marquez the executive director of the New Mexico Activities Association. Marquez said her organization will continue to follow the guidance PED puts forward when it comes to sports. “What I need to do is focus in on the fact that our kids are participating. Our outdoor sports now are in line with CDC guidance as far as mask recommended. And we will hopefully be able to finish the season,” Marquez said.We reached out to the PED to try and figure out why the changes were made in the middle of the day. We have not heard back.
It was a confusing afternoon for coaches, players and parents across New Mexico.
“The big thing is I don’t want it to distract them from the task at hand, which is our first match. So they’re upset that they have to go back to a mask,” said Nick Madrid Highland High School’s Boys’ soccer coach.
Madrid got news that his players would have to wear a mask one hour before game time.
“I received word from my athletic director and he received the word from the NMAA, New Mexico Activities Association, who I assume probably worked with the PED on this one,” Madrid said.
The new requirement according to the PED toolkit stated that those who participate in all outdoor sports would need to wear a mask moving forward.
“It’s ridiculous. And I feel bad for the kids. They’re going to have dehydration, fatigue, and I don’t think it’s safe,” said Stephanie Davis, a parent of a soccer player.
But around 5 p.m. while many were playing outdoor sports with masks, the PED changed its guidance.
“It will continue to be mask wearing for all indoors. And that was what we’ve had all along this whole time. And for outdoor sports, no matter the color of the county, it would be recommended that there would be mass wearing,” said Sally Marquez the executive director of the New Mexico Activities Association.
Marquez said her organization will continue to follow the guidance PED puts forward when it comes to sports.
“What I need to do is focus in on the fact that our kids are participating. Our outdoor sports now are in line with CDC guidance as far as mask recommended. And we will hopefully be able to finish the season,” Marquez said.
We reached out to the PED to try and figure out why the changes were made in the middle of the day.
We have not heard back.