NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez

NMAA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — After the announcement from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Tuesday that every school district in the state will be able to welcome all ages of students safely back to the classroom Feb. 8, the Public Education Department has informed the New Mexico Activities Association that interscholastic athletics/activities can begin Feb. 22.

The start date is contingent on the expansion of in-person learning, which will be monitored for two weeks by both the PED and Department of Health beginning Feb. 8. If it is determined that the expansion is not leading to significant increases in the spread of COVID-19, the NMAA may begin sports/activities Feb. 22. 

“The NMAA is extremely excited about the return of athletics and activities and the opportunity for our students to compete,” NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez said. “We are very thankful for the hard work and consideration of the Governor’s Office, Department of Health and the Public Education Department.”

The NMAA has put together a tentative calendar of sports based on the Feb. 22 start date that will be considered for approval by its Board of Directors Jan. 27. The proposed calendar will allow for all sports seasons to be played this semester. 

More details pertaining to the calendar and each sports season will be made available after the NMAA Board of Directors’ Emergency Meeting that is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday. 

Marquez also created an informational video that answers several questions regarding this announcement. This Q & A can be accessed here: Executive Director Q & A 

For more information pertaining to this release, contact NMAA Associate Director Dusty Young at 505.977.5385.