Masks are no longer mandatory for Arizona's high school athletes.
The AIA announced Tuesday that it is removing the mask mandate for the winter and spring sports seasons, citing "improving COVID-19 metrics" throughout the state.
An earlier AIA ruling had made masks mandatory for all athletes, even while playing. Tuesday's ruling means athletes can play mask-free, though bench players, coaches, officials and fans are still required to wear face coverings.
All other COVID-19-related regulations remain in place, the AIA said.
Photos: Catalina Foothills defeats Salpointe Catholic, boys high school basketball
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catalina Foothills Carson Peabody (5) breaks up Salpointe Catholic Tommy Irish's (0) behind the back pass during the second period of Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catalina Foothills's Trace Comeau (3) and fellow teammate Ben Pickney (32) jump over Salpointe Catholic's Nico Castaneda (24) and fellow teammate Brady Ramon (23) for a defensive rebound during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catalina Foothills Carson Furrier (23) celebrates with the Catalina Foothills bench during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catalina Foothills Will Menaugh (33) blocks Salpointe Catholic's Brett Rosenblatt's (2) shot during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Salpointe Catholic's Nico Castaneda (24) shots the ball over Catalina Foothills Dylan Hadley (21) during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Salpointe Catholic's Nico Castaneda (24) shoots a three-pointer over Catatlina Foothills Ben Pickney (32) during the second period of Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Salpointe Catholic's Tommy Irish (0) celebrates a three point shot during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catatlina Foothills Cody Blumenthal (12) shoots a layup in front of Salpointe Catholic's Julian Riesgo (1) during Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Catalina Foothills Dylan Hadley (21) shots a three-pointer during the third period of Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
Boys High School Basketball: Salpointe Catholic vs. Catalina Foothills
Updated
Family members socially distance themselves throughout the stands while Catalina Foothills and Salpointe Catholic varisty boys high school basketball teams warm up prior to Catalina Foothills 50-45 win against Salpointe Catholic at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz. on March 1, 2021.
