Athletic director details field repairs, fence work and MIAA rule changes

Athletic Director Robert told the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee on June 10 that several athletic fields need substantial repairs and that the district is planning fencing, dugout and topsoiling projects to improve safety and equity for student-athletes.

Robert described the softball infield as largely dirt and in poor condition, and said parts of the complex lack sufficient irrigation pressure, limiting what can be accomplished quickly. He said the district has purchased new soccer and field-hockey goals with pandemic-era savings and is exploring temporary solutions for storage (rental pods) while longer-term facilities work is planned. Committee members and Robert discussed the potential use of town fields and coordinating schedules with local parks and recreation programs.

The presentation reviewed fall/winter/spring scheduling changes and co-op arrangements (boys hockey with Bellingham, girls hockey with Auburn, swim with Grafton). Robert also highlighted MIAA rule changes, including a new trainer requirement for football home and away varsity games and a change that reduces the penalty for a bonafide violation from 25% of the season to one game on first offense. He estimated an approximate $15,000 startup cost to introduce a boys field-hockey V7 program but cautioned that field availability and ongoing costs would need further study.

Committee members asked about contractor estimates and fencing price volatility; Robert said quotes had been slow to arrive and prices were fluctuating. The district plans to prioritize projects, seek updated estimates and coordinate with towns on shared field maintenance. No formal spending approvals were taken at the meeting; the committee thanked the athletic staff for getting sports back to a more normal schedule after COVID disruptions.

The athletic director said he would return with more refined cost estimates and timelines for installation and repairs.