MIAA to Revisit Decision to Drop Boys Gymnastics

The Attleboro High School boys gymnastics team may have a chance at another official season. 

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) recently voted 7-2 to reconsider its decision to drop boys' gymnastics as an official high school sport, according to a report in the Boston.com High School Sports Blog. 

Citing low participation numbers, the MIAA voted Jan. 16 to end sanctioned competition for the seven boys gymnastics teams in the state.

The seven schools with boys gymnastics teams include: Newton North, Newton South, Braintree, Burlington, Lowell, Attleboro and Andover. 

Richard Ellis, coach of the Braintree High School boys gymnastics team, and Braintree Athletic Director Michael Denise, presented evidence in support of the sport to the MIAA Executive Board.

In an email to Braintree Patch, Ellis said both "gave compelling reasons to secure the recognition in the Commonwealth." 

If the Jan. 16 vote stands, there will be no MIAA-sanctioned boys' gymnastics competition or state championship next year, Boston.com reported, and the seven schools could only offer boys' gymnastics as a club sport. 

According to Boston.com, the MIAA is scheduled to take up the boys' gymnastics discussion at its June 6 meeting.