In historic first, RIIL to offer middle school sports opportunities beginning in the Fall of 2024
February 7, 2024
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League is pleased to announce that, starting this fall, the RIIL will be offering school-based sports opportunities to middle schools that voluntarily wish to become RIIL member schools. This marks the first time in RIIL history that the league will offer middle school sports.
“I am thrilled to announce a significant development in our organization that will undoubtedly enhance the overall educational experience for middle school students in Rhode Island,” said RIIL Executive Director Michael P. Lunney. “This decision stems from discussions over the past few years between the current provider of Middle School sports (RIPCOA) and the RIIL. RIPCOA has made the decision to stop their offerings at the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year. I want to personally thank and commend everyone involved with RIPCOA, especially Executive Director Patti Aull, for her leadership and commitment to providing outstanding middle school sports in Rhode Island for so many years.”
Educational school-based athletics provide student-athletes with the opportunity to engage in healthy competition, develop valuable life skills and build camaraderie with their peers. Middle School sports serve as an avenue for physical activity, a platform for personal growth and the reinforcement of essential values such as teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance.
“We believe that by extending our sports programs to the middle school level, we can contribute to the holistic development of students, both academically and athletically,” Lunney said. “The inclusion of middle school sports also aligns with our mission to create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages participation, diversity and the pursuit of excellence.”
The Rhode Island Interscholastic League is a voluntary organization of principals who pledge their schools and participants to follow the Rules and Regulations of the League. The RIIL is governed by the Principals’ Committee on Athletics.
At its January meeting, the PCOA unanimously approved the appointment of Patricia Aull to the PCOA Board. The PCOA also unanimously approved the appointment of Ted Quigley as Middle School Sport Director.
As part of its extensive planning and preparation for the 2024-25 school year, the RIIL has invited all Rhode Island middle school administrators to participate in an online survey. This input will be instrumental in shaping the Middle School sports program to meet the unique needs of the middle school community.
In addition, the RIIL will host an Open House informational meeting at the RIIL Office on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 4 p.m. This meeting will provide an opportunity for middle school administrators to learn more about the RIIL Middle School sports initiative, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions with our team.
At its January meeting, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics, which serves as the governing body of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, unanimously approved the appointment of Patricia Aull to the PCOA Board. The PCOA also unanimously approved the appointment of Ted Quigley as Middle School Sport Director.
