Court injunction postpones release of MIAA playoff brackets

Tuesday's scheduled release of the MIAA state tournament brackets for field hockey and girls volleyball has been delayed by at least a day due to a court injunction prompted by the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District.

Masslive.com reported that the injunction "is the result of an agreement made between the MIAA and the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Association after several PVIAC schools did not input their schedules correctly. Schools were required to have full schedules — including 'TBA' (to be announced) games for the Western Mass. Tournament — on their schedule by Sept. 13."

Minutes before the girls volleyball brackets were scheduled to be announced on Tuesday morning, the MIAA issued the following statement:

"It is always our intent to communicate and post state tournament brackets in a timely manner. We are writing to inform you that the 11:00 a.m. (Field Hockey) and the 1:00 p.m. (Volleyball) scheduled release of state tournament brackets will be delayed.

"Yesterday afternoon (October 28, 2024), the MIAA received notice of a court injunction submitted by the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District and individual student plaintiffs.

"The order was issued without the ability for the MIAA to be heard. As a result, we requested and were granted the opportunity to be heard by the judge.

"The order, as currently written, will have ramifications on the seeding process and the clear and accurate release of the state tournament brackets, affecting the seeds for multiple teams across multiple divisions in both sports. We have continually stated that we will advocate on behalf of the whole and not the one.

"On numerous occasions, said school district admitted to failing to comply with MIAA protocols. It is wrong that these potential ramifications would have an adverse effect on the vast majority of member schools across the state that did follow the prescribed process. That is why we are seeking further resolution on this matter.

"Rest assured brackets will be released once this matter has been resolved. Our goal is to release the Field Hockey and Volleyball brackets Wednesday (October 30). We will provide you with an update Wednesday morning. The integrity, clarity, and accuracy of our brackets must take priority at this time."