ROCHESTER — With the safety of its student athletes, coaches and officials in mind, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School announced on Sept. 2 that it will be moving its fall sports season to a floating season in between winter and spring sports.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association recently gave sport conferences through the state the option of moving the season to a fourth season that would last from February 22 until April 25. 

“The alternative is a fall season with the potential for shutdown, modified rules, and limited attendance for spectators (if any) at athletic events,” Old Colony Athletic Director Matthew Trahan said in an announcement on the school’s website. “In short, we believe that our student-athletes deserve more.”

Trahan is working with other athletic directors from the Mayflower Athletic Conference, the league that Old Colony plays in, to work out a comprehensive plan for the transition from the typical fall season to the floating season 

Before a move to a floating season can happen, Trahan said, the school still needs to discuss the many variables in making the in-between season a reality. 

The goal, he said, is to make sure there is consistency in the season amongst those in the conference and amongst other vocational schools of similar size.

“Old Colony will continue to work tirelessly to provide a realistic and safe athletic experience for all participants and remains committed to releasing updated information as details become available,” Trahan said.