The Staples High School football team and community members is calling for support so students across Westport and the rest of Connecticut can get on the field this coming fall.

A petition was launched days after the Department of Public Health recommended that sports like football and volleyball be pushed back to the spring or canceled - and CIAC paused its fall sports plan.

Westport fans are rallying around their players, saying that coronavirus cases have remained low and that proper guidelines are already in place for student athletes eager to get back on the field.

The athletic director at Staples High School explained to News 12 that coaches and students have all the necessary PPE to train safely and efficiently. He says the students are already burdened by a shortened season with some sports ending late October.

The petition also draws attention to the safety measures in place at Staples High School, pointing out that all players have temperature checks and health questionnaires to fill out and that all athletes are required to wear masks when entering and exiting the stadium.

CIAC and the Department of Public Health are expected to meet once again to discuss fall sports recommendations.