Boys and girls high school sports in Connecticut have been given the green light to begin practicing Tuesday.

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference announced its decision Thursday.

The plan is for girls and boys basketball, boys ice hockey, girls gymnastics, and boys swimming to return for a 12-game season. There will also be a postseason, but it will only be at the league level and will not include state championship tournaments.

Boys and girls indoor track teams will be limited to practice with indoor and outdoor meets.

Wrestling, competitive dance and competitive cheer will be very limited to small group conditioning.

"It really allows between Jan. 19 and March 28 the ability to provide what you see as the most appropriate experience, and CIAC stands ready to support our member schools and whatever that experience is to make it a good one for our kids," says CIAC Executive Director Glenn Lungarini.

Peter Corbett, who runs In Sports in Trumbull, says young athletes have been limited to groups of four or less but the CIAC decision could pave the way for groups of 25. Corbett says it will all depend on a decision by the governor and the state Department of Health.

"Both emotionally, psychologically and physically it is something very good for these kids," says Corbett.

The CIAC says all athletes and coaches must wear masks. Officials say schedules could change depending on COVID cases.

The CIAC says all athletes and coaches must wear masks.