INDIANAPOLIS – The National Federation of State High School Assocations released a 16-page document on Tuesday that lays out three phases for the return of high school sports.
Phase 1 limits gathering to 10 people or less at a time, both indoors and outdoors. Locker rooms would not be used, and student-athletes would immediately return home after workouts. It recommends that students would workout in “pods” of the same 5-10 students.
Phase 2 would require screening of all coaches and students prior to workouts, including temperature checks. Gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited indoors. Outdoors workouts would allow a maximum of 50 people.
Phase 3 requires records of all who are involved in workouts, and gatherings both indoor and outdoor are limited to 50 people.
In the document, the NFHS categorizes each sport into risks. Higher risk sports include wrestling, football, lacrosse, cheer and dance. Moderate risk sports include basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball and soccer. Low risk sports include individual running events and throwing, golf, and swimming.
No spectators or vendors would be allowed “until state/local health departments lift restrictions on mass gatherings.” Essential people such as athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff and security would be allowed, as well as some members of the media.
For more information and to read the entire document on the guidelines, click here.