IGHSAU Puts Out Return To Competition Guidelines

 
DES MOINES — The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union recently released their return to competition guidelines for schools to follow this fall as the world deals with the global Co-Vid 19 pandemic.
It is the responsibility of the home team to provide
proper administrative supervision (not the coach) at contests to assure compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Governor’s office, the Department of Education, the Department of Public Health, the Iowa High School Athletic Association
and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.
Return to Learn & Competition
All schools, regardless of district/school Return to Learn plans, will be eligible to participate in IHSAA and IGHSAU sports programs. The decision
regarding whether or not to allow teams to participate rests solely with local school districts.
Schools deciding to not participate in a sport should send written notice from its Superintendent
or designated school official to IHSAA Executive
Director Tom Keating/IGHSAU Executive Director Jean Berger by August 17th.
Eligibility for Students in Districts That Do Not Offer One or More Fall Sports
Two options exist:
The District not offering the sport may develop a cooperative sharing agreement with a district that does offer the sport. This may jeopardize the host school’s post-season eligibility if the combined
enrollment moves the host school to the next enrollment class. As per 36.15(4)(b)
Students in a district not offering the sport may open enroll to another district and would be immediately
eligible to participate in that sport. In such a situation, students who open enroll would be ineligible for varsity competition in all sports which their home district offers. As per 36.15(4)(a) All students are eligible for fall sports. Regardless
of the Return to Learn plan implemented,
all students must be enrolled in at least four courses to be eligible.
Return to Learn and Concussion Protocol
The Department of Education, Iowa Department of Health and IATS will clarify how Return to Play (RTP) protocols relate to each of the three Return to Learn options schools may implement. The general guideline is that a day of school is a day of school, regardless of how instruction is delivered.
Possible/Positive COVID-19 Cases
The Iowa Department of Public Health is developing guidance for county health departments and schools regarding
protocols when a student and/or student-athlete reports COVID-19 symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test result or contact with a person with a positive COVID-19 test result. Each school should identify a point of contact for athetes, coaches, and other personnel to report to when he/she experiences COVID-19 symptoms, a positive
COVID-19 test result or contact with a person with a positive COVID-19 test result. This identified person will be responsible to report such situations to local public health. Each school should develop a communication plan to notify relevant persons (players, coaches, spectators)
when contact-tracing indicates the need to.
Health Screening
Schools should implement health screening for practices
and games similar to methods used during baseball
and softball seasons. Self-screening and reporting to the school representative (AD/Coach/Trainer, etc.) is permissible.
Any individual reporting symptoms and/or a temperature of 100.4F or higher should be isolated until they can safely transport home.
Social Distancing
The overarching safety principal in all areas of athletic activities (meetings, practices, travel, instruction, drills, benches, spectators, locker rooms, training rooms, concessions, restrooms, etc.) is that individuals should maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
Hand Sanitizing
Student-athletes should be encouraged to frequently sanitize their hands before, during and after practice and competition. Non-touch hand sanitizers may be used. Student-athletes should have their own personal hand sanitizer. Individuals should especially sanitize before touching “common” equipment or other items.
Water
Each individual student-athlete should have their own water container.
If a hydration station (e.g. cooler) is provided, individuals must sanitize their hands prior to using the hydration station.
An alternative practice is to assign one person to fill water bottles and that person should wear a mask and protective gloves.
Host schools may provide a water source for visitors but visitors should bring their own hydration station (cooler).
Spectators
Schools should implement spectator protocols by following
CDC and local department of health guidelines regarding size of gatherings and social distancing.
Spectators should use 6 feet social distancing. Families may sit/stand together but should social distance from others. Frequent reminders should be made via public address.
Just as businesses may require customers to wear masks, schools may require spectators to wear masks.
Press Box/Scorer’s Bench
These areas should be limited to:
Essential personnel - Scorekeeper, scoreboard operator, announcer
Home and Visitor Coaching staffs (football)
Media (as per guidelines below)
Individuals in the press box and/or at scorer’s table should practice 6 feet social distancing.
Media
Schools should communicate with media regarding protocols
for practices and games. It is recommended that:
Space be provided for media game coverage that takes into consideration: 6 feet of social distancing Priority given to: 1) home team coverage; 2) visiting team coverage;
3) other coverage Procedure be established regarding
interview requests prior to/after practices and games, including Identifying an area where interviews will be conducted. Establishing a required advanced notice
timeframe.
Concession Stands
If concession stands are open, patrons should practice 6 feet of social distancing.