WVSSAC Releases Detailed List of Guidelines for Use by Schools to "Re-Start" Summer-Based Athletics
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 29, 2020 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
FROM THE WVSSAC
This afternoon, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) released guidelines for county school systems to use in the “re-start” of school-based, summer athletics.
The guidelines were developed in partnership with the Governor’s office, the West Virginia Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Resources, and the National Federation of High Schools. Guidelines were developed for both a “non-sport specific” period that will focus on strength and conditioning as well as the “three week period” in which sport specific activities may take place.
WVSSAC Executive Director Bernie Dolan released the following statement: “Over the last several weeks, the WVSSAC staff has been working diligently to develop guidelines for the “re-start” of school based, summer athletics. We understand the important role that athletics play in the lives of our student athletes, coaches, parents, and communities. The guidelines were developed with one major focus – to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our student athletes and school staffs to the greatest extent possible given the most current information we have at this time regarding COVID-19.”
“Things will look differently than they usually do during the summer,” Dolan said. “And while the limitations and restrictions may not be optimal, they at least give our student athletes and coaches an opportunity to come together and begin to reconnect and rebuild relationships in the safest way possible during this challenging time.”
Dolan stated that the summer period is strictly voluntary and that each county board of education has the ultimate authority to determine if schools will even participate.
The guidelines call for a two phase strength and conditioning period that can start beginning June 8. Additional guidelines are included for the three week period which starts for many counties on July 6. Specific information can be found in the enclosed document that was sent to all county superintendents and principals.
The final decision to open up school facilities will be up to each county board of education. All activities are voluntary. This document is intended to be used only in the event that a county decides to allow student athletes to participate.
The final decision to open up school facilities will be up to each county board of education. All activities are voluntary. This document is intended to be used only in the event that a county decides to allow student athletes to participate.
Phases I and II– Conditioning, Strength Training, and Agility
Phases I and II should consist of a four week time period prior to the start of the direct contact “three week period” that is established by each county board of education. During the four weeks, student athletes will have the opportunity to participate in “non -sport specific” activities in order to improve conditioning, strength, and agility. The four week period is to be broken down into two parts, with specific guidelines and recommendations implemented for each part. School and county administrators will need to determine if this will be an option on their school campuses. If so, school administrators will need to ensure that adequate staff are present during this time so that all safety precautions are met.
Phase I - Weeks 1-2 of Conditioning, Strength Training, and Agility: (Recommended Dates – June 8-19)
- Students and/or adults who have symptoms or feel sick must stay home.
- Use of outdoor facilities only
- Student groups or “pods” of 10 or less need to be assigned and names recorded. Record names of students in each pod.
- Students stay in their “pod” for the duration of Phases I and II
- All students and adults should maintain proper social distancing (6 feet).
- Face masks/coverings are recommended when appropriate and should be worn at all times (by both students and adults) except when participating in high intensity aerobic activity.
- Activities are to be limited to conditioning, strength training, and agility. No sport specific activities or equipment allowed.
- Limit of one hour of activities per day per group or “pod”
- Students should bring their own water bottle. No sharing of water bottles allowed.
- Disinfectants and hand sanitizers should be available on site.
- Any non- sport specific equipment used should be disinfected after each individual use
- If a person shows signs and symptoms of COVID 19, anyone who has had contact with that person must quarantine for 14 days.
Phase II -Weeks 3-4 of Conditioning, Strength Training, and Agility: (Recommended Date –June 22-July 3)
- Students and/or adults who have symptoms or feel sick must stay home.
- Use of outdoor or indoor facilities
- Student groups or “pods” of 10 or less, but up to 25 students allowed in designated areas. Record names of students in each pod.
- Students stay in their “pod” for the duration of Phases I and II
- All participants and adults should maintain proper social distancing
- Face masks/coverings are recommended when appropriate and should be worn at all times (by both students and adults) except when participating in high intensity aerobic activity.
- Activities are to be limited to conditioning, strength training, and agility. No sport specific activities or equipment allowed.
- Limit of two hours of activities per day per group or “pod”
- Students should bring own water bottles. No sharing of water bottles or other personal items allowed
- Disinfectants and hand sanitizers should be available on site.
- Students and adults should practice frequent hand washing when in contact with others or with equipment (jump ropes, weights, etc.)
- Any non- sport specific equipment used should be disinfected after each individual use
- If a person shows signs and symptoms of COVID 19, anyone who has had contact with that person must quarantine for 14 days.
- To the greatest extent possible, any indoor activities that can be performed outdoors should be scheduled outdoors
Phase III– County Established Three Week Period (Direct Contact between Coaches and Athletes)
- Students and/or adults who have symptoms or feel sick must stay home.
- Face masks/coverings are recommended and should be worn at all times (by both students and adults) except when participating in high intensity aerobic activity.
- Disinfectants and hand sanitizers should be available on site.
- Students and adults should practice frequent hand washing when in contact with others or with equipment (jump ropes, weights, etc.)
- All participants and adults should maintain proper social distancing unless in competition.
- Students should bring own water bottles. No sharing of water bottles or other personal items allowed
- Use of outdoor or indoor facilities
- All activities are limited to students in your school; no interschool activities
- Student groups or “pods” of 10 or less (unless in intrasquad competition) but up to 50 students allowed in designated areas. Record names of students in each pod.
- Limit of three hours of activities per day per group or “pod”
- All sport specific equipment used should be disinfected after each individual use
- If a person shows signs and symptoms of COVID 19, anyone who has had contact with that person must quarantine for 14 days.
- To the greatest extent possible, any indoor activities that can be performed outdoors should be scheduled outdoors
- Low and moderate risk sports (as identified by the National Federation of High Schools) will be permitted to participate
- High Risk sports of Football, Competitive Cheer, and Wrestling
- Football
- More emphasis on individual position group drills
- No drills are permitted that have body to body contact (Air only)
- No handheld shields may be used
- No equipment (i.e. helmets, shoulder pads, etc.) permitted
- Groups must be less than 25 participants
- Competitive Cheer
- Cheerleaders may not practice/perform partner stunts or building
- Tumbling, sideline, chants, jumps, and dances without contact are permitted
- No outside assistance or choreographers may be used
- Wrestling
- Individual drills only
- No drills are permitted that have body to body contact
Other Information
- No FLEX days are to be approved or used during this time
- Please refer to attached documents for proper procedures for sanitizing/disinfecting
