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Return to Play GuidelinesSchool Sponsored High School Athletics(These guidelines apply to all school sponsored and co-sponsored school athletics)Introduction and Purpose During the 2020-21 school year, Bellingham Public Schools plans on providing activities and athletic experiences to our students within the district and state guidelines to keep our students and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.? As a district we recognize the importance of high school athletics and activities in developing the physical, social and emotional growth of our students through participation in athletics.? Our plan for return to play began on September 28 and allows coaches to work with student athletes. Initially, we started in a 100% remote/online environment and then moved to in-person outside training/conditioning and skill development through January or two days prior to the start of Season 1. ?The ASB fee for students participating in athletics this year has been waived and therefore will not be a requirement for any participation during the 20-21 school year.??? Updates will be communicated through school websites and FinalForms.? The following is a summary of guidelines for school-based activities issued by the Washington State Department of Health on January 5 with further details added to the governor's website on January 11. Please note that this document is intended to highlight key policies and add clarity to the Department of Health policies; it does not reflect WIAA policies. The full language issued on the governor’s website can be accessed here.The governor’s office has declared school districts and organizations must follow these guidelines for athletics, unlike the recommendations issued in the Decision-Making Tree for schools to return to in-person learning. It is important to note that interscholastic competition may not begin for several sports until Phase 2 of the governor’s Sporting Activities COVID-19 Requirements.? Details for when each Season I sport can begin competitions are described in the sport specific guidance below.? This report includes sports specific guidance for Seasons 1 and 2. Guidelines for Season 3 sports are being finalized and will be communicated when complete. Additional updates, information and sports specific guidelines will be communicated through school websites and FinalForms.??? Department of Health: RegionsThe plan separates the state’s counties into eight regions based mostly on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regions used for evaluating healthcare services. The eight regions are as follows:CENTRAL: King, Pierce, SnohomishEAST: Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, WhitmanNORTH: Island, San Juan, Skagit, WhatcomNORTH CENTRAL: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, OkanoganNORTHWEST: Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, MasonSOUTH CENTRAL: Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla, YakimaSOUTHWEST: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, WahkiakumWEST: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Thurston1007744209177Department of Health: MetricsThe previous guidelines for participation in athletics and activities were tied to county metrics of cases per 100,000 population. Movement between phases in the “Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery” Plan will be tied to four new metrics.Metrics for each region will be updated every Friday with an effective date of the following Monday. To date, the Department of Health has published a weekly “Roadmap to Recovery Report” on Fridays which have been posted under the “reports” section of its COVID-19 page. To move forward from Phase 1 to Phase 2, regions must meet all four metrics:Decreasing trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population (decrease >10%)Decreasing trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population (decrease >10%)ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%To remain in Phase 2, regions must meet at least 3 metrics:Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K populationDecreasing or flat trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K populationICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%.Sports Season Specific Guidance Season 1: February 1 to March 20 Season 1: February 8 to March 20Cheer – SidelineCross CountryDance Girls SwimFootballGirls SoccerSlowpitch SoftballVolleyball Season 2: March 22 to May 7BaseballBoys & Girls GolfBoys & Girls Track and FieldBoys SoccerCheer – SidelineDanceFastpitch SoftballGirls TennisLacrosse (April 26-May 29)SailingUnified SoccerSeason 3: May 9 to June 20Boys & Girls BasketballBoys & Girls Wrestling Boys SwimBoys TennisCheer – SidelineDanceGirls BowlingGymnasticsUnified BasketballThe following pages provide sports specific guidance for individual sports by season. Below is a color key which corresponds to the risk level of each sport shown.Sports Risk Level Color KeyLow RiskModerate RiskHigh RiskSeason 1 CHEER - SIDELINEPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedNo spectatorsFull practice allowedVenues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person4 pods of 6 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at BHS and SQHS4 pods of 5 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at SHS Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone No stunting allowedFull practice allowedIndoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coachesPractices can be moved to the mat room, commons or auxiliary gymPhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.CROSS COUNTRYPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSFull practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)No spectatorsFull practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass list for all spectators requiredConference event parameters and competition schedules are available at the schoolLOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSNot applicableNot applicablePhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.DANCEPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedNo spectatorsFull practice allowedVenues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person4 pods of 6 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at BHS and SQHS4 pods of 5 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at SHS Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone No stunting allowedFull practice allowedIndoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coachesPractices can be moved to the mat room, commons or auxiliary gymPhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.GIRLS SOCCERPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPractice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedNo headers; no slide tacklesDrills shall not include activities that initiate student-to-student contactFull practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass list for all spectators requiredConference event parameters and competition schedules are available atthe school MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSNot applicableNot applicablePhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.GIRLS SWIMPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSNot ApplicableNot ApplicableLOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6. Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone Additional specific guidelines have been established with coaches and athletesVenues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Conference event parameters and competition schedules are available atthe schoolTo comply with the WA ST WATER RECREATION FACILITY REQUIREMENTS: 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.FOOTBALLPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2HIGH RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6.Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone Brief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedHelmets issued and kept by student (no storage at facility for equipment)Drills shall not include activities that initiate student-to-student contactFull practice allowedFull gear issued and kept by student (no storage at facility for gear and equipment)Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass list for all spectators requiredConference event parameters and competition schedules are available atthe schoolHIGH RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSNot applicableNot applicablePhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.SLOWPITCH SOFTBALLPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPractice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass list for all spectators requiredConference event parameters and competition schedules are available atthe schoolMODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSNot ApplicableNot ApplicablePhase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.VOLLEYBALLPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPractice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedFull practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass list for all spectators requiredConference parameters and competition schedules are available at the schoolMODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6Access to indoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coaches Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zoneBrief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedSehome (22 people in main gym) pods to reflect that number no greater than 6 in a pod in main gym and (12 people in auxiliary gym) pods to reflect that number no greater than 6Bellingham (27 people in gym) pods to reflect that number no greater than 6 in a pod in main gymSqualicum (36 people in gym) pods to reflect that number no greater than 6 in a pod in main gym For practice indoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coachesCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Pre-approved pass for all spectators requiredConference parameters and competition schedules are available at the schoolPhase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.Season 2 BASEBALLPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Practice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zoneBrief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedPods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less(including staff and participants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 Reminders:Facial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.BOYS & GIRLS GOLFPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone Brief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permitted Pods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.BOYS & GIRLS TRACK AND FIELDPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including(staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone Brief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permitted Pods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (includingstaff and participants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.BOYS SOCCERPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Practice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zoneBrief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedPods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (includingstaff and participants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.CHEER - SIDELINE PHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedNo spectatorsFull practice allowedVenues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person4 pods of 6 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at BHS and SQHS4 pods of 5 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at SHS Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone No stunting allowedFull practice allowedIndoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coachesPractices can be moved to the mat room, commons or auxiliary gymPhase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.DANCEPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedNo spectatorsFull practice allowedVenues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person4 pods of 6 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at BHS and SQHS4 pods of 5 and 2 coaches allowed in main gym at SHS Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone No stunting allowedFull practice allowedIndoor facilities limited to student athletes and approved coachesPractices can be moved to the mat room, commons or auxiliary gymPhase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.FASTPITCH SOFTBALLPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Practice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zoneBrief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedPods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff andparticipants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.GIRLS TENNISPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)LOW RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zone Brief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permitted Pods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff andparticipants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.UNIFIED SOCCERPHASE 1PHASE 2FACIAL COVERINGS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES FOR BOTH PHASES 1 AND 2MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED OUTDOORSPods of 6Practice and training onlyIntra-team scrimmages allowedPods of 6Full practice allowedCompetitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff and participants)MODERATE RISK, WHEN CONDUCTED INDOORSPods of 6 Occupancy of 500 square feet/person Practice allowed if athletes are limited to groups of 6, with each group separated by a buffer zoneBrief close contact (ex: 3 on 3 drills) is permittedPods of 6Competitions allowed (no tournaments)Venues at 25% capacity or 200 individuals, whichever is less (including staff andparticipants)Phase 1 and Phase 2 RemindersFacial coverings are required for coaches and student athletes at all times.Locker rooms will not be available and students will come dressed in workout gear.All students shall bring their own water bottles (no sharing) and touchless water refill stations are permissible.Each school will have restrooms open for use. One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Athletes will place individual bags in a designated area. All bags will be at least 8 feet apart within the designated space.Additional Return to Play GuidelinesIn accordance with National Federation of High School (NFHS), Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), Bellingham Public Schools and Washington State Health Department, the following guidelines have been implemented to allow student athletes to return to participation for North Region High Schools.Sport Specific Guidelines:Each sport has guidelines sent out by the WIAA and approved/adjusted by Bellingham Public Schools in order to limit the spread of the virus.? Coaches will be expected to follow these sport specific guidelines listed for the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery phases.? The head coach for each sport will be trained by the athletic coordinator on the plan and procedures. ?Additional sport specific expectations/regulations will be communicated by the athletic coordinator to each head coach as applicable.? Facility Cleaning:All student bags/equipment shall be laid out in spaces with 8 feet in a designated space.Adequate cleaning schedules have been created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases.Hand sanitizers will be available at each sport practice location.Appropriate clothing and shoes shall be worn at all times to minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment/surfaces.? Any equipment having holes with exposed foam shall be covered.Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.Pre-Workout Screening:All coaches and students will be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout.Final Forms has integrated our health screening. ()?Responses to screening questions for each person shall be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present. Any person with positive symptoms reported will not be allowed to take part in workouts. A student athlete with positive symptoms will be isolated from the team and a parent/guardian will be contacted to transport the student home. The student will contact their primary care provider or other appropriate health-care professional. Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:There should be no shared athletic equipment (towels, clothing, shoes, or specific equipment) between students. Each student shall have their own handheld item. Exception in some sports as listed in the WIAA guidelines per sport.Suggested, if feasible, to use a different set of balls per day.? Also, wash/sanitize hands before and after use.? See WIAA suggestions for cleaning balls.Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing) and individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout.Individual drills requiring the use of athletic equipment are permissible, but the equipment should be cleaned prior to use by the next individual.Lost and found items should be placed in an individual plastic bag until claimed by the owner.MASKS:MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE DURING ALL ACTIVITY.? Recognizing the benefits of the use of cloth face coverings during conditioning and physical activity, the WIAA, NFHS and DOH recommend the following:State, local or school district guidelines for cloth face coverings should be strictly followed.Cloth face coverings that contact the face and cover the mouth and nose are required for all sports. Football face shields may be attached to the face mask, but cannot be the only covering - a cloth covering must be worn along with the face shield if the face shield is being used. Face coverings are not required for swimmers and divers while in the water during practice and competition.Multi-layer cloth face coverings should be considered acceptable. There is no need to require or recommend “medical grade” masks for athletic activity.Plastic shields covering the entire face (or attached to a helmet) shall not be allowed during contests. Their use increases the risk of unintended injury to the person wearing the shield or teammates.Gaiters are an approved mask for use but they are not preferred.Athletes, coaches, officials and other contest personnel must wear cloth face coverings at all times (artificial noisemakers such as an air horn or a timer system with an alarm can be used to signal in place of a traditional whistle).Hydration:All students shall bring their own water bottle. Water bottles must not be shared.Hydration stations (water cows, water trough, water fountains, etc.) are not to be utilized.A touchless water refill station would be permissible.Bathrooms:Each school will have restrooms open for use. Outdoor sport athletes shall only use the outside accessible restrooms.One athlete at a time is permitted in each restroom. Weight Room:Currently, the weight room will be closed for use. Guidelines are being developed for future use as we proceed to later phases/school opening.? Athletic Trainers:Athletic trainers will be available during sports seasons. Spectators/Games:The Northwest Conference has developed event parameters and schedules for interscholastic competitions.Spectators will not be allowed to watch practice. If you are dropping off or picking up a student athlete, we would ask you not to leave your vehicle. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: Are face coverings required during practices and competition for all sports?A: Yes. Cloth face coverings that contact the face and cover the mouth and nose are required for all sports. Football face shields may be attached to the face mask, but cannot be the only covering - a cloth covering must be worn along with the face shield if the face shield is being used. Face coverings are not required for swimmers and divers while in the water during practice and competition. Q: What constitutes a permissible face covering?A: Per the DOH, cloth masks are recommended. Gaiters are an approved mask for use but they are not preferred. The WIAA does not have recommendations for the exact kind of mask besides a cloth mask. For football, splash guards or facemask guards do not take the place of a mask under the helmet. So players would need to wear a mask or gaiter and can additionally use a splash shield if they wish. Q: Can a school hold practices for traditional indoor sports, outside?A: Yes, if a traditional indoor sport is moved outdoors it would then follow the outdoor guidelines for that sport’s assigned risk level. Ex. If a volleyball team (moderate risk) was to practice outdoors, they would adhere to the moderate risk outdoor policies. Q: Can the traditional format or location of a sport or activity be modified to meet certain guidelines?A: It is highly recommended that schools consult their risk manager if any modifications are being considered. WIAA approval is also required.Q: If a school were to follow the WIAA schedule with traditional fall activities beginning on February 1, can practices held prior to February 1 count toward pre-contest practice requirements?A: Practices held prior to the beginning of a school's season (ie.“Summer 2.0”) may not count toward the pre-contest requirement.Q: Do practices conducted in pods of 6 during Phase 1 count toward pre-contest practice requirements?A: Yes, once the season has begun, practices in either phase would count toward the pre-contest practice requirement. *Football will still need to conduct three non-padded practices before contact can begin, regardless of phase.Q: Are schools able to waive pre-contest practice requirements if seasons overlap?A: If students have participated in a sport prior to the next season and there is overlap between the seasons, up to five practices may still be waived. *Football will still need to conduct three non-padded practices before contact can begin.Q: Can any competitions be played in Phase 1?A: Yes, low risk sports can be played outdoors in Phase 1.Q: What football drills and equipment are acceptable in Phase 1?A: All equipment and drills are permitted, given they are limited to no more than six-person pods and brief close contact. The WIAA encourages schools to work with their risk management departments to determine the acceptable threshold for brief close contact.Q: What is considered “individual training” for high-risk sports conducted indoors?A: A student doing individual training/drills in their own 500 square feet of space.Q: If the local county/region has updated stats, can those be used instead of the state dashboard?A: NoQ: Where can we find what phase each region is in?A: Metrics and phase information will be maintained on the Department of Health website. To date, the DOH has published a weekly report with updates which can be found under the “reports” section h ere.Q: Are the pod requirements still in place as they were with the old guidelines?A: Pods of 6 or fewer are required in Phase 1 for high-risk outdoor sports as well as low and moderate risk indoor sports.Q: Can a school modify a sanctioned sport to fall under a different risk category (i.e. flag football, sand volleyball)?A: Any sport not sanctioned by the WIAA would need to follow the appropriate guidelines issued by the Department of Health. Those guidelines and risk categories can be found here.Q: Can a school travel out of our DOH Region for a scheduled contest?A: Yes, given that both regions are in the appropriate phase for competition to begin.Q: Are there rules about cleaning protocols, athlete spacing, equipment sharing and other logistics?A: Full guidance for hygiene, cleaning, ventilation, etc. can be found in the document issued by the Department of Health. The WIAA strongly encourages each school to work with its risk manager when putting plans in place. ................
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