Guidelines released for resuming high school sports next month

The governing body of Idaho high school sports recently issued extensive guidelines and recommendations that are designed to minimize COVID-19 risks for players and allow practices to start on Aug. 10.
 The Idaho High School Activities Association’s 52-page document was prepared using guidance from the National Federation of State High School Associations and the NFHS and IHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committees.
 The IHSAA outlines potential risks of COVID-19 exposure specific to each fall sport, including football, volleyball, soccer and cross country. Suggested safety measures that are emphasized include the use of face coverings, social distancing by players and cleaning of equipment. No hugging, shaking hands or fist bumps should be done by players.
 The IHSAA acknowledges the myriad challenges to starting up sports next month in light of the “near certainty of recurrent outbreaks” of COVID-19 in some locations. High school sports programs need to be prepared for periodic school closures and the possibility of some teams having to isolate or quarantine for two to three weeks during the season.
 It’s not likely that all students will be able to return to and sustain athletic activity at the same time in all high schools and regions in Idaho. If a school district closes because of COVID-19, according to the IHSAA guidelines, “there should be no practice, training or competition among athletes in that school or district.”
 The goals and requirements contained in the IHSAA fall sports plan are subject to change based on directives from the governor’s office, the Idaho State Board of Education or the Idaho High School Activities Association Board of directors.
 The IHSAA guidelines mandate that schools have to get approval from their local school boards and public health officials before sports begin. The IHSAA document lists four requirements for schools:
 • Schools that host events are required to create a plan for fan and team attendance. These plans must follow the governor’s reopening protocols and receive local health department local school board approval.
 • Schools must develop a transportation plan for practices and games.
 • Schools must have a plan for what to do if a coach or athlete tests positive that is approved by the health department and school board.
 • They must also develop a “return-to-participation” plan with the school board and health department.
 The IHSAA guidelines include a risk assessment for each sport developed by the National Federation of State High School Associations and offers suggestions on precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.
 Among fall sports, cross country is considered lower risk because it can be done with physical distancing or individually with no sharing of equipment. Suggestions include planning for smaller meets, staggering the start time of the races and runners and limiting out-of-state teams.
 Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, such as football, are considered high risk by the NFHS.
 Soccer is considered a moderate risk. Sports that involve close, sustained contact but with protective equipment in place may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between players. With cleaning of equipment and use of masks, soccer could be downgraded to lower risk, the NFHS said.
 Competitive cheer is considered high risk due to the close, sustained contact between participants, lack of protective barriers and the potential for spread of respiratory droplets. Sideline cheer is considered a low risk activity due to the physical distancing.
 Individual swimming events are lower risk because of the social distancing among participants and swimming relay events are moderate risk.
 The NFHS considers volleyball a moderate risk sport. With appropriate cleaning of equipment used in the game and use of face coverings, it could be considered lower risk.
 Football teams can play their first games on Aug. 28, and the Weiser High School Wolverines have Buhl on the schedule for a non-conference opener. Swimming and volleyball can open play on Aug. 26, with soccer and cross country able to schedule games after 10 days of practice.