Nothing will be allowed to be left in locker rooms overnight. Students may return in the morning with clean equipment, which can then be stored in disinfected locker rooms.

Information from Mason says conference schools will be recommending that players wear masks when not competing. This includes on the benches, sidelines in the bleachers and other public areas.

Coaches will be required to wear masks at practices when social distancing cannot occur. This requirement will be just like the classroom setting.

Coaches or club sponsors will be required to disinfect/sanitize all shared equipment including balls, blocking dummies and pads after every practice.

Football players that ride the activity bus home must sanitize their helmet and shoulder pads before leaving for the night. They can leave their equipment in the JH shed or HS football office. Or they can take it on the bus.

In regard to athletic physicals, Governor Kim Reynolds issued an amendment to state directives on June 25 stating that all physicals signed on or after July 1, 2019 are good through December of 2020. All incoming seventh graders who are out for an activity will need a physical. Any student that has never had a physical will need one before practicing.

Because of the pandemic and social distancing needs, pre-game or post-game meals are not allowed to be held on school grounds.

The following are guidelines all schools must also follow. These guidelines were developed by the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) for the sports of football, cross country and volleyball.

COVID-19 general guidance – Fall sports 2020

“The central message of our plan to coaches/sponsors and students is this: If you do not feel well, do not attend practices and/or events. Practice social distancing as much as possible,” stated the IHSAA and the IGHSAU in its opening remarks at the beginning of the guidelines.

Pre-participation physicals

• As per the amendment issued by Governor Reynolds on June 25, all physicals signed on or after July 1, 2019 are good through December of 2020.

• Any student participating in an activity must have a physical on file. This includes all in-coming 7th graders participating in an activity.

Possible or positive COVID-19 cases

• Davis County’s point of contact for athletes, 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 is the coach/sponsor of the activity and/or the athletic director (Dave Mason). This identified person will be responsible to report such situations to local public health.

• Athletes will be required to wear a mask while on the bus.

• Any individual reporting symptoms and/or a temperature of 100.4F or higher should be isolated until they can safely transport home.

• The overarching safety principle 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

• 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.

• Any equipment that is shared by student-athletes should be sanitized before and after practice as well as before and after competition.

• Individuals should never share towels. Each individual should bring his/her own clean towel at the beginning of practice or competition. Towels should be laundered after each practice and game.

• Locker rooms may be used and should be sanitized every day.

• All school-issued and personal clothing, equipment and other items should be taken home following practices and/or contests. Locker rooms should not be used as a storage area for clothing and/or equipment.

• Players, coaches and others using locker rooms should maintain 6 feet of social distancing. This may require a rotating schedule for use of locker rooms to avoid congestion. A record of individuals in each rotation should be kept to facilitate contact tracing if necessary.

• Each individual student-athlete should have their own water container.

• This guidance is intended for high school varsity, sub varsity, and junior high school activities as overseen by the IHSAA and the IGHSAU.

• Sub varsity and junior high sports are approved to resume IHSAA and IGHSAU activities in the 2020-21 school year.

• Masks are required to be worn by all when on the bus.

• Masks are required to be worn by all when in the locker room.

• Masks are required to be worn by coaches/sponsors during practice when social distancing cannot occur.

• It’s highly recommended that players wear masks when not competing.

Coaches must communicate these guidelines in a clear manner to athletes and parents.

• Players, coaches, officials, spectators, etc. feeling sick or that have been exposed to someone sick, should not attend or participate in competitions or practices.

• The IGHSAU strongly encourages all participants and spectators to practice social distancing and to wear face coverings whenever possible.

• Teams are required to bring their own volleyballs to use for warm-ups for away matches.

• Teams are not allowed to warm-up outside of the court near their opponents while their opponent has the court for the 6-minute portion of the 5-6-6 warm-up protocol.

• It is permissible for teams to share the court for the 5-minute portion of warm-up as teams will be socially distanced by the net.

• Pre and postgame handshakes between teams are prohibited. Teams should acknowledge their opponent with a wave, bow, etc. after introductions and/or after the match.

• Teams are not to switch benches between sets.

• Coaches and players are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings while on the bench.

• All players are allowed to stand near the bench area to help with social distancing.

• All players must sanitize their hands before and after warm-ups, at all time-outs, between sets and anytime they leave the playing court.

• Coaches are strongly encouraged to sanitize their hands as often as possible.

• The host school will be responsible for sanitization of the in-game volleyballs in the rotation. Volleyballs should be removed from play and sanitized frequently and any time a volleyball is touched by a spectator.

• Players and coaches should practice social distancing of 3 to 6 feet when addressing the second official and during substitutions.

• One coach and one captain from each team are the only members allowed during the deciding coin toss.

• Face coverings are strongly encouraged to be worn by all during the deciding set coin toss.

Player equipment and uniform

• Locker rooms should not be used as a storage area for clothing and/or equipment.

• Cloth face coverings are allowed and encouraged.

• Gloves, long sleeves and long pants are allowed.

• Under garments are allowed, but must be of a single, solid color similar to the predominant color of the uniform.

Considerations for student-athletes

• Each athlete is responsible for their own supplies (water bottle, hand sanitizer, face coverings, towel, etc.)

• Athletes should wear their own workout clothing (do not share clothing), and clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout or game immediately upon returning home.

• Athletes should tell coaches immediately when they are not feeling well.

Considerations for parents

• Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

• The use of face coverings is strongly encouraged. In addition, social distancing is strongly encouraged as much as possible for non-participants.

This document should be considered as providing recommendations from the IHSAA for member schools and may be updated before and during the fall 2020 season.

Social Distancing Coaches are responsible for ensuring social distancing is maintained between players as much as possible. Recommendations include:

• Spacing between players while stretching and performing drills so that players remain 6 feet apart.

• Avoid close congregating of players while receiving coaching instruction.

• Workouts should be conducted in “pods” of students, with the same 5-10 students always working out together. Coaches should keep a record of who is in each pod to facilitate contact-tracing if necessary.

• Ball attendants, managers, video people, media photographers, etc. are considered non-essential personnel and are to be on the sideline, maintaining social distance of 6 feet apart.

• For the mock coin toss, the referee, umpire and one designated representative from each team will meet at the center of the field.

• Teams shall NOT exchange handshakes following the contest – teams can acknowledge opponent with other appropriate non-contact measures.

• Sanitizing: Hand sanitizing should be used as much as possible. The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee recommends using hand sanitizer when going to and from the field. Players are encouraged to provide their own hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes.

• Mandatory timeouts: An officials’ timeout will be taken every 4 minutes of game clock time in order for teams to properly sanitize and hydrate during the contest. This timeout is to be two minutes in length.

• Masks: Masks will be required to be worn by all when on the bus. Masks will be required to be worn by all when in the locker room. Masks will be required to be worn by coaches during practices when social distancing cannot occur.

• Mouth protector: It is recommended that players keep their tooth and mouth protector in their mouths at all times. Each time they touch their tooth and mouth protector, they should sanitize their hands.

• Skin coverage: Players are encouraged to cover up as much of their bare skin as possible. Using long sleeved dry weave shirts and tights can cover bare skin.

• Spitting: Spitting is to be prohibited.

• Use of water: Water is to be consumed only. Players should not rinse their mouth, rinse their mouth piece, or pour water on their faces or necks. If a hydration station (e.g. cooler) is provided, individuals must sanitize their hands prior to using the hydration station.

• Game balls: The ball should be cleaned and sanitized throughout the contest. During games, it is recommended that each time there is a fourth down, a new football be brought into play. It is recommended that each team provide at least two reliable, knowledgeable ball attendants for each contest and that they maintain the appropriate social distancing guidelines throughout the contest.

• Facility sanitizing: At the conclusion of each game, it is necessary to sanitize both the home and visiting team benches and any other areas that may have been used by either team. Spectator areas, locker rooms, training rooms, restrooms, concession stands and press box should also be cleaned and sanitized.

Considerations for Parents

• Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

• The use of face coverings is strongly encouraged. In addition, social distancing is strongly encouraged as much as possible for non-participants.

• Spectators should use six feet social distancing. Families may sit or stand together but should social distance from others.

• Masks are required to be worn by all when in the locker rooms.

• All school-issued and personal clothing, equipment and other items should be taken home following practices and/or contests. Locker rooms should not be used as a storage area for clothing and/or equipment.

This document should be considered as providing recommendations from the IGHSAU & IHSAA for member schools and may be updated before and during the fall 2020 season.

• No hugging, shaking hands, or fist bumps.

• Consider widening the course to at least 6 feet at its narrowest point.

• Consider widening the starting grids including skipping boxes at the starting line.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and exercise equipment.

• Pre- and Post-Event Ceremony: Establish cross country specific social distancing meet protocols including the elimination of handshakes before and after the meet.

Considerations for coaches

• Consider conducting workouts in “pods” of same students always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

• Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each practice in case contact tracing is needed.

• Team Camp Considerations — Social distancing from other teams as much as possible is strongly recommended. Coaches should consider the number of individuals within the camp. Also, the size of the tents including whether to include the sides of the tent should also be considered.

Considerations for students

• Each student is responsible for their own supplies.

• Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing. Individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout immediately upon returning home.

• Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices.

• Athletes should tell coaches immediately when they are not feeling well.

• Cloth face coverings are permitted.

• Bring your own water bottle.

• Start Protocols: Student-athletes should have individual bags and locations for sweats – no mass piling of team clothing.

• Finish Protocols: Student-athletes should remain upright and walk through the chute with the understanding that there will be times that a participant may need medical attention.

Considerations for parents

• Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

• The use of face coverings is strongly encouraged. In addition, social distancing is strongly encouraged as much as possible for non-participants.

• Spectators should use six feet social distancing. Families may sit or stand together but should social distance from others.

• The concession area will not be available for athletes to congregate before practices or runs.

• The use of the gym/walking through the gym is prohibited.

• Clothing must be placed in personal bags after changing.

This should be considered as providing recommendations from the IGHSAU for member schools and may be updated before and during the fall 2020 season.

Schools are asked to read a Public Address Announcement at the start of each match to encourage social distancing (arm test) and to remind spectators to do their part in keeping their student-athletes on the court.

People (players, coaches, officials, spectators, etc.) feeling sick or that have been exposed to someone sick, should not attend or participate in competitions or practices.

The IGHSAU strongly encourages all participants and spectators to practice social distancing and to wear face coverings whenever possible.

Attendees for the coin toss are limited to one coach from each team, one captain from each team, first referee and second referee. All six individuals must maintain a social distance of 3 to 6 feet. Face coverings are strongly encouraged to be worn by all pre-match conference attendees.

Rosters are to be submitted directly to the officials’ table before the 10-minute mark. Roster submission at the pre-match conference is suspended indefinitely.

Teams are required to bring their own volleyballs to use for warm-ups for away matches. (Volleyballs must be marked to help with identification purposes when traveling with volleyballs.)

Teams are not allowed to warm-up outside of the court near their opponents while their opponents have the court for the 6-minute portion of the 5-6-6 warm-up protocol, UNLESS there is another court area for them to utilize. It is permissible for teams to share the court for the 5-minute ball handling portion of warm-up as teams will be socially distanced by the net.

Eliminate spectator seating in the first two rows if possible.

Avoid playing matches simultaneously on side-by-side courts if possible.

Pre- and postgame handshakes between teams are prohibited. Teams should acknowledge their opponents with a wave, bow, etc. after introductions and/or after the match.

Teams are not to switch benches between sets. In the event there is a clear and distinct disadvantage, teams may switch sides, observing all social distancing protocols. Officials will determine if a disadvantage is present.

Bench personnel should observe social distancing as much as possible. Coaches, players and other bench personnel are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings while on the bench.

All players are allowed to stand near the bench area (not just those in the active rotation) to help with social distancing if needed.

All players must sanitize their hands before and after warm-ups, at all timeouts, between sets and anytime they leave the playing court. Coaches are strongly encouraged to sanitize their hands as often as possible as well.

Host schools must have at least three volleyballs to use for the in-game ball rotation to allow for volleyballs to be sanitized while not in use. The host school will be responsible for sanitization of the in-game volleyballs in the rotation.

Volleyballs should be removed from play and sanitized frequently and any time a volleyball is touched by a spectator.

Players and coaches should practice social distancing of 3 to 6 feet when addressing the second referee and during substitutions. Players are encouraged to utilize the substitution zone closer to the attack line rather than nearer the net for social distancing purposes between players and the second referee.

Attendees for the deciding coin toss are limited to one coach and one captain from each team, first referee and second referee. All individuals must maintain a social distance of 3 to 6 feet. Face coverings are strongly encouraged to be worn by all deciding set coin toss attendees.

Teams are not to switch benches before a deciding set. In the event there is a clear and distinct disadvantage, teams may switch sides, observing all social distancing protocols. Officials will determine if a disadvantage is present.

Scorebench personnel should be limited to essential personnel, which includes home team scorer, libero tracker and timer with a recommended distance of 3 to 6 feet between individuals. Visiting team personnel (scorer, statisticians, etc.) are not deemed essential personnel and should find an alternative location. Scorebench personnel are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.

Player equipment and uniform

Cloth face coverings are permissible.

Long sleeves are permissible.

Long pants are permissible.

Under garments are permissible, but must be unadorned and of a single, solid color similar in color to the predominant color of the uniform top or bottom.

Officials’ equipment and uniform

Long-sleeved, all-white collared polo shirt/sweater are permissible.

Electronic whistles are permissible. If using an electronic whistle, it must be communicated to players and coaches at the pre-match conference.

Cloth face coverings are permissible.

General considerations for volleyball

The following are additional considerations for coaches, student-athletes, officials, parents, and administrators.

Considerations for coaches

Communicate your guidelines in a clear manner to students and parents.

Consider conducting workouts in “pods” of same students always training and rotating together in practice to ensure more limited exposure if someone develops an infection.

Keep accurate records of those athletes and staff who attend each practice in case contact tracing is needed.

Team Gatherings at Tournaments — Social distancing from other teams is strongly recommended. This would be a good reminder for parents as well.

Considerations for student-athletes

Consider making each student responsible for their own supplies (water bottle, hand sanitizer, face covering, towel, etc.)

Students should wear their own appropriate workout clothing (do not share clothing), and individual clothing/towels should be washed and cleaned after every workout immediately upon returning home.

Hand sanitizer should be plentiful at all contests and practices.

Athletes should tell coaches immediately when they are not feeling well.

Cloth face coverings are permissible.

Bring your own water bottle.

Considerations for officials

Take your temperature prior to attending your competition. If temperature is above 100.4 you should notify your contracted school immediately.

If you do not feel well and COVID-19 symptoms are present, notify your contracted school and assigner immediately and stay home.

Bring personal hand sanitizer. Wash/sanitize hands upon arrival and frequently throughout your time working the contest(s).

Follow social distancing guidelines during pre- and post-match conferences and during contests.

Consider using electronic whistle.

Do not shake hands or fist bump other officials, players or coaches.

Officials may wear face coverings at all times.

Officials are NOT responsible for monitoring activities on the sidelines, such as social distancing, hand sanitizing, symptoms of illness and other such issues. This monitoring remains with the coaching staff and school personnel.

Considerations for parents

Provide personal items for your child and clearly label them.

The use of cloth face coverings is strongly encouraged. In addition, social distancing is strongly encouraged as much as possible for non-participants, parents, coaches, officials, and other event volunteers.

Considerations for administration

Encourage social distancing when teams/spectators gather off the court before and after matches (ex: tournament gathering locations…lunchrooms, commons areas, etc.)

Avoid playing matches simultaneously on side-by-side courts if possible.

Facility Sanitization — Consideration should be given to which facilities are going to need sanitization, how often sanitization will be needed, who will be doing the sanitizing.

Awards Ceremonies — Consideration for options that would allow social distancing for the athletes, coaches, and spectators — consider other alternatives such as not having awards ceremonies, strongly recommending the use of cloth face coverings for any individuals attending the awards ceremonies if there are alternative options.

Postseason — Potential options may be considered regarding the Regional and State Tournament matches depending upon the status of Covid-19.

Locker rooms may be utilized; however the Department of Public Health guidelines must be adhered to.

Admission may be taken using sanitization practices or a free-will donation container is an option as well.

For additional COVID-19 guidance, please contact the Iowa Department of Public Health at (515) 281-7689 or visit their website at idph.iowa.gov.