HOLYOKE — The Parks and Recreation Commission has adopted state COVID-19 health and safety guidelines when fall sports and practices resume.

Terry Sheppard, director of Parks and Recreation, and Board Health Director Sean Gonsalves urged commission members on Thursday to institute protocols and sport-specific guidelines released by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Gonsalves worked with the commission over the summer to shore up guidelines for youth play and practices in the age of COVID-19. The MIAA and state education officials recently released their guidelines.

While non-scholastic teams and leagues don’t have to follow MIAA rules, Gonsalves said the association offers a comprehensive approach. The commission agreed with Gonsalves’s findings and approved the measures.

The Parks Commission will revisit their decision in the coming weeks as team play and practices get underway. Fans must observe social distancing rules.

Gonsalves also recommended players get tested frequently or even weekly, similar to college and pro teams. Younger people can appear asymptomatic while still being infected with the virus.

The MIAA’s board of directors approved the resumption of school soccer, fall gymnastics, cross-country, field hockey, girls volleyball, swimming and diving, golf and dance, which are considered low to moderate risk activities.

Mel Martin, the Holyoke Public Schools’ athletic director, was expecting the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference to release its schedules next week. Golf matches can begin Sept. 25 along with other low to moderate risk sports Oct. 1.

“We are following the joint DESE-MIAA guidance and modifications, with some increased restrictions in conjunction with the Holyoke Board of Health,” Martin stated. Vented masks and gaiters are not allowed on campuses.

Martin added, “All athletes, coaches, officials, media and athletic staff must wear a face-covering or face mask that has two or more layers and is secured with ear loops or ties, use hand sanitizer and must follow social distancing guidelines.”

The Holyoke Public Schools also drafted a 10-page Athletic COVID-19 Policy and Athletic Personal Responsibility Pledges for athletes and parents. The new state rules also limit fan attendance and the number of players at one time.

High School players will operate in a “bubble,” including abbreviated schedules and limited interaction among teams. All equipment must undergo a sanitation process between uses.