A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
By Andy Gardner
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on fall high school sports is still largely an unknown.
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association is working on giving coaches a guideline on how to safely work out over the summer.
The NYSPHSAA COVID-19 task force has recently issued its first set of guidelines for coaches to consider when operating summer workouts and conditioning camps. This is for all activity prior to Aug. 24, the official start of the fall season.
The guide is suggestions, as the task force does not have the authority to force schools to run workouts in a specific way.
“The NYSPHSAA COVID-19 Task Force is providing this guidance to assist schools if they choose to allow off-season conditioning workouts and programs on their school campus,” the guide states.
The guide suggests that when schools begin voluntary off-season workouts, they follow the National Federation of State High School Associations’ plan.
Prior to schools beginning those phases, the task force says that the following steps need to be met.
“1.) School enters phase four of the NY Forward reopening plan, 2) School district permits campus facilities to open to students and faculty, 3) New York State recommended social distancing and safety protocols can be implemented in a safe and appropriate manner,” the NFSHSA guide says.
Much of the task forces’ guideline for summer workouts is in line with state guidelines. For example:
“State, local or school district guidelines for cloth face coverings should be strictly followed. The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Face coverings for students may be considered optional during activity.”
The guide suggests that athlete or coach who is possibly sick should stay home and talk to a healthcare provider. It also suggests that any coach or athlete who may have been in contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 quarantine.
There are steps the guide suggest coaches should take before conducting any workout, such as screening players for symptoms: “School districts should consider creating a protocol to screen coaches and students for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout.”
Protocol can include screening questions for each person. Those should be recorded and stored so that there is a record of everyone present in case a student develops COVID-19. Any person with positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in workouts, should leave the school facility and campus as soon as possible and contact a healthcare professional.
Vulnerable people, such as those with underlying respiratory ailments or other conditions, should not oversee or participate in any workouts.
The guide suggests students be made aware of the proper precautions required prior to returning to campus, like adequate hand washing and bringing a full water bottle to avoid touching tap or water fountain handles.
The guide suggests that during a workout, the students should:
• Follow directions for physical distancing and stay at least six feet apart from others.
• Not share equipment. Guidelines suggest school districts should consider providing cleaning wipes or disinfectant for students to wipe equipment immediately following use.
• Not make physical contact with others, such as shaking hands or giving high fives.
• Avoid touching their face, sharing food, drinks or towels.
• Maintain appropriate social distancing from others not only when working out, but also when taking breaks.
• Remain together and work in the same small groups (which is referred to as “cohorting”), rather than switching groups or mixing groups. Staggering arrival and drop-off times or locations by group is suggested to limit contact between groups.
The report follows a COVID-19 Task Force having recently convened for the first time to hear reports read by representatives from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, the New York State Education Department and the New York State Health Department. The task force also discussed the results of a survey that was taken by approximately 6,000 coaches, trainers, athletic directors, superintendents, principals and executive directors from around the state.
“From the reports provided, it is clear school district facilities cannot be opened for student participation until Phase 4 is entered. The health and safety of our student-athletes remains our top priority,” NYSPHSAA president Paul Harrica said in a news release.
The North Country has begun phase three of reopening. Phase four could start as early as the end of June.
“Today’s meeting was our first step in addressing concerns and examining readily available information related to the COVID-19 crisis,” Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director, said in the release. “We are all focused on providing student-athletes with the opportunity to participate this fall with guidance from the Department of Health and in accordance with Governor Cuomo’s restrictions.”
The survey done provides a look into how coaches, administrators and trainers are feeling about the impact COVID-19 will most likely play on fall sports.
According to the survey, most participants are “somewhat confident” that their school will be opening as scheduled come the fall.
In terms of how a season could logistically operate, the biggest aspect to all those who participated was whether or not students will be returning to in-person learning come the fall. The organizers of the survey expected this result. According to the survey, the least important part of operating the season is fan attendance.
For health and safety, the majority of participants believed student-athlete safety is the most important. They also stressed importance of student-athlete mental health and fear of a possible new wave of coronavirus infections in the fall.
At the end of the survey, coaches, trainers, athletic directors, superintendents, principals and executive directors anonymously offered their greatest concern along with additional comments.
A common concern was that social distancing and possible precautions, such as players and coaches being required to wear masks, would be difficult to implement. Athletic trainers also noted how screening players prior to games and the constant sanitation that would be required could also be a challenge.
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