NFHS RELEASES GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING (2020-05-23)

Tioga County Sports Report
TIOGA COUNTY — The National Federation of State High School Associations has announced guidelines aimed at directing a safe return to high school sports.

The 16-page document, established by the NFHS's Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, is providing "guidance on how state associations can consider approaching the many components of 'opening up' high school athletics and activities" around the country.

The NFHS suggests some state associations may wish to consider if they will:

• Conduct an athletics/activities regular season or championship if public schools statewide are closed to in-person learning

• Conduct an athletics/activities regular season or championship if schools are closed only in COVID-19 “hotspots."

• Conduct an athletics/activities regular season in sports deemed “lower-risk” for COVID-19 transmission while canceling athletics/activities considered “higher-risk.”

• Whether or not there are recommendations unique to the state, or regions of the state, that need to be considered when developing return-to-activity guidelines?

The reopening process will require associations to address lower risk, moderate risk and higher risk activities in deciding whether or not to reopen.

The NFHS has also suggested three phases for associations to use, which will include various factors such as limitations on gatherings at events, facilities cleaning, transportation, pre-workout screenings, physical activity and athletic equipment and hydration.

The full text of the document can be found here.