With fall fast approaching, each state finds themselves at a different point in the reopening process while a few regions are seeing a spike in confirmed COVID cases. Depending on the state and region, practices look drastically different. For example, Hoover HS (AL) shared video of them having practices with players wearing masks under their helmets (and all coaches wearing masks) last week, while programs in Michigan are only allowed to workout outdoors while taking social distancing measures with limited contact with footballs (with no handoffs permitted).
As more states look to move forward with a plan for the fall, one midwest state may have just unveiled a blueprint as to what that may look like.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that "contact sports can resume scrimmages and full training regiments as long as safety protocols are observed," and then laid out some guidelines on what that may look like.
Among some of the more interesting mandatory and recommended best practices the state lays out are:
SPECTATORS
- Spectators must conduct daily symptom assessments. Anyone experiencing symptoms must stay home.
- Six-feet social distancing must be maintained between individuals.
- No congregating before or after practices or games.
- Spectators should wear face coverings at all times (outside a few possible reasons)
PRACTICES GAMES, AND TOURNAMENTS
- Six-feet social distancing must be maintained between individuals except when on the field of play
- Physical contact is only permitted within the rules of the game during competitive practice. Players, coaches, and officials are not to physically contact each other before or after competitive practice (i.e. greetings, team huddles, high-fives, congregating, etc.)
- Facilities must ensure that facilities have adequate space for social distancing for players, coaches, officials, etc.
As coaches and administrators wonder how this fall is going to look different than all the others that came before it, Ohio may have at least part of the answer.
See the full Responsible RestartOhio information via the flyers.
