The most pressing questions for SC high school sports workouts, safety, 2020 season
Phase 1 of summer workouts are scheduled to begin for public schools around the state this month.
South Carolina High School League commissioner Jerome Singleton, White Knoll athletic trainer Sheila Gordon, Dr. Christopher Mazoue and multiple people from the Department of Health Education and Control took time Thursday to answer various questions.
Here are the most pressing questions facing high schools and their sports teams as workouts resume.
When can practices start?
The start date will be decided by each school district when they feel their facilities are ready and safe. Start dates have ranged so far from Monday (June 8) until July 1.
What exactly can be done in Phase 1?
The first part of Phase 1 is an acclimation and conditioning period. Teams won’t be allowed to use a ball for the first 10 days, or 14 calendar days. After that, equipment can be used but not shared. No locker rooms can be used. No helmets. There is no timetable for how long Phase 1 will last. No more than 10 athletes are allowed per single facility/workout “pod” at a time inside or outside. Folks in each pod are not encouraged to mingle with those in the other groups.
Do masks have to be worn?
Yes by coaches, at all times unless they are actively participating in the workout — such as a cross country coach running with his athletes. Students should arrive on campus with masks on, and they should remain on until they begin their activity. Masks are recommended during walk-throughs or during classroom/film study.
What constitutes one facility?
The football field/stadium is one facility. It cannot be divided up into blocks — and, for example, one pod can’t use the field while another group runs the stadium steps A basketball/volleyball court constitutes one facility. Only nine athletes and one coach are allowed to be in a pod at one time. A single classroom or weight rooms can only be used by one pod at a time.
What will Phase 2 or Phase 3 will look like?
It’s not known yet, according to the guidelines sent out but by SCHSL. However, the National Federation of High School Associations in its guidelines for Phase 2 said up to 50 athletes can gather outdoors for workouts and up to 10 inside. The second phase also allows for the use of locker rooms. Phase 3 would include resumption of normal operations. In that phase, according to the NFHS, up to 50 athletes could gather indoor and outdoor. The same protocols for social distancing, cleaning, sanitation, etc., would apply in Phase 2 and 3 just like Phase 1.
Will schools be required to report when a student or coach tests positive for COVID-19?
No. Singleton said he would like for the schools to report positive tests to DHEC, but there is no policy requiring schools to announce positive tests to the league. In its guidelines for returning to team sports, the SCHSL advised, “Due to the possibility of recurrent outbreaks in the coming months, schools be prepared for the possibility of some teams having to quarantine for two or more weeks while in-season.”
If an athlete misses the start of Phase 1, can he/she advance to Phase 2?
Yes.
Are there any restrictions for coaches 60 or older, or for coaches with underlying health conditions?
There are no restrictions but Singleton asks that each coach do what is best for them.
Who is in charge of taking temperatures each day?
Singleton said a “responsible adult” will be required to administer the temperature check each day, whether it be a coach, athletic trainer, nurse, doctor or full-time employee of the school.
When weightlifting, are you allowed to have a spotter?
Gordon said Thursday said no spotters are allowed at this time because of the social distancing guidelines. She recommends more free weights and lighter reps at this time.
What are the guidelines as far as hydration?
Every school must have a plan in place. Each person should bring his/her own water bottle if possible. Gordon suggested something as large as a milk/water jug. If that can’t happen, Singleton said a school can have one person responsible for filling cups or one person responsible for refilling water bottles.
What about cheerleading? When can cheerleaders stunt? Can cheer mats be used?
Stunting won’t be allowed during this phase. Gordon, the White Knoll athletic trainer, said that if a cheer mat is used, it must be cleaned between each use. (But she doesn’t recommend using one.)
What about bands? When can they start?
The SCHSL wasn’t asked Thursday about school bands practicing, but the NFHS sent out guidelines about when they can return. It is similar to Phase 1 for athletes with no more than 10 kids allowed outside or inside with up to 50 allowed for Phase 2. Rehearsals should be conducted in “pods” of students with the same five to 10 students always working together. Students should learn the music standing still, spaced at a minimum of 6-foot intervals.
Will the football season start on time on Aug. 20?
Singleton didn’t answer this one, but he said the date shouldn’t dictate the safety of students. He said the safety and health of the students are paramount. (A big step that has to happen first: Schools need to return to in-person classes in order for sports to take place.)
Will there be fans in the stands when games start?
To be determined. People were allowed to attend in-person graduations around the state on a limited basis (two to four folks per graduate) but Singleton said it’s too early to say whether or not fans would be able to attend high school sporting events in the fall.
This story was originally published June 6, 2020 at 8:42 AM with the headline "The most pressing questions for SC high school sports workouts, safety, 2020 season."
