Local High Schools Prepare To Open Up Sports, Other Activities

Schools in Guilford County are gearing up to begin sports practice this summer. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association recently issued guidelines for districts to follow as they begin restarting their programs.

Students and staff can expect some big changes.

Guilford County School officials plan to reopen fall sports and marching band activities on July 6. Other sports and middle school athletics may be phased in at a later date. The approach will give the district more time to secure protective equipment and train staff as they monitor the spread of COVID-19.

Participants will sign waivers attesting to their health status. Weight rooms and locker rooms will remain closed and facemasks are required on campus. Superintendent Sharon Contreras says several other safety measures will also be in place.

"While observing strict precautions to protect participants' health and wellness, students and staff will be given temperature checks each day and will only interact in small groups and with social distancing.”

The district says only outdoor practices and activities will be allowed at this time.

In addition, the following restrictions will apply:

• Gatherings in outside venues/areas are limited to no more than 25 people. This includes students, coaches, trainers and any other personnel. 
• To limit gathering sizes, participants will be assigned to a smaller group of students and must remain with their group at all times during the practice/workout/rehearsal.
• Spectators will not be allowed. 
• Participants must maintain six feet of distance from others at all times, including during workouts/practices/rehearsals. 
• Participants are expected to wear face coverings while on campus except during physical exertion or if doing so interferes with their ability to play their instruments; All staff members are expected to wear face coverings at all times.
• Personal equipment, including water bottles, towels, clothing, instruments and other items, must be taken home and cleaned between practices. If used, school equipment will be cleaned and sanitized daily by school personnel. 
• Equipment, including water bottles and instruments, may not be shared between players or participants. Towels, clothing and other personal items may not be shared.

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