By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Des Moines, IA – The governor and sports governing bodies are approving the return of high school athletics for the summer of 2020.
During a press conference on May 20, 2020, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds made the announcement that high school facilities could reopen for the purpose of school sponsored activities. These activities include high school athletics. Reynolds set June 1 as the date facilities could open and practices could begin.
Following the announcement the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) held a joint meeting. During this meeting they approved the June 1 date for schools to resume practices. They also approved June 15 as the date for first competition.
Along with setting the date for the return to sports, the IHSAA and IGHSAU are working with the Iowa Department of Education and Public Health to create guidelines. These guidelines are designed to help keep players, coaches and spectators health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Some of the bigger points from these guidelines include:
- Players and coaches should screen themselves for COVID-19 before attending a game or practice.
- Players should use their own equipment when possible and supply their own drinks. Shared beverage coolers, stands or fountains are prohibited.
- Dugouts are only allowed to be used during games.
- Coaches are responsible for cleaning all shared equipment before and after each practice and competition.
- Players, coaches and spectators are not allowed to attend games or practices if they are sick.
Additional guidance is expected to be provided from the IHSAA and IGHSAU. While the dates described above are official they may change if circumstances dictate it to be so. The complete list of guidelines can be found at iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Iowa-DE-Guidance-Summer-Sports-5.20.20.pdf