MARICOPA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Winter Contest and Practice COVID-19 PROCEDURES

Winter Athletics Precautions (sport specific modifications are listed in the attached document):

• Face coverings
  1. Must be worn by athletes who are not participating/on the sideline or bench
  2. Athletes participating in competition are exempt
     • Athletes choosing to wear a face covering during play must have a cloth face mask under the helmet

• Must be worn by the entire coaching staff and athletic trainer at all times

1. Must be worn by game staff/team personal of any kind at all times

• No sharing of towels
• No sharing of water
  1. Athletes are required to have their own individual water bottles, suggestion to label
  2. Individual paper cups
     • If a water station has been provided, paper cups will be used and disposed of immediately.
     • Staff member operating the water station must wear gloves and a face covering. No other individual is permitted to fill cups.

• No handshakes, high fives, fist bumps, elbow bumps, etc. per or post-game
• Only game staff will be permitted in the press box or at the head table
• Only players, coaches and the athletic trainer will be permitted on sidelines or the bench
• MHS athletes must scan in via the provided QR code

Spectator/Fan Attendance:

In compliance with the AIA, Maricopa High School will not be admitting spectators until further notice.

Video Production/Live Streaming: (NOT ACTIVE)

• NFHS Pixellot System
  • Provides live steam of events as well as achieved events for viewers
  • Monthly or annual subscription to watch MHS events in the stadium or gymnasium

Facilities:

• Prior to and at the conclusion of practices and home events, athletic facilities will be cleaned and sanitized.
• Hand sanitizer will be available to individuals throughout the facility
  • Ticket booth
  • Head table
  • Press box
  • Sidelines/bench
  • Locker rooms
  • Concession stand
• Designated entrances and exits will be enforced to prevent gatherings as well as limit crossover and contact. 

Screening:

• All staff and athletes are required to self-screen for any observable COVID-19 symptoms prior to attending any athletic activity
• All MHS athletes are required to scan in via the provided QR to allow for contact tracing should it become necessary
• Temperature checks of all MHS athletes and coaches are required (Athletic trainer and coaches have been trained)
• Any student-athlete dismissed form an event due to screening will be sent home and contact will be made with the family immediately by the athletic trainer, coach, athletic director or school nurse.

Transportation:

• MUSD transportation will be made available for athletics
• Face coverings are required for each individual using district transportation.
• Coaches and/or athletic trainer if available are expected to temperature check each student-athlete prior to boarding
• Student-athletes will arrive at the away competition dressed and prepared for warm ups to limit locker room use
• Homemade away trip team meals are not permitted. Store bought, individually wrapped items and resealable containers are recommended if meals are absolutely necessary. Athletes may bring their own individually packed lunches.
• No food is to be consumed while traveling via a district vehicle. Water only is permitted.
• After the event, the team will be transported directly back to MHS unless there is an emergency
• Athletes are encouraged to ride home with their families if possible

Locker Rooms:

• Locker rooms should be used as little as possible
• Restroom usage, storage, etc. is acceptable
• When locker room use is absolutely necessary, social distancing is required with mindfulness of capacity
• Face coverings required
• Athletes and coaches are required to arrive to the event dressed and prepared for competition. There will be not changing out.

Game Officials:

• Officials will arrive to the event dressed
• Mask must be worn between action
• Communication from the Athletic Director regarding MHS COVID-19 guidelines will take place no later than 1 week prior to their scheduled appearance on campus.

Media:

• Will not be permitted into the event without an AIA media pass
• Limited to designated areas

Concessions:

• Concessions will not be available while spectator attendance is not permitted

Visiting Team Procedures:

• Temperature checks are expected to be completed by the staff of the visiting team prior to travel
• Visiting team should arrive dressed for competition, locker rooms usage will be limited
• Statisticians or book keepers will not be permitted at the head table/press box/home sideline
• Procedures will be communicated with the opposing Athletic Director no less than one week prior to the competition

Considerations for Parents:

• Parents/Guardians should monitor their children of any symptoms prior to any sporting activities. Student-athletes who are exhibiting symptoms or not feeling well should stay home.
• Label your child’s personal items
• Disinfect your child’s personal equipment after each game/practice
• Communicate immediately with your child’s coach if he or she has experience symptoms or has been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19

Returning Protocol for Exposed or Diagnosed Athletes/Coaches:

• Should an individual have a positive COVID-19 test, they will need to follow the return to participation protocol outlined below.
  • It is strongly recommended that the attached/below form be completed by the patient’s primary care provider who is preferably an MD or DO.
  • Families have a minimum of 14 days to establish and arrange an appointment with a primary care provider for clearance to begin the return to sport protocol.
• If any cardiac screening question is positive or if athlete was hospitalized, had prolonged fevers (greater than 3 days) or was diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), further workup is recommended based on the Return to Play After COVID-19 Infection in Pediatric Patients Clinical Pathway.
• If the athlete has met the above criteria, they may begin a return to play progression under the supervision of the school’s Athletic Trainer or other school personnel.
  • Each stage must be completed without development of chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, lightheadedness, pre-syncope or syncope. If these symptoms develop at any stage, the patient shall be referred back to the evaluating provider who signed the form. This protocol will take a minimum of 7 days to complete.

Return to Play Stages:

Stage 1: 2 days minimum

• Light activity for 15 minutes or less at an intensity no greater than 70% of maximum heart rate (eg. walking, jogging, stationary bike). No resistance training

Stage 2: 1 day minimum

• Light activity with simple movement activities (eg. Running drills) for 30 minutes or less at an intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate. No resistance training

Stage 3: 1 day minimum

• Progress to more complex training for 45 minutes or less at an intensity of no greater than 80% maximum heart rate. May add light resistance training.

Stage 4: 2 days minimum

• Normal training activity for 60 minutes or less at an intensity no greater than 80% maximum heart rate

Stage 5:  Return to full activity  

• If any member of the athletic team is in close contact with an individual who has a positive test for COVID-19, that member must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days to monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, then they will follow the protocol for a COVID-19 positive individual.  If no symptoms develop in that 14-day period, they do not need a COVID-19 test and they may start the COVID-19 return to play protocol