Portage Community School District - High School Athletics

In Regards to the 2020 Fall Sports Athletic Season and COVID-19

The following are recommendations for opening summer activities on Monday, July 6th, 2020. The resources for this reopening come from the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, and the Columbia County Department of Health. This protocol will be followed until further notice is given.

Coaches must communicate each day that if a student is not feeling well, they should go home immediately. Students should screen themselves and take their temperature at home. A temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater is a fever. Other symptoms students should report include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and reduced sense of smell or taste. Students that have any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or local health department for guidance on testing and possible quarantine.
Using smaller groups is a must, keeping cohorts together at all times. For example, in Summer Strength & Conditioning we will be establishing groups of no greater than 15 students that will be their workout buddies for the entire month. They will not mix with other students. Coaches in various sports may want to consider separating your groups into upperclassmen (Grades 11-12) and underclassmen (Grades 9-10) if your numbers are greater than 15 for open gyms, drills, workouts, etc. No indoor group should exceed 15 student-athletes. Students should leave immediately following the conclusion of their workout or activity.
Social distancing is extremely important. In the sport specific guidelines, please use small pods of student-athletes (5-10) when doing close proximity drill work. For example, wrestlers should be sparring or practicing moves with only people in their same pod group. Basketball should be practicing boxing with only players in their pod group, football players should be doing drill work with only players in their pod group, cheerleading stunts should only be done in pod groups. Sports can do team concepts as long as they keep distanced. The longer two people spend in close proximity to each other, the greater the risk of spreading the virus.
Hand sanitizer should be readily available in the weight room and in the gym. Weight equipment will be used by one individual, then wiped down by that individual before they move to another station. Do not share equipment without sanitizing between.
All summer activities are voluntary and participation should be discussed with guardians and or local physicians.
Attendance will be taken by coaches and a record will be kept of all Student-Athletes/Managers/Coaches that are present at each activity.
Locker Rooms are not to be used in the month of July. Students/Coaches should not share any clothing, shoes, or towels.
Equipment and clothing must be brought home everyday to be washed and cleaned before the next participation in practice. Consequently, with no locker room use, all athletic equipment, gear, and clothing will be stored at the residence of the student athlete.
Water Bottles can not be shared. Each student and coach needs their own bottle. Water bottles should be washed daily with warm and soapy water and air dried.
Masks are not being required by students during workouts. We recommend that students wear them when spotting in the weight room or if social distancing cannot be maintained for some reason. Coaches are highly encouraged to wear masks at all times, especially when indoors.
Please follow any directions posted for entering and exiting the building or facility