UIL allows schools to restart workouts
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By James McAfee/The Knox County News-Courier—
AUSTIN—The University Interscholastic League updated its guidelines for Summer Strength and Conditioning and Sport Specific Instruction last week, adding that it will “continue to work with state officials and monitor CDC and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications.”
Schools were allowed, but not required, to resume summer activities this week.
“It is good news to see that we have a few more things we can do at our facilities, “ ]Knox City AD Caleb Callaway said. “I cannot say thank you to the UIL enough for their effort in maintaining forward progress toward a normal start. We will continue to work following the guidance of the UIL and look forward to being able to work on some different things.”
With the Texas High School Coaches Association convention going virtual only July 19-21 for afternoon sessions only, schools can hold workouts on the mornings of July 20-21.
Here are the guidelines:
Schools can allow the use of locker room and shower facilities no earlier than July 13, provided schools “develop mitigation plans” described in the section of the UIL website covering activities as they relate to COVID-19.
Face masks required for employees, parents, visitors and students at least 10 years old, “upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted and when not actively exercising,” with exceptions listed. These requirements can be lifted by schools in counties that meet requirements for exemption of face masks.
Face coverings may be removed during instruction as long as participants maintain at least six feet of distance from other students and staff who are not wearing face coverings. However, face coverings are required while getting into positions to allow safe distancing.
Guidelines for the handling those who test positive, who experience symptoms or have had close contact with a positive case were listed. This means those who have been “directly exposed to infectious secretions” or “within six feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes while not wearing a mask or face shield” and if “either occurred at any time in the last 14 days at the same time the infected individual was infectious.”
Schools required to notify its local health department of a lab-confirmed case and must close off areas that are “heavily used by the individual” until areas are disinfected, or three days have already passed since that person was on campus.
Also, schools are required to notify all teachers, staff and families of all students in a school where a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified among those who participate in any campus activities, which is “consistent with school notification requirements for other communicable diseases.”
