On Tuesday, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released guidance on the resumption of high school athletic opportunities that can be used by state associations as they consider when and how to return to play.
The document, which be viewed in its entirety here, was produced by the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and outlines policies and procedures that can be administered based on a phased approach to sports returning. There are three phases, based on the phases from the White House Guidelines for Opening Up America Again plan announced by President Trump in April.
With states around the country in varying phases of re-opening and many not following the Opening Up American Again guidelines specifically, it is unclear how the phases may apply here in Wisconsin following last week's Supreme Court decision to strike down most parts of the Badger Bounce Back plan.
While the NFHS is the national governing body of high school sports, these guidance announced this week is just guidance for states to consider, and not a required plan that must be followed exactly.
“Each state’s situation and considerations for returning to youth and high school activities are somewhat unique based on state executive orders and local policy decisions,” said WIAA Communications Director Todd Clark.
“The guidelines and considerations provided by the NFHS are consistent with the discussions we are having and sharing with staff, the Board of Control and our Sports Medical Advisory Committee. We will continue to review the evolving information as it becomes available and work with state and local officials, the state’s Department of Health Services, and our Sports Medical Advisory Committee, which are a few of many sources we will consider in developing a plan to move forward. The key factor is continuing to keep in mind the safety of the student-athletes and everyone affected by reopening.”
The NFHS document emphasizes that, while there are challenges that will be encountered, high school sports will return and serve a vital purpose to players and communities around the country.
"The NFHS SMAC believes it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of high school students across the nation to return to physical activity and athletic competition," the guidance document says. "The NFHS SMAC recognizes that it is likely that ALL students will not be able to return to – and sustain – athletic activity at the same time in all schools, regions and states. There will also likely be variation in what sports and activities are allowed to be played and held. While we would typically have reservations regarding such inequities, the NFHS SMAC endorses the idea of returning students to school-based athletics and activities in any and all situations where it can be done safely."
A concern voiced in the document echoed by many coaches around the state is the physical conditioning of student-athletes, who have not been able to participate in spring sports or guided strength and conditioning programs for an extended period.
"Current pre-season conditioning and acclimatization models assume that athletes have deconditioned over the summer months," the NFHS document reads. "The current pandemic may result in students being deconditioned for four to five months. The NFHS is currently involved with a number of other organizations in developing consensus guidelines for fall sports practices. These guidelines will be sent to state associations immediately after they are finalized and approved by all involved organizations."
The full phased guidelines can be found below, but a few highlights include:
Again, the NFHS guidelines are just a template for state associations to consider, and the WIAA is expected to develop state-specific guidelines on reopening high school sports in Wisconsin in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Pre- workout Screening:
Limitations on Gatherings:
Facilities Cleaning:
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
Hydration:
Pre-Workout/Contest Screening:
Limitations on Gatherings:
Facilities Cleaning:
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
Hydration:
Pre- Workout/Contest Screening:
Limitations on Gatherings:
Facilities Cleaning:
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
Hydration:
Travis Wilson serves as the WisSports.net General Manager, Football Editor, and contributing writer for other parts of the site. Wilson was selected as part of the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & AD Magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Travis the 2015 recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the WFCA Executive Board and is a member of the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. A graduate of Richland Center High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Travis was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball), inducted to the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and currently resides in Reedsburg. You can follow him on Twitter at @travisWSN.
For the latest and most up to date football news and recruiting information, follow Travis on Twitter @travisWSN. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Travis at travis(at)wissports.net.
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