At a Tuesday press conference, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, along with various other state officials, announced plans and regulations for the Fall 2020 high school sports season, reports WCAX.
According to the guidelines, schools can begin in-person, coach-led practices sessions no earlier than the first day of school. Facial coverings are to be worn by all coaches, officials, players, staff and spectators at all times. However, an exemption has been made for Cross Country athletes, as long as social distancing is maintained during practice and competition.
For outdoor sports that require little-to-no physical contact; practice sessions and interscholastic meets can be staged as long as attendance does not surpass 150 people. Meets can contain groupings, as long as different groups do not interact.
For outdoor sports involving short-duration, incidental contact; Field Hockey and Soccer are permitted to begin practices and interscholastic competitions, however jamboree-style events will not be prohibited.
For Volleyball, teams may hold indoor practice sessions with little-to-no physical contact. Schools can conduct inter-school system scrimmages if all players wear facial coverings. The guidelines state that outdoor interscholastic matches could be considered, but only if all participants wear facial coverings.
For sports that require high levels of contact; Football and Spirit are permitted to hold practice sessions with limited to no contact physical conditioning and skill building drills. Full contact scrimmages, competitions, and stunting will not be allowed for the Fall 2020 season. For football, 7-on-7 flag football is being considered.
For the full statement, visit https://vpaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/AOE-Fall-Sports-Guidance.pdf.
WNTK Local News 