For the 2021 spring sports season, the Kansas State High School Activities Association has released new protocols to keep athletes competing with one another and limiting the spread of COVID-19.

The changes that were made to keep everyone safe may seem a little extreme to some people, but ultimately, it will keep athletes and spectators alike safe.

Baseball and Softball

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Be mindful of dugout capacity

Shared equipment should be cleaned frequently

Maximize distance and limit groups in the same area

Face coverings must be worn in the dugout

No gathering at the mound

Players may not leave the dugout to congratulate scoring

Handshakes are not allowed, so you must find other ways to display sportsmanship after the game

Track and Field

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Only allow a limited number of spectators which will allow for spectators to be socially distanced

Athletes should not share clothes, shoes, or equipment

Do not intermingle with other teams, stay with your team

Athletes in throwing events must retrieve their own discus, javelin, or other equipment

Handshakes are not allowed, so you must find other ways to display sportsmanship after the game

Girls Swimming

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Consider scheduling only one day competitions

Keep participant numbers low and only allow two to three teams at each location

Follow social distancing guidelines

No sharing swim caps, googles or other personal equipment

Girls Soccer

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Plan to play teams around your area and not travel to parts of the state that are long distances away

Consider scheduling only one competition per week, and also consider playing a smaller number of games

Social distance as much as possible

Handshakes are not allowed, so you must find other ways to display sportsmanship after the game

Boys Tennis

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Social distance and keep at least a six-foot gap when possible

Provide your own equipment to limit the spread of COVID

Handshakes are not allowed, so you must find other ways to display sportsmanship after the game

Boys Golf

All participants must wear a face covering in the manner it is intended to be worn while at the duration of the event. The only exception is for athletes during the time of play and officials during active play, but athletes and officials can choose to wear a mask at all times unless it possesses a safety risk.

Golfers must have their own equipment

Depending on the location of the event, the protocols could change

Limit the amount of people on the range and putting green at one time

22bschwien@usd489.com