Fall sports COVID-19 rules limit spectators

A group of athletic directors from across the Flathead Valley have worked with the Flathead City-County Health Department to form guidelines for fall sporting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitefish High School’s athletic director Aric Harris sent the document to the Pilot Tuesday evening, writing, “All Flathead County AD’s have met with the Flathead City-County Health Department and have established the following guidelines and procedures as we navigate through the current COVID-19 situation and begin fall activities.”

The document lists new practices related to transportation, overnight trips, locker rooms and water hydration stations.

One new practice that will affect the community, perhaps more so than others, is the limit on spectators at sporting events. The guidelines state only two home team spectators per athlete in uniform will be allowed at an event for football, soccer and volleyball.

Athletic directors working on the document also decided visiting team fans may not attend games unless Flathead County schools play each other, for example when Whitefish plays Columbia Falls. For these games athletes of the opposing team would be allowed two spectators, the same as for home games.

Also part of the guidelines, athletes, coaches, team personnel and spectators must wear face coverings at all times, except when physically participating in an activity. Spectators must remain socially distanced of 6 feet or more, with the exception of people from the same household.

During sporting events cheerleaders will be able to perform as long as they can socially distance from the teams and spectators, but there will not be a marching band. Football is limited to 60 participants per sideline and all other sports will be limited to the team and essential personnel only. All participants will also have a health screening completed prior to playing in games.

Athletes will need to bring their own water bottles and only use the hydration station to refill their own bottle. Coaches are responsible for sanitizing all equipment before, during and after competitions and practices.

At this time there will be no concessions at events.

A large section of the document focuses on transportation to and from events. All participants will be screened before loading the bus and an assigned seating chart with students spread out as much as possible will be enforced. Masks will be required on buses and there is an emphasis on not congregating before or after trips.

At this point no overnight trips are to take place, with the exception of post-season play.

Additional guidelines surrounding locker rooms and training rooms were included, emphasizing limiting the number of people in the rooms while encouraging athletes to shower at home, if possible.

The plan is expected to be reviewed monthly and revised as needed.