Blog Archives

Spring Sports 2020 - 2021Covid-19 Athletic Protocols

4/7/2021

Lyme-Old Lyme High School
Department of Athletics
Spring Sports 2020 - 2021
Covid-19 Athletic Protocols
Updated: 4/6/2021

On March 24th, 2021 the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) provided its member schools with an update regarding the status of spring sports. Currently the season will run as usually, with some modifications to the regular season and out of conference games. The Shoreline Conference and the CIAC plan to hold post season tournaments as usual. We will have more details as the season progresses.
In addition, the CIAC has issued the following for fans/spectators “any allowance for spectators/fans should align with DECD sector rules. The CIAC supports the plans established by school districts that direct the presence of adults on campus at this time. Notwithstanding the above, permissible spectator/fan attendance will be governed by local districts’ current operating plan.” With this announcement we have established that both home and away fans/spectators will be allowed to attend all outside on campus games/matches at Lyme-Old Lyme High School. Events taking place at other shoreline schools, inside or at off campus locations still remain at the discretion of those facilities. Fans/spectators should check the Shoreline Conference website frequently for updated fan/spectator policies for each SLC school. Practices still remain closed to spectators per the Region 18 parent/student handbook.
Shoreline Athletic Website
Per the state and local DPH, as well as, Region 18 policy all fans must wear a mask at all times (including those who have been vaccinated) and remain socially distant from one another. Please do not come to campus if you are not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19. Bleacher seating will be limited. We recommend fans/spectators bring their own chairs. Softball bleachers will be completely off limits to fans/spectators as we will most likely use for teams to extend the space in the dugouts. Fans/spectators of softball players are asked to sit outside the fence of the outfield, all areas around home plate, the bleachers, dugouts and bullpens will be off limits. The school building will be closed and off limits. Portalets are around campus for bathroom use.
As always, please refrain from taunting, booing, heckling, and the use of inappropriate language at school events. Respect all decisions made by officials and school staff and let the coaches do the coaching. Smoking/vaping is prohibited on all Region 18 properties and dogs are not allowed on campus.
We are looking forward to a great spring season. I hope to see many new and familiar faces on the sidelines. Welcome back :)
Our coaches will be communicating details about practices, protocols and team rules throughout the season. LOLHS will be adopting the following guidelines for the spring of the 20-21 season. Please note that these could change at any time, at which point I have asked coaches to continuously provide updates.

Sanitation:
1. Wash hands before and after practices
2. Use sanitation breaks to hand sanitize and wipe down equipment.
3. Come to practice in clean workout appropriate clothing.
4. Teams who have late practice, games or events should come to school changed and ready to participate.
Locker-Rooms and bathroom:
1. Same rules will apply to bathrooms before and during practice as during the school day. No more than two students at a time in the bathroom. Students waiting must remain 6 feet apart outside the bathroom.
2. There will be a locker-room schedule for teams and cohorts. Athletes must remain 6 feet apart while in the locker room. Coaches will be providing athletes with this schedule on Tuesday, Jan 19 and will be posted outside the locker room.
3. Student athletes are not allowed to leave personal belongings in the locker room. Backpacks and other items will have to be brought to practice with the athlete.
Facilities:
1. If indoor practices are needed due to bad weather. Students should enter/exit through the gym doors.
2. All outdoor sports once outside will not be allowed back into the school after 4pm. They are to bring their belongings with them to practice and will leave directly from practice to go home.
3. Athletes will not be allowed to hang around after practices inside the school.
4. If bad weather or an emergency were to cause athletes to go inside, they will be required to stay in the commons and sit at the table in marked spots.
Hydration:
1. Athletes are required to bring their own water bottle(s). They will not be permitted to share.
2. Be sure to bring plenty of water for the duration of practice, as water fountains will not be available and water will not be provided.
Face Coverings:
1. Coaches will be required to wear masks during the duration of practice.
2. Athletes will be required to wear mask
  1. When inside the school building, including locker rooms, bathroom and commons areas. This includes basketball, gymnastics and fencing during the duration of practices.
  2. When walking to and from practice
  3. When not engaged in physical activity outside, including stretching
  4. When within 6 feel of each other while receiving directions or information from the coaches.
Athletic training room:
1. Athletes are not permitted to the AT room without an appointment.
2. Only 1 student-athlete at a time is allowed in the AT room.
3. If an Athlete is in need of medical attention the coaches will radio/call the AT to come to their location.
Screening:
1. As with the school day, students will be required to self-screen.
2. Any students who answer yes to any of the screening questions should NOT attend practice, stay home or go home. They should follow the school protocols on reporting.
Students who opt-out of in person instruction will NOT be permitted to participate in athletics.
Spectator:
1. At this time spectators are allowed on campus. Please follow all guidelines outlined above. Including wearing a mask at all times and staying socially distanced.