Return to Play Guidance and Guidelines

Return to Play Guidance and Guidelines

The Governor’s office and the OHSAA have put forth guidelines that will allow the Hardin-Houston Local School District to begin skills training/practices with its athletes on May 26, 2020. OHSAA has developed three phases for the “Return to Play.” Each phase will be two weeks. During each phase there are specific restrictions and procedures that will need to be observed to ensure the safety of the coaches, athletes and community members.

Phase 1 – May 26 thru Jun 8

Phase 2 – Jun 9 thru Jun 22

Phase 3 – Jun 23 thru Jul 03

Prior to participating in any event, parents and athletes must conduct a daily symptoms assessment. If any of the following indicators are experienced, then they should stay home:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Come in contact with COVID-19

In addition to those symptoms, if the athlete fits in the “vulnerable individuals” category they should not participate in any skills/training, practices or events until Phase three. “Vulnerable individuals,” according to the CDC, are those persons that have an underlying health condition. These conditions are, but are not limited to: high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma and those whose immune systems that are compromised by chemotherapy for cancer, and other conditions requiring such therapy.

When participating in school athletic activities, please adhere to the following steps:

  1. Parent/Guardian signature for Athletic Participation Summer Form (Please see link below)
  2. Athletes should arrive at their specified start time and not any earlier; they should leave immediately after its conclusion
  3. Wash hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surface
  4. Use school provided hand sanitizer before, during and after the activity
  5. Maintain social distancing, as directed in each phase
  6. Do not share any personal equipment
  7. Bring your own private water bottle and do not use any public water fountains
  8. Take a shower and wash workout clothing immediately upon returning home

The district will be taking the following measures for the responsible start of athletics

  • Coaches will be conducting screen checks for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout
    • Responses to the screening will be recorded and kept on file
    • Any person showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the event
  • Coaches will enforce social distancing as defined by each phase
  • The number of participants and spectators will be limited to the number specified in each phase
  • Areas will be sanitized after an event
  • All equipment will be sanitized as defined in each phase
  • Provide hand sanitizer for use prior, during and after a workout

For specific information on each phase, please follow the link: https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/SchoolResources/OHSAAGuidance2020.pdf?sv=2017-04-17&sr=b&si=DNNFileManagerPolicy&sig=gdjEL5qf3lIkC%2BCHeGJBvtkcBzZez%2FwVWX0fSeFDnBA%3D

Click here for the Athletic Participation Summer Form.