VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The Board of Directors for the North Dakota High School Activities Association set guidelines for the return of fall sports on Friday.
Boys soccer is scheduled to start practice on August 3 with the first game of any fall sport set for August 14 against Fargo North and Mandan, according to the NDHSAA website.
Pregame or postgame handshakes from competitors, coaching staff or referees are set to be eliminated.
For the complete NDHSAA sport restart recommendations for all activities and sports click here.
A couple of guidelines for each sport are listed below:
Cross Country
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet should be maintained at all times. No hugging, shaking hands, or fist bumps for support/encouragement.
- Cross country meets should consider using staggered, wave or interval starts.
Golf
The guidelines have been created with the knowledge and information from the CDC and the USGA guidelines.
- All golfers should keep a minimum of 6 feet between them.
- Ball washers, bunker rakes, and drinking fountain/coolers should be removed.
Football Rules Considerations
- TEAM BOX (Rule 1-2-3g)
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- The team box may be extended on both sides of the field to the 10-yard lines (for players only) in order for more social-distancing space for the teams.
- Maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times while in the team box.
- Do not share uniforms, towels and other apparel and equipment.
- BALL (Rule 1-3-2)
- The ball should be cleaned and sanitized throughout the contest as recommended by the ball manufacturer.
- The ball holders should maintain social distancing of 6 feet at all times during the contest.
Soccer
- Limit number of participants at pre-match conference to one coach and one captain. NO handshakes allowed. Physical distancing rules adhered to as well.
- Physical distancing rules adhered to during substitution procedures.
Swimming & Diving
- Pre-match conference will be limited to one coach and one athlete while maintaining proper physical distance.
- All communications regarding officials and coaches for DQ’s etc. will be done with proper physical distance. When available PA system may be utilized to announce DQ etc.
Tennis
The guidelines have been created with the knowledge and information from the CDC and the USTA guidelines.
PREPARING TO PLAY
- Protect against infections:
- Wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer), or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, before going to the court.
Volleyball
- Limit number of participants to a pre-match meeting (one coach, one captain). No handshakes will be allowed and physical distancing rules will be enforced. Pre-match meetings should take place away from the scorer’s table if possible.
- No switching of team benches unless it has been determined there is a clear disadvantage on one side of the court.
NDHSAA RETURN TO COMPETITION GUIDELINES
