Columbus High School Announces Updated Winter Sports Norms/Protocols
(Dec. 28, 2020) Columbus High School is releasing updated protocols for athletics and activities for the winter season. All safety measures that have taken place and those that are being revised are to safeguard the wellbeing of all involved. The listed modifications are in recommendation to guidance from the Nebraska State Activities Association (NSAA). These changes will go into effect on January 4, 2021.
The restructured norms/protocols for all winter activities will be as follows:
· Active participants are permitted, but not required, to wear masks during competition.
· Coaches and non-active participants (those not currently on the court, mat or stage) are required to wears at all times.
· Spectators are required to wear masks at all times while attending indoor events.
· Masks must cover the nose and mouth.
· Attendance is restricted to households and may include grandparents living outside the household.
· 6 feet of physical distance between household groups/grandparents in stands and spectator areas.
The updated attendance protocols will be as follows:
· FOUR (4) household members, which could include grandparents living outside of the household per participant, are allowed to attend (including cheer and dance members performing) at the following events: Girls and Boys Basketball and Wrestling Duals. Example: Mom, Dad, Brother, Grandpa. For wrestling events that host THREE (3) or more teams, attendance may be limited to ZERO (0) to TWO (2).
· ONE (1) or TWO (2) household members or grandparent living outside the household per participant at Swim/Dive Duals. Attendance restrictions will be based on the number of teams attending.
· ZERO (0) - ONE (1) household member or grandparent living outside the household per participant at bowling events. Attendance restrictions will be based on the number of teams attending.
All other established CPS Protocols will remain in effect.
Spectators:
- All spectators/fans:
· Are asked to self-screen before coming to the contest and if COVID-19 symptoms are present, stay home. If you are waiting for results from a COVID-19 test please stay home until results are known.
· Restricted attendance/seating limited to family members living in the household and grandparents living outside the household.
· Are expected to sit 6 feet apart (unless with family members). Seats are marked accordingly.
· Required to wear a mask at all times that covers the nose and mouth area.
· Complete the CHS spectator waiver upon entrance (only once per season required)
· Are asked to bring the exact change - $6 for adults & $4 for students
All other established CPS Protocols will remain in effect.
1. All spectators enter the main (south) entrance of Columbus High School.
2. A limited concession stand will be available.
3. Limited individuals in the restroom at one time
4. Columbus High Fans will be seated on the west bleachers in the main gym and across from the team in the auxiliary gym.
5. Home Varsity/JV contests will be streamed through STRIV and YouTube as much as possible. Streaming information can be located on the CPS website. Other contests may be streamed based on available equipment and student workers.
6. Following the completion of the contest, all fans/spectators are asked to leave the gym/building promptly. We ask that you respect physical distancing with players and coaches
throughout and following the contest.
All activity schedules and updates can be found at
https://www.heartlandathleticconference.org/public/genie/406/school/5583/date/2020-12-29/view/week/
The protocol for CPS activities was established centered on guidance from the Heartland Athletic Conference, NSAA, and the East Central Health District. It is also our responsibility to follow the protocols that are put in place at away contests. The host school of each event will communicate its protocols to families through the CHS Athletics and Activities Office.
Tim Kwapnioski, CHS Director of Athletics and Activities, shared, “We are thrilled that we are at a place where we are able to expand the number of household spectators and include grandparents living outside the home to attend our home events. We will continue to correspond with schools that will be hosting away contests to acknowledge their protocols. As soon as they are available, we will communicate the pertinent information with our athletes and their families.”