MSHSL LEAD Network-January 14, 2021

Agenda

• Mask/Face Covering Exemptions
• Facility and Event Management and Administration
• Cheer
• Photography, Images, Messaging
• Anthem Demonstrations
• Wrestling Weight Information
• Winter 2021 Post-season
• Looking ahead to Spring and Summer
• COVID-Related Data Collection

Facility and Event Management

• Every venue takes unique planning
• Spectator – Competitive pod spacing
• Separate these by 12 feet
• If they can't, competitors count toward spectators
• Entrance/exit of venues
• Locker rooms
• Wrestling triangulars
• Time between competitions
• Intermissions
• Tri's
• Between levels
• Recommend: Minimize participation at multiple levels

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Sideline Cheer

Must: 

• Maintain a 12' distance from spectator groups.
• Maintain a 12' distance from the competitive area.
• If the above cannot be adhered to, cheer teams count as a part of the total number of allowable spectators and must remain 12' from the competitive area.

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Pregame and Halftime-Non-contest exhibitions or performances are not allowed.

Taken from: MSHSL Event and Facility Management Guidance and Information

Mask/Face Covering Exemptions

Must be provided by:

• A licensed medical provider acting within the scope of their license, certification, and training and is qualified to diagnose the individual’s condition can provide a mask exemption. �

Each member school is responsible for ensuring that all team members, including student-athletes, managers, coaches, etc., are following all applicable laws, rules and bylaws.

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Mask Exemption FAQ's sent later today.

Images, Messaging, Etc.

Formal Team Pictures: �

• Prepare for the photos before people arrive. For example, identify the site (i.e., bleachers) and pre-mark the spots where people should stand for a group photo to minimize crowding together while coming into the area.�
• People should face forward in the same direction.�
• People should wear masks as they get into position and keep the mask on until the photographer provides a command to remove masks and take the picture. Time without masks should be very brief. People should replace their masks as soon as photos are done. �
• When the photo has been taken, people should quickly separate from others and resume wearing masks. 

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Taken from: COVID-19 Sports Practice and Games Guidance for Youth and Adults

Images, Messaging, Etc.

• Social media and sharing of pictures

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• Responses to stakeholders

Anthem Demonstrations

• Sitting or kneeling during the National Anthem is a protected First Amendment right, and we cannot disallow an athlete or any other persons (coach, official, cheerleader) from sitting or kneeling during the Anthem.

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• If you have team members who plan to sit or kneel during the National Anthem, you should have a plan to do so in an orderly manner. You should also consider sharing this information with your opponent(s) ahead of time so they are not caught off guard and can prepare their fans for this individual or collective act.

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• Talk to your team and fans about not reacting to what another team does during the Anthem. Discuss ways in which you and your team can demonstrate understanding and compassion.

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• Negative reactions such as hate speech or harassment that’s directed at individuals who kneel or sit during the playing of the Anthem must be addressed immediately by the school administrator onsite.

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Anthem Information Document sent later today.

Wrestling

• Weight certification:
• In-person process must follow the form and formula
• Two-pound growth allowance
• Team-specific deadline extensions-contact MSHSL

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• Weigh-ins:
• Location and time
• Administrative approval

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• Skin checks

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Winter 2021 Post-Season

Current status of planning.

�Updated Draft of Model 2 Grid

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Considerations:

• Tournament Format
• Availability/Size of Venues
• Spectators
• Streaming/Broadcast
• Current guidelines and Health/Safety

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Looking Ahead to Spring and Summer

• Approved Spring season dates
• Likely Guidance and Information�
• Baseball/Softball helmets and bats�
• No-contact period
• Bylaw 208.4 (Page 47)
• July 3-July 9, 2021

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COVID-Related Data Collection

• Collection every 2 weeks-First Winter Season collection is January 15
• Assists in understanding the impact of COVID-19 and helps in future decision-making.
• Shared as aggregate data only; school-specific and student-specific data will not be shared​.
• Asks about COVID-related incidents on your teams:
• Number unable to participate due to:
• Positive Tests
• Close-contacts
• Cancellations of:
• Practices
• Contests

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COVID Data link on Dashboard, Updates sent with reminders.

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Thank you!