Masks are not optional at El Dorado athletic events
The Arkansas Activities Association announced in a press release last week it had lifted all COVID directives for athletic events except for the mask mandate.
The press release on March 1 read, “We were encouraged by the update from Governor Asa Hutchinson this past Friday, where he lifted all of the directives except for the mask mandate. After much discussion and counsel this weekend, the Arkansas Activities Association Board of Directors has adjusted the Facility Modifications of the COVID-19 directives for all AAA sanctioned events and activities. Masks are still a directive and MUST be worn at all events.
Guidelines must be followed by ALL AAA member schools. Recommendations are best practices to help keep your facility safe during COVID-19.”
The AAA COVID-19 guidelines include: 1. Everyone at a AAA event is required to wear a mask at all times except players who are actively participating. 2. The updated venue capacity allows the host to sell up to 50 percent of their capacity without previous seating stipulations.
El Dorado athletic director Phillip Lansdell stressed to fans that masks still must be worn at sporting events.
“Anyone attending any El Dorado athletic events will still be required to wear a mask as specified by the AAA. We will be making some tickets available for the general public soon. Our community has done well with following the guidelines and are to be commended. While we understand everyone is worn out with wearing masks, we need to remember the most important thing is the teams getting to play. If someone can't put aside their personal or political beliefs about wearing a mask and support the kids getting to play out their season, then they probably don't need to try and attend the games. We also need to remember that players and coaches have to wear masks on the sidelines and in the dugouts, so the least we can do is follow the guidelines and make sure we're not the reason their season comes to an end. Remember it's about the kids getting to play.”