GHSA to begin sports June 8 with restricted conditioning

The Georgia High School Association will reopen sports activities June 8 after Executive Director Robin Hines got the thumbs up Thursday afternoon from his board of trustees in a 50-minute meeting conducted electronically.

High school teams and athletes in all sports can resume restricted voluntary workouts under their coaches’ supervision, Hines announced. The workouts are for conditioning only, meaning no balls, bats or scrimmages. They come with restrictions that Hines presented to the trustees to ensure safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidelines impose a limit of 20 athletes and coaches for each workout group. Participants must maintain social distancing, and masks or face covering is recommended.

Hines’ guidelines ban the use of school showers or locker rooms. Weight equipment must be cleaned prior to, and sanitized between, each workout.

“As the data related to

COVID-19 continues to improve, restrictions may be reduced after input from our health-care professionals and guidance from our governor,” Hines stated in a message to the GHSA’s member schools. “Please make every effort to follow the recommendations and restrictions included in the guidance provided.”

Hines proposed a June 1 resumption Thursday, but trustees representing larger school districts argued that a week after Memorial Day would be too early. Those pushing for a later opening were Athletic Directors Jasper Jewell of Atlanta Public Schools, Steven Craft of Fulton County Schools and Curt Miller of Henry County Schools.

“I understand the concern that some school systems are not able to do that due to the number of schools, and I empathize with that position,” board of trustees President Glenn White said. “The starting date of June 1 is fine, but I’ll also say I’m fine with June 8. Whatever works the best.”

Thursday’s decision did not address or affect the official start of fall seasons.

They remain scheduled for July 27 for football and Aug. 1 for other fall sports.

The GHSA guidance for voluntary summer conditioning:

■ Schools/school systems may be more restrictive than the GHSA but not less restrictive.

■ Workouts are conditioning only; no balls or sport-specific equipment.

■ Member schools should prepare an Infectious Disease Prevention Plan prior to staff and athletes returning to conditioning.

■ It is recommended that staff and athletes be screened prior to each workout.

■ Signage should be posted on site with the following:

Do you or have you had a fever in the last week?

Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19?

Have you been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19?

Have you traveled to a “hot spot” for COVID-19?

■ Groups of 20, including coaches, for workouts per sport at any given time at the campus/facility.

■ Groups should be the same individuals (including coaches) for each session to limit risk of exposure. Student or coaches cannot change groups for the duration of this guidance.

■ No use of locker rooms or shower facilities. Students should report to the facility dressed to condition and shower at home.

■ Weight equipment should be cleaned prior to each workout and sanitized between use by each student.

■ Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and readily available.

■ Each student should have their own personal water bottle. No use of water fountains or “water cows” is allowed.

■ Side spots only in weight training; safety bars are preferred.

■ Social distancing should be adhered to always, and masks/face covering are recommended for the weight room.

■ At least 15 minutes should be scheduled between groups to allow for disinfecting the facility.

■ There is no competition allowed between schools.

■ No visitors are allowed at conditioning sessions.