Columbus Middle School Announces Fall Sports Protocol
Columbus, NEB - (September 10, 2020) With the start of the fall sports season, Columbus Middle School has released their protocol for activities for the fall and precautionary steps that are being taken to ensure the safety of all involved. The current DHM restricts outdoor events to 75% capacity and indoor events to 50% capacity. To meet these requirements, the general public attendance for Football and Volleyball events will be limited to 4 tickets per participant family to ensure meeting the guidelines. Dr. Troy Loeffelholz stated, “It is of the utmost importance that our students, staff, and community follow these guidelines. We want our students to experience all of the great things about activities at Columbus Public Schools. If we cannot do these things, then we cannot guarantee a full season of competitions or performances. We all need to do our part to mitigate the chances of contracting symptoms or the virus itself.”
The upcoming home events for Columbus Middle School are:
Volleyball: 9/14/2020 vs Boone Central 7th and 8th grade
9/15/2020 vs Hastings 7th grade
Football: 9/15/2020 vs Aurora 7th grade at Pawnee Park
A full listing of every activity can be found at www.greatplainsconference.org
General Guidelines for All Events
All spectators for all events are asked to:
Self-screen and take temperature at home prior to the event. If you feel ill, please stay home.
Required to wear a mask at all times.
Required to sign a waiver.
Are asked to bring the exact change - $3 for adults & $2 for students (K-12).
Required to have a ticket from a participant to watch the event.
Participants will receive tickets at practice the day before the competition from coaches.
Following the completion of the event, all fans/spectators/students are asked to leave the site in a timely manner. We ask you to respect physical distancing with players and coaches throughout and following the contest.
All coaches and players of every event are asked to:
Self-screen prior to entering the facility or complex.
All players are required to wear a mask when not competing and social distance as much as possible throughout the event. Bring your own hand sanitizer and use frequently.
All coaches/managers are required to wear a mask at all times and social distance as much as possible throughout the game.
Players/Teams are required to bring their own water bottles/containers. A water faucet WILL NOT be available.
At the completion of the event all team members and staff are asked to leave in a timely manner.
There will be no shaking of hands following the completion of the event.
Volleyball
Spectators, in addition to the general guidelines:
Spectators shall be limited to immediate family, parents, siblings and grandparents.
In addition to the general guidelines, spectators are expected to sit 6 feet apart (unless with family members) in the marked seats. Each participant's family is allocated 4 tickets
Spectators will be only seated on the east side of the south gym
Concessions will be allowed as conditions permit.
Only 4 individuals in the restroom at one time.
Coaches & Players in addition to the general guidelines:
Players/teams are required to bring their own water bottles/containers.
Come dressed ready to play there will be no locker rooms.
During all pregame, game and post-game responsibilities, coaches, players, event personnel and officials are required to maintain appropriate physical distance. Any verbal exchanges should be done by maintaining physical distancing.
Coaches or their designee are responsible for sanitizing volleyballs periodically throughout the contest or insert new ones as necessary. These will be placed at the scoring table.
The sideline is limited to coaches/players and essential game staff only.
Bench seating behind the sideline will be for only volleyball participants.
Football
Spectators, in addition to the general guidelines:
Everyone is expected to sit 6 feet apart (unless with family members) in open space designated in each row. Each participant's family is allocated 4 tickets.
Concessions will be offered as conditions permit.
Only 10 individuals in the restroom at one time.
Coaches & Players in addition to the general guidelines:
Players/teams are required to bring their own water bottles/containers. Water is available on the sideline to refill if necessary at Pawnee Park
Come dressed ready to play there will be no locker rooms.
During all pregame, game and post-game responsibilities, coaches, players, event personnel and officials are required to maintain appropriate physical distance. Any verbal exchanges should be done by maintaining physical distancing.
Coaches or their designee are responsible for sanitizing footballs periodically throughout the contest or insert new ones as necessary.
Sidelines are limited to coaches and essential game personnel only.
The protocol for each sport was developed based on guidance from the NSAA, the National Federation of High School Sports and the East Central District Health Department in partnership with Columbus Community Hospital.
“The safety of our athletes, coaches, and spectators is one of our highest priorities. Columbus Public Schools have spent a considerable amount of time planning for a safe environment for students to perform, compete, and showcase their talents,” Director of Athletics and Activities stated. “As we approach away contests we will communicate with our families the restrictions that may be in place. We are excited that our kids will have the opportunity to have a fall season. It may not look the same, but if protocols are followed we have an excellent opportunity of completing an entire fall season.”