Decorah High School releases guidelines for upcoming winter activities and spectators

As Decorah High School prepares to offer winter sports and activities for their students and families, Associate Principal and Activities Director Adam Riley recently sent out information about expectations for these events.

Riley said, "In order for students and coaches to have a successful and safe season for indoor activities during a pandemic, it is imperative that we navigate our competitive team sports properly and with cooperation from all students, coaches, officials, families and spectators involved."

Riley emphasizes that everyone must be adaptable to the COVID-19 mitigation strategies schools have implemented with help from County Public Health Departments. He said, "We should be thankful that our student athletes get an opportunity to do something that they truly enjoy."

Some of the the regulations that spectators at contests must follow include:

*A system will be in place for all Northeast Iowa Conference Schools for pass cards to be given to each participant in accordance with the number of spectators allowed per participant. Cards must be presented in order to gain access and for the opportunity to pay admission to the event they are wishing to attend.

Additionally, all schools will be charging for events, so Riley encourages fans to plan accordingly and, if possible, have exact change for admission.  Basketball and wrestling will be charging $5 for adults and $3 for students, while swimming will have a free will donation when spectators are allowed.  Spectators will not be allowed at bowling events. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer. Limited concessions will be available.

Regardless of the requirements, the district asks that all students, fans, and athletes remain respectful and compliant when visiting all school and private facilities for events. Riley reminds the community, "The public health officials, school administrators and coaches who have developed these strategies are doing their best and working hard to create a safe and healthy environment for all. Spectators not following social distancing and/or behavioral expectations will be asked to leave the contest."

Riley concluded, "We are fortunate to continue to have an opportunity to watch our young people participate in the activities they love this winter thanks to the mitigation strategies and cooperation exhibited by all stakeholders this past summer and fall. Let's continue to show the rest of the world that our activities can be done safely and that we can be respectful to our neighboring schools and facilities when visiting. We look forward to seeing all fans and parents when and where possible at our events in the near future!"

The full, detailed list of expectations for spectators can be found on the PDF file below.