Although we are over seven days from the going back to conditioning, there is no shortage of calls, texts and emails regarding this guidance to the Georgia High School Association. Basically, the questions have centered surrounding the dimensions of the group on campus/ facility and Head Coaches/ Athletic Directors and their influence on the group. The ensuing points is an attempt to clarify the intent from the guidelines previously distributed below these key points.
*Groups of 20, including coaches, for workouts per sport at any given time at the campus/facility. Campus/facility denote the buildings and contiguous property surrounding the buildings. You cannot have a group from one sport in the weight room and another from the same sport on a field on the same campus. This includes adjacent middle school properties. If your middle school that feeds the high school is on an entirely different campus/facility, a second group from the same sport could condition at that location as well following the same guidelines. Multiple sport conditioning groups should be scheduled with staggered starting and ending time to prevent large gatherings before and after workouts.
*Groups should be the same individuals (including coaches) for each session to limit risk of exposure. Students or coaches CANNOT change groups for the duration of this guidance. Athletic Directors and Head Coaches are allowed to monitor all workouts. Schools that employ a Strength and Conditioning coach may use that individual to direct all workouts. These individuals count in the group limit of 20 persons. Social distancing, hand washing/sanitizer are stressed and masks/face coverings for these individuals is highly recommended. Groups should be consistent from workout to workout. If there are multiple-sport athletes, one conditioning group should be selected and adhered to for the duration of this guidance. There should be no student athlete in multiple conditioning groups.
Per GHSA Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines to all Schools/School Districts - Please adhere to the guidance provided as it is given to create the safest environment for our coaches, athletes and all with whom they come in contact. I fully expect this guidance to change over time but it will remain in place for at least the first week of workouts as we focus on conditioning rather than sport-specific skills. Safety MUST be our top priority and I appreciate your cooperation.
GHSA guidance for voluntary summer conditioning (released May 21):
» Schools/school systems may be more restrictive than the GHSA but not less.
» 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 are 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.
