Raleigh – In what can only be viewed as an encouraging sign, the N.C. High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday that sports can move into “Phase 2.”
This comes on the heels of Gov. Roy Cooper declaring that schools can return for in-person instruction, beginning Monday, Aug. 17.
Under “Phase 2” of the association’s plan to reintegrate student-athletes into the sports world, the following highlights some of the guidelines that must be followed:
* Sharing of equipment is permissible within small groups/pods
* Wearing protective equipment remains prohibited
* Equipment must be disinfected frequently and it requires disinfecting prior to use by another pod
* Licensed Athlete Trainer’s/1st Responders are not required, but should always be included whenever possible
The association voted on the guidelines July 23 and the new protocols will go into effect Monday.
There has been no formal announcement about the Fall 2020 sports season.
“The Staff, Board of Directors and Sports Advisory Medical Committee remain committed to administering sports/activities this Fall, provided it can be done safely and in accordance with guidance from our state educational and medical partners,” a statement issued to media Tuesday reads. “Decisions relative to the Sept. 1 start date will be made later in August.”