Fall sports that were delayed last semester will begin today, Feb. 1, in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools.
According to a recent news release from the school district, sports are being played under the COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the Kansas State High School Activities Association and the Unified Government Health Department.
Students must complete physicals and sign required forms before they can participate in sports, according to the district.
The plans call for fewer coaches and athletes overlapping during sporting seasons; and minimal interference with spring sports programs that have already lost a year.
School districts will cohort teams, allowing the district to complete the fall season before athletes could participate in a spring sport. Students will be able to use existing facilities. However, they will not be able to play on two different teams during the same season because of health recommendations.
According to the news release, the district will continue following masking and mitigation protocols.
There will be 10 days of practice before scrimmages or competition begins, according to the news release. Also, there will be more controlled scrimmages and contests because of lower numbers of students competing.
According to the district, the fall sports plan also allows the schools the opportunity to work with fall athletes who are not playing winter sports.