Two parents or guardians per athlete may attend high school winter sports, according to a new decision Tuesday by the Kansas State High School Athletic Association board of directors.
In a special virtual meeting, the board voted 54-24 to allow two parents per participant, overturning a previous decision of no spectators.
From Thursday, Dec. 10, through Jan. 28, interscholastic activities will allow up to two parents or guardians per participant and per participant’s family to attend, as allowed by the local board of education or health department restrictions.
According to KSHSAA, included in participants are players, coaches, student managers, cheer squads, dance teams, pep bands and student journalists.
Each school is expected to have universal face coverings and social distancing guidelines, according to KSHSAA.
The rule stated that all participants must wear a face covering while at the event and for the duration of the event. There is an exception for athletes during the time they are competing and for officials during active play.
Each school board in Kansas may set its own rules on whether and how to play winter sports, and each county health department also may set guidelines on winter sports.
In Wyandotte County, after first strongly recommending against any indoor winter sports, the guidelines were rescinded and new guidelines issued in mid-November with recommendations for cohorts and recommendations for remote learning for athletes.
All athletes, participants and spectators are mandated to wear masks in Wyandotte County, including during the game, according to the health order. Social distancing is in effect. Wyandotte County also has a 50 percent capacity limit on sports event venues.
The Unified Government Health Department winter sports guidelines for Wyandotte County are at https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/11132020-sportsrecommendations.pdf and https://alpha.wycokck.org/files/assets/public/health/documents/covid/11132020-localhealthofficersportsorderrescinded.pdf.
On Nov. 10, the Kansas City, Kansas, school board decided to let winter sports be played, on a delayed schedule with games starting Jan. 18. See https://wyandotteonline.com/kck-school-board-approves-winter-sports/.