Fall Athletics will officially start their first practices on Monday, August 17th. Currently, we will follow the original Fall Athletic schedule https://5il.co/j0s9 . Any changes to that schedule will be communicated on the USD327 district webpage.
Information for athletic programs will be released on our website through the Live Feed. For example, HS/JH Cross Country and HS Volleyball have posted their program's information.
This is also another reminder for student-athletes (Grades 7-12) to have Physicals, Concussion & Athletic Consent Forms, and the recent KSHSAA Covid Form completed prior to August 17th and turned in to the EJSHS Office, so your student-athlete can practice. All forms can be located under this link: https://www.usd327.org/o/usd-3...
The Extra & Co-Curricular Committee for USD327 met today and discussed best practices to help mitigate risks of coronavirus transmission. These best practices will be consistent with many of our daily academic protocols under the guidance of the KSDE Navigating Change Document, Ellsworth County Health Department & KSHSAA.
However, depending on the activity, protocols could vary. For example, an activity like volleyball that takes place indoors will require spectators and those not competing on the floor to wear masks and do their best to practice social distancing. Where as, spectators at football games would be encouraged to practice social distancing, and if that social distance cannot be maintained, wearing a mask would be encouraged.
Each activity will have specific protocols that will be shared by coaches & sponsors through parent meetings or information letters that will have a direct impact on the student-athlete and their participation. Many of our protocols have been put in place through our summer activity programs such as wearing masks and cleaning equipment, and our student-athletes have made those necessary adjustments.
Just a couple house-cleaning adjustments: Student-athletes will need to provide and take care of their own water bottle/jug (managers will not be handling water bottles), and practice clothes need to go home with the student daily and returning the next day with clean clothes. Equipment checked-out by the coach will stay in the locker room and will be disinfected before the next practice.
Not just athletics are impacted; band and vocal music will also have restrictions they must follow in order to perform. For example, the pep band at football games will be required to social distance in the stands, wear masks when they cannot, and have their instruments covered. The National Anthem performed by a student for a volleyball game would need to wear a mask.
One last point of emphasis, as supporters of Bearcat activities, when we travel to other schools and communities, we must remember not all schools, communities, & counties are the same and their protocols might look different, and we will have to adjust and follow if attending. We will do our best to keep you informed of those protocols before travelling to activities.
As we prepare for the upcoming season and the constant changes, I ask that if you have questions, please contact your student's coach or the athletic office (Ron Davis, Athletic Director - rdavis@usd327.org).